Ring-Shaped Vehicle Accessory Washer with Vortex Fluid Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices for vehicle accessories like cameras and sensors are ineffective, obstruct the field of view, and waste fluid, necessitating a more efficient and compact washing solution.
Innovation Solution
A washing device with a ring portion and fluid source attachment that creates multiple fluid flow pathways forming vortices to effectively clean vehicle accessories without obstructing the field of view or wasting fluid, featuring a nozzle end with channels that discharge fluid radially inwardly and downwardly, and a mounting system that secures the device to the accessory without additional holes in the vehicle structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cleaning devices are used, then cleaning function is provided, but they obstruct the camera's or sensor's field of view and waste fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a ring-shaped housing with multiple separate nozzle assemblies positioned at different locations. Each nozzle directs fluid at a specific angle toward the lens, allowing the cleaning function to be distributed around the periphery rather than requiring a central obstructing structure. This segmentation enables effective cleaning while maintaining an unobstructed central field of view for the camera or sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are arranged in a radial pattern around the ring housing, utilizing the circumferential dimension to deliver cleaning fluid from multiple directions simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach allows the cleaning system to cover the entire lens surface without requiring a large central component that would block the field of view, effectively using the third dimension (radial arrangement) to solve the obstruction problem.
2Loss of substance
If conventional cleaning devices are used, then cleaning function is provided, but they waste fluid through overspray
Solution Approach 1:
Each nozzle is specifically designed with a targeted spray pattern that directs fluid precisely at the lens surface from its particular location on the ring. The nozzles are angled and positioned to create focused streams rather than diffuse overspray, ensuring that cleaning fluid is applied locally where needed rather than being wasted in surrounding areas. This local quality approach optimizes fluid utilization while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional broad-spray mechanical nozzle designs with a system that uses fluid dynamics principles to create targeted flow patterns. The nozzles are engineered to produce coherent fluid streams that maintain directionality and focus on the lens surface, substituting the need for large-volume overspray with precision-directed flow, thereby reducing fluid waste while preserving cleaning performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cleaning devices are used, then cleaning function is provided, but they are bulky and require additional holes in vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for mounting the nozzles, defines the fluid distribution pathways, and acts as the mounting interface for the camera or sensor assembly. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, reducing the overall device volume and eliminating the need for additional mounting holes in the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the housing structure, nozzle mounting brackets, fluid distribution channels, and sensor/camera mounting interface into a single integrated ring assembly. By combining these previously separate elements into one unified component, the device achieves compact dimensions that fit within existing vehicle openings without requiring additional structural modifications, while simplifying the manufacturing and installation process.
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 provides improved cleaning efficiency by creating vortices that effectively remove residue from vehicle accessories while maintaining a compact design that does not obstruct the camera or sensor's field of view and conserves fluid, and can be mounted without modifying the vehicle's structure.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of fluid flow pathways interact with one another to form a vortex in the flow of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A washing device for a vehicle accessory that includes a washer housing with a ring portion and a fluid source attachment. The ring portion has a main opening for receiving a portion of the vehicle accessory, an attachment side configured for mounting the washer housing, a washing side configured to frame the vehicle accessory, and a transition portion between the ring portion and the fluid source attachment. A nozzle end of the fluid source attachment has at least one fluid channel defined by a nozzle protrusion on the nozzle end. The fluid channel is configured to discharge the fluid to the washing side for cleaning the vehicle accessory by creating a plurality of fluid flow pathways of the fluid between the nozzle end and the transition portion, wherein the plurality fluid flow pathways interact with one another to form at least one vortex in the flow of the fluid.