Movable Spray Nozzle Control for Wiper-Free Sensor Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface cleaning devices for vehicles, especially those used to clean areas behind sensors and headlights, are either aesthetically or aerodynamically unsuitable for all necessary locations, and often require wipers which can obstruct sensor functionality or aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A spraying device with a movable nozzle and control unit that independently sets the position and pressure of a cleaning or drying fluid jet, allowing for targeted and efficient cleaning or drying of multiple sections without the need for wipers, by using separate fluid lines for movement and output pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cleaning device with wiper and spraying device is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and aerodynamic resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiper component from the cleaning system, retaining only the spraying device. The nozzle is designed to apply cleaning fluid directly to the surface without requiring a wiper, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through optimized spray patterns and fluid application methods
Solution Approach 2:
The spraying device is designed to perform multiple functions: applying cleaning fluid, distributing it across the surface, and utilizing aerodynamic forces for drying. The nozzle system can adapt its spray pattern and fluid application to handle different cleaning scenarios, replacing the need for separate wiper and drying components
2Reliability
If a conventional cleaning device with wiper is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but aerodynamic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper component is removed from the system, eliminating the source of aerodynamic resistance. The cleaning function is achieved through spray application and aerodynamic drying alone, resulting in a streamlined design that maintains cleaning effectiveness without the drag penalty of protruding mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wiper system is replaced with a fluid-based cleaning and aerodynamic drying system. The nozzle applies cleaning fluid that is then distributed and dried by aerodynamic forces generated during vehicle motion, eliminating the need for mechanical wiping components that would increase aerodynamic resistance
3Area of stationary object
If the nozzle extends to end position before spraying, then cleaning coverage is improved, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle begins applying cleaning fluid before reaching the final extended position. By starting the spraying action during the extension movement, the system ensures that the entire extension path receives cleaning fluid, eliminating the need to wait for full extension before beginning the cleaning process and thereby reducing total cleaning time while maintaining full coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The spraying action continues throughout the entire extension movement of the nozzle, rather than pausing at intermediate positions. This continuous application of cleaning fluid during the extension phase ensures that all surfaces traversed by the nozzle are treated, maximizing cleaning efficiency and minimizing the time required to cover the entire target area
4Stress or pressure
If the cleaning fluid jet hits a single section, then spray intensity is improved, but cleaning coverage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to move dynamically during the spraying process, changing its position and angle to cover different sections of the surface. This dynamic movement allows the concentrated spray jet to sweep across multiple areas, maintaining high spray intensity at each location while achieving broad overall coverage through the sequential treatment of different zones
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle begins spraying during its extension movement, allowing the cleaning fluid to be applied progressively across the surface as the nozzle moves into position. This preliminary spraying action during movement ensures that multiple sections receive treatment during the extension phase itself, expanding coverage beyond what would be achieved by spraying only at the final position
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables more effective and time-efficient cleaning or drying of vehicle surfaces, ensuring better dirt removal and maintaining sensor functionality while preserving vehicle aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit (23), configured to set a fluid output pressure at which the cleaning fluid (4), and/or the drying fluid is output from the nozzle (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a spraying device 2 for cleaning a surface 5 comprising a nozzle 21, a holding arm 22 that can move along an axis of movement 25, and a control unit 23, wherein the nozzle 21 is designed to apply a cleaning fluid 4 and/or drying fluid to the surface 5, wherein the nozzle 21 is attached to the holding arm 22, wherein the control unit 23 is configured to independently set both the position of the holding arm 22 along the axis of movement 25 and a fluid output pressure at which the cleaning fluid 4 and/or drying fluid is output from the nozzle 21.