On-Board Optical Sensor Cover Washer Nozzle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board optical sensor systems for vehicles require a compressed air generator to remove foreign matter from lenses, increasing cost and size.
Innovation Solution
An on-board optical sensor cover with a washer nozzle that uses washer fluid from a tank to clean the lens surface, eliminating the need for a compressed air generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressed air generator is used to remove foreign matter from the lens surface, then the foreign matter can be effectively removed, but the cost and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential cleaning function from the complex compressed air generator system and implements it through a simple washer nozzle that sprays washer fluid onto the lens surface. This removes the bulky air compression components while retaining the core foreign matter removal capability through fluid spraying alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex compressed air generator with a simple, inexpensive washer nozzle and fluid tank system. The washer fluid acts as a consumable medium that provides cleaning action without requiring expensive mechanical compression equipment, significantly reducing system cost and size
2Reliability
If a compressed air generator is used to remove foreign matter from the lens surface, then the foreign matter can be effectively removed, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex compressed air generator with a simple, inexpensive washer nozzle and fluid tank system. The washer fluid acts as a consumable medium that provides cleaning action without requiring expensive mechanical compression equipment, significantly reducing system cost and size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical compressed air generation system with a simpler fluid spraying system. Instead of mechanically compressing air to create cleaning force, the system uses washer fluid spray pressure and flow to achieve the same cleaning effect, eliminating complex mechanical components and reducing manufacturing cost
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
Effectively removes foreign matter from the lens surface, reducing system cost and size while ensuring the optical sensor functions properly.
Implementation Method 1
a washer nozzle for performing a washing operation to wash a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor held in the holder or a glass surface of a cover glass located facing the lens if the cover glass exist by spraying a washer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board optical sensor apparatus includes an optical sensor, an optical sensor cover, and a controller. The optical sensor has a lens. The optical sensor cover includes a holder and a washer nozzle. The holder holds the optical sensor. The washer nozzle performs a washing operation to wash a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor or a glass surface of a cover glass located facing the lens by spraying a washer fluid, supplied from a washer fluid tank, onto the lens surface or the glass surface. The controller controls the washing operation of the washer nozzle.