Rainwater Compressor Cooling for Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for sensor cleaning systems in vehicles are inefficient, particularly during frequent cleaning requirements such as in rainy conditions, leading to increased compressor temperatures and potential system shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that utilizes collected precipitation, such as rainwater, to cool the compressor of the sensor cleaning system. This system includes a collector, a pump, and a conduit to direct the precipitation to a cooling module that surrounds the compressor, effectively reducing its temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor cleaning system operates frequently to maintain sensor performance in rainy conditions, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the compressor temperature increases leading to potential shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects rainwater that would otherwise be waste and uses it as cooling fluid for the compressor. The rainwater absorbs heat from the compressor during circulation, converting the thermal harm (excessive heat) into a beneficial cooling effect, thereby enabling continuous operation during frequent cleaning cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling system with rainwater collection tank, pump, and cooling fins as an intermediary between the compressor and the environment. This intermediary system transfers heat from the compressor to the rainwater, preventing direct thermal buildup and allowing sustained high-performance operation
2Temperature
If a traditional cooling system is used for the compressor, then the compressor can be cooled, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses naturally falling rainwater as the cooling source, eliminating the need for external power-driven cooling mechanisms. The rainwater gravity-fed collection and circulation through cooling fins provides passive cooling, reducing both system complexity and energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling system where rainwater circulates through cooling fins attached to the compressor via gravity and natural flow. This hydraulic approach using water as the cooling medium is simpler and more energy-efficient than traditional pneumatic or electric cooling systems
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 proposed cooling system efficiently cools the compressor using precipitation, thereby extending its operating period, ensuring continuous sensor cleaning performance, and maintaining environmental sustainability by utilizing rainwater as cooling fluid.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling module to which water moving along the conduit flows and which surrounds a cooling target
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system is for cooling a sensor cleaning system of a vehicle. the cooling system includes a collector configured to accommodate water, which reaches a windshield of the vehicle, a pump providing a flow force for moving the water accommodated in the collector along a conduit, and a cooling module to which water moving along the conduit flows and which surrounds a cooling target.