Rainwater-Cooled Air Compressor for Timely Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor cleaning systems face challenges such as improper timing of cleaning operations, potential distractions for drivers, and limited operation of air compressors due to heat issues, which can lead to accidents or ineffective sensor cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A compressor cooling system that utilizes rainwater collected by a rainwater sensor and wiper system to selectively cool an air compressor for sensor cleaning, without the need for a separate coolant tank or additional sensors, allowing for controlled water pump operation based on rainwater detection and wiper activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air compressor operates continuously for sensor cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the temperature of the air compressor increases and operation becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes rainwater, which would otherwise be waste water, to cool the air compressor. The cooling unit directs rainwater to flow over the air compressor body, converting the harmful effect of heat generation into a beneficial cooling process that enables continuous operation
2Duration of action of moving object
If a separate coolant tank is added to cool the air compressor, then the operating time is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rainwater collected from the vehicle's own rain sensor and wiper system to cool the air compressor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate coolant tanks or external cooling systems, extending operating time without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rainwater collection system serves multiple functions: it collects rainwater for the existing wiper system and simultaneously provides cooling water for the air compressor, making the system multi-functional without requiring additional components
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to control water pump operation, then the cooling control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing rain sensor and wiper motor are repurposed to control the water pump for compressor cooling. The rain sensor that originally controlled only the wiper now also triggers the water pump, achieving precise cooling control without adding new sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (rain sensor, wiper motor) to control the cooling function, making the control system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional control sensors
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
This system enables stable and timely sensor cleaning, minimizes the risk of driver distraction, and extends the operational time of the air compressor by effectively managing heat through the use of rainwater, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the discharged rainwater cooling the air compressor while flowing through the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a compressor cooling system for cleaning a vehicle sensor, the system including: a rainwater sensor unit provided on a front window of a vehicle for detecting rainwater; a rainwater collection unit for collecting the rainwater flowing down to under the front window; a water pump unit connected to the rainwater collection unit for discharging the collected rainwater to an air compressor; and an air compressor cooling unit combined with the air compressor and having an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path inside, the discharged rainwater cooling the air compressor while flowing through the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path.