Roof Module Flow Guide Element for Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roof module cleaning systems for vehicle environment sensors are ineffective due to headwind deflecting the cleaning fluid, reducing the cleaning effectiveness, especially at high vehicle speeds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow guide element on the roof module to direct and focus headwind onto the see-through area, enhancing the cleaning fluid's impact and maintaining the cleaning effectiveness even at high speeds without increasing system pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning nozzle is disposed outside the field of view of the environment sensor to improve cleaning effectiveness, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the headwind deflects the cleaning fluid away from the see-through area at high vehicle speeds, reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A flow guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cleaning nozzle and the see-through area. This flow guide element directs the headwind toward the see-through area, using the headwind itself as a mediator to carry and focus the cleaning fluid onto the target surface, thereby converting the harmful deflection effect into a useful focusing effect
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful headwind deflection into a beneficial focusing effect. By positioning the flow guide element to direct headwind toward the see-through area, the cleaning fluid is carried and focused onto the target surface by the headwind, transforming the previously harmful deflection into an advantageous focusing mechanism that enhances cleaning effectiveness at high speeds
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning fluid is pressurized to high pressure (2-3 bar or more) to improve cleaning effectiveness, then the cleaning effect is improved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide element enables the cleaning system to utilize the vehicle's own motion (headwind) as a free resource to enhance cleaning effectiveness. The headwind generated by vehicle movement is redirected to carry and focus the cleaning fluid, eliminating the need for additional pressurization systems and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing the headwind (ambient air flow) as a natural pressurization and delivery mechanism for the cleaning fluid. The flow guide element channels this ambient air flow to focus the cleaning fluid onto the see-through area, replacing the need for complex high-pressure pumping systems
3Measurement precision
If the main exit direction of the cleaning nozzle is oriented oblique to the optical axis of the environment sensor to place the nozzle outside the field of view, then the detection precision is improved, but the cleaning fluid is blown away by headwind at high speeds, reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide element serves as an intermediary that redirects headwind toward the see-through area, carrying the cleaning fluid from the obliquely positioned nozzle to the target surface. This intermediary component enables the nozzle to remain outside the sensor's field of view while still achieving effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the spatial conflict by using the flow guide element to create a new flow dimension. The cleaning fluid is delivered obliquely from the nozzle, but the flow guide element redirects headwind to carry the fluid along a different trajectory (dimension) to reach the see-through area effectively, decoupling the nozzle position from the cleaning target position
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 flow guide element ensures the cleaning fluid strikes the see-through area precisely, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing dirt accumulation, while minimizing the need for additional system components and pressure, thus enhancing the overall cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flow guide element is disposed on the panel component, the flow guide element being configured to focus headwind (and potentially added (sometimes turbulent) ambient wind) on at least part (or a portion) of the see-through area to thus also focus the preferably produced fluid cone or cleaning jet onto the see-through area
Data Source
AI summary
A roof module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle. The roof module may have a panel component which at least partially forms a roof skin of the vehicle roof, the roof skin serving as an outer sealing surface of the roof module; at least one environment sensor configured to send and/or receive electromagnetic signals through a see-through area for detecting a vehicle environment; and at least one cleaning nozzle configured to clean the see-through area. At least one flow guide element is disposed on the panel component, the flow guide element being configured to focus headwind onto at least part of the see-through area.