Optical Surface Cleaning Using Ultrasonic Liquid Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical surface cleaning methods, such as wiper blades and high-pressure spraying, often spread dirt, require large amounts of cleaning liquid, and leave behind a dirty film due to evaporation, and are not suitable for large surfaces or autonomous vehicle sensors.
Innovation Solution
A device combining a wave transducer that generates ultrasonic waves to displace washing liquid on the optical surface, paired with a spraying unit that delivers the liquid in a controlled manner to efficiently remove dirt without spreading it, using thermal diffusion for heating and minimizing liquid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wiper blades are used to clean the optical surface, then dirt can be evacuated from the surface, but the dirt is spread over the optical surface before being dispersed in the washing liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiper blade system with an ultrasonic wave system. The ultrasonic waves generate acoustic radiation pressure that directly displaces washing liquid and suspended dirt particles off the optical surface without mechanical contact, thereby evacuating dirt without spreading it across the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes ultrasonic vibration to clean the optical surface. The high-frequency ultrasonic waves create oscillating acoustic radiation pressure that propels washing liquid and dirt particles away from the surface, achieving effective dirt evacuation through vibration-based mechanisms rather than mechanical scraping.
2Productivity
If large amounts of washing liquid are used to evacuate dirt, then dirt can be effectively removed from the optical surface, but the amount of washing liquid required becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic wave system replaces the need for large volumes of washing liquid by using acoustic radiation pressure to displace dirt particles. The washing liquid serves only as a medium to carry the dirt away, rather than relying on abundant liquid to flush dirt off the surface, significantly reducing liquid consumption.
3Productivity
If washing liquid is sprayed at high pressure to evacuate dirt efficiently, then dirt removal is improved, but the device complexity and footprint increase due to required high-pressure components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-pressure mechanical spraying system with an ultrasonic wave system. Instead of using high-pressure pumps and complex spraying mechanisms, the ultrasonic transducer generates acoustic radiation pressure that effectively displaces washing liquid and dirt particles, achieving efficient dirt removal with simpler device architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution manifold is moved away from the optical surface using telescopic members, then cleaning coverage can be adjusted, but the device footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for telescopic members and movable distribution manifolds by using ultrasonic waves that can propagate through the optical surface itself. The ultrasonic transducer is acoustically coupled to the optical surface, and the waves travel through the substrate to clean the entire surface area without requiring mechanical movement or adjustment mechanisms.
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
The device effectively cleans optical surfaces by displacing and evacuating dirt with ultrasonic waves, preventing film formation from residual liquid and reducing the amount of cleaning liquid needed, while being suitable for large surfaces and autonomous vehicle sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a wave transducer acoustically coupled to the optical surface and configured to synthesize an ultrasonic wave propagating in the optical surface
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic wave displaces the washing liquid on the optical surface
Implementation Method 3
the washing liquid can be heated when it passes through the supply channel by the heat dissipated by the transducer when the ultrasonic wave is generated
Implementation Method 4
The droplets of dirty washing liquid clinging to the optical surface under the action of capillary forces can easily be evacuated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (5) comprising an optical surface (10) and a cleaning device (15) for cleaning the optical surface comprising:— a wave transducer (25) acoustically coupled with the optical surface and configured to synthesize an ultrasound wave (W) propagating within the optical surface, and— a spraying unit (20) for dispensing a washing liquid (L) onto the optical surface, the device being shaped so that the ultrasound wave displaces the washing liquid on the optical surface.