Motor Vehicle Optical Sensor Cleaning Device with Linear Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems for motor vehicles face challenges in effectively cleaning sensors without obstructing their operation, particularly in compact vehicle spaces, and require efficient guidance mechanisms for cleaning and drying fluids to maintain sensor clarity.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor-driven cleaning device with a linear movement mechanism for guiding and distributing cleaning and drying fluids, allowing the nozzles to move between a working position in front of the optical sensor and an idle position, using a drive shaft connected to a fluid guiding and distributing assembly, ensuring compactness and non-obstructive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning device is placed in the field of view of the sensor to clean it, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the sensor operation is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed with movable elements that can dynamically change position between a working position (in front of the sensor for cleaning) and an idle position (retracted to avoid obstruction). This dynamic positioning allows the system to alternate between cleaning mode and normal operation mode, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and sensor operation accessibility.
2Reliability
If the cleaning device components are extended to accommodate fluid distribution, then cleaning capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution assembly is designed to be nested within or integrated into the compact housing structure. The distribution pipes and nozzles are arranged to fit within the available space, with components nested concentrically or in layered configurations, allowing adequate fluid distribution capability while maintaining a compact overall device volume suitable for vehicle integration.
3Volume of moving object
If the cleaning device is made compact for vehicle installation, then space utilization is improved, but the fluid distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system employs locally optimized nozzle arrangements and distribution pipe configurations tailored to the compact geometry. The nozzles are positioned at specific locations with targeted spray angles and patterns to maximize cleaning coverage within the constrained space. The distribution network is designed with varying pipe diameters and flow rates at different locations to ensure efficient fluid delivery despite the compact overall device size.
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
Facilitates easy installation and operation of optical detection systems by ensuring the cleaning device is compact and does not impede sensor operation, maintaining sensor clarity through efficient fluid distribution and minimizing energy consumption by using episodic and rapid cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor-driven means may consist either in a linear actuator, said drive shaft then consisting in an output rod of the actuator moved directly in translation
Implementation Method 2
or in a rotary motor, said drive shaft then consisting in a rack actuated by a pinion fastened to a rotor of said motor
Implementation Method 3
distribution pipes to one or more nozzles for spraying these fluids
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical sensor (2) of an optical detection system for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an assembly for guiding and distributing a cleaning fluid and a drying fluid. Electric motor-driven means (9) are used to move said fluid-guiding and fluid-distributing assembly in a linear movement between a working position in which the fluids can be distributed over an outer surface of the optical sensor (2) and an idle position. Said invention is applicable to motor vehicles.