Pulsed-Flow Nozzle Insert for Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor cleaning methods often rely on constant flow rates, which can be inefficient and may not effectively clear occlusions from sensor fields, potentially impairing semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle insert that utilizes a pulsed flow of compressed air, achieved through a circular track and ball mechanism within the nozzle, increasing flow velocity and creating pulsation without requiring additional power, allowing for effective cleaning with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant flow rate is used for sensor cleaning, then the cleaning method is simple to implement, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a pulsed flow mechanism where compressed air is delivered in intermittent bursts rather than continuous flow. The nozzle insert includes a pulse generator that creates periodic pressure variations, causing the cleaning agent to be expelled in pulses. This periodic action enhances cleaning effectiveness by creating stronger instantaneous cleaning forces while reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant flow.
2Speed
If higher flow velocity is achieved at the outlet, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the inlet opening must be larger than outlet which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the nozzle into distinct functional sections: an inlet section with a larger opening, a constricted intermediate section, and an outlet section with a smaller opening. This segmented structure allows the flow velocity to increase progressively as the cleaning agent passes through each section, achieving high outlet velocity without requiring the entire nozzle to be complex. The segmented design also facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly.
3Productivity
If pulsed flow mechanism with ball and track is implemented, then cleaning efficiency with compressed air improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a pulse generator that uses a ball and circular track mechanism. The ball, when actuated by incoming compressed air flow, automatically traverses the circular track and modulates the air flow to create pulses without requiring external control systems or additional power sources. The system uses the kinetic energy of the incoming flow itself to generate the pulsing action, eliminating the need for external actuators or control electronics, thus improving cleaning efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 pulsed flow nozzle insert efficiently clears sensor occlusions with less compressed air, reducing energy requirements and ensuring reliable sensor operation, especially critical for autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The ball varies a density of flow of the cleaning agent at the outlet to create the pulsed flow
Implementation Method 2
an opening of the inlet is larger than an opening of the outlet such that pressure of the cleaning agent exiting the outlet is higher than a pressure of the cleaning agent entering the inlet
Implementation Method 3
flow velocity is higher at the outlet than at the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle in a vehicle includes a nozzle insert to provide pulsed flow of a cleaning agent from an outlet to clean a sensor of the vehicle. The nozzle also includes a cleaning agent supply line to provide the cleaning agent to an inlet of the nozzle insert.