Rail-Moving Washer Fluid Distributor for Multi-Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer fluid distribution systems in vehicles are inadequate for autonomously cleaning external devices like cameras, LiDAR, and RADAR, which are essential for autonomous driving, as they fail to effectively distribute washer fluid to multiple positions, leading to instability and impaired data measurement.
Innovation Solution
A washer fluid distribution device with a pipe assembly that moves along a rail, driven by a motor assembly and controlled by a controller, allowing selective distribution of washer fluid to multiple discharge holes, including external devices, using a single washer pump and hose system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single washer pump system is used to supply washer fluid to multiple positions, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively distribute washer fluid to multiple discharge holes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe assembly is made movable along the rail part rather than being fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning to align with different discharge holes. This dynamic configuration enables a single pipe assembly to serve multiple discharge holes sequentially, achieving selective distribution without requiring multiple fixed pipe systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipe assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by moving to different positions along the rail part. The same pipe assembly can discharge washer fluid to any of the multiple discharge holes, making it a universal component that replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pipe systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipe assemblies are used to reach multiple discharge holes, then selective distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pipe functions are merged into a single pipe assembly that can move along the rail part. Instead of having separate fixed pipes for each discharge hole, one pipe assembly consolidates all distribution functions by repositioning itself, thereby reducing the total number of pipe components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe assembly's ability to move along the rail part allows it to dynamically assume different positions corresponding to different discharge holes. This dynamic repositioning capability enables a single pipe to replace multiple static pipes, reducing system complexity while maintaining full distribution capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe assembly is made movable to reach multiple discharge holes, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rail part serves as an intermediary structure that guides and stabilizes the pipe assembly's movement. The rail provides a defined path and structural support, ensuring that the pipe assembly moves in a controlled manner while maintaining mechanical stability during operation. The elastic member also acts as an intermediary that absorbs movement variations and maintains stable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically adjusts the pipe assembly's position and maintains stable engagement with the rail part through its elastic properties. When the pipe assembly moves or experiences vibration, the elastic member self-adjusts to maintain proper alignment and connection, providing automatic stability without external intervention.
4Reliability
If an elastic member is added to maintain pipe assembly engagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides self-adjusting engagement between the pipe assembly and the rail part. It automatically compensates for manufacturing tolerances, thermal expansion, and operational vibrations, maintaining reliable connection without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems. The elastic member serves itself by using its inherent elastic properties to maintain engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member extracts and isolates the complexity of maintaining engagement from the overall system. Instead of requiring complex control mechanisms or multiple fastening components, the engagement reliability function is extracted and handled by the simple elastic member, which uses passive elastic deformation to ensure reliable connection.
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
Enables efficient and targeted cleaning of external devices, improving the stability and functionality of autonomous driving systems by ensuring effective removal of contaminants from cameras, LiDAR, and RADAR, thereby maintaining accurate data measurement and vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member located between the discharge portion and the fixing part and configured to apply an elastic force to allow the protruding discharge portion to be restored
Implementation Method 2
a discharge portion located inside the fixing part and configured to protrude due to a hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for distributing washer fluid, which includes a case including one or more discharge holes, a rail part located in the case, a pipe assembly moved along the rail part and configured to discharge a washer fluid to the one or more discharge holes, a motor assembly configured to apply a driving force to allow the pipe assembly to be moved along the rail part, a hose engaged with the pipe assembly and integrally moved with the pipe assembly along the rail part, and a controller configured to control the driving force of the motor assembly in response to a cleaning request such that the pipe assembly discharges the washer fluid to a selected discharge hole.