Vehicle Roof Sensor Nozzle With Headwind-Guiding Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices for vehicle environment sensors on roof modules are inefficient due to headwind deflection, leading to reduced cleaning effectiveness and aerodynamic disadvantages, particularly at high vehicle speeds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow guiding element on the roof module to deflect headwind away from the see-through area, allowing the cleaning jet to remain in the vehicle's slipstream and maintaining effective cleaning without increasing system pressure or requiring additional components.
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 effect, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the cleaning fluid is deflected by headwind at high vehicle speeds, reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A flow guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cleaning nozzle and the see-through area. This element actively manages the headwind, deflecting it away from the cleaning fluid trajectory, thereby mediating between the cleaning nozzle's discharge and the environmental interference, ensuring the cleaning fluid reaches the see-through area effectively even at high vehicle speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guiding element changes the parameters of the air flow (headwind) by deflecting it, thereby altering the conditions under which the cleaning fluid travels. By modifying the wind flow direction and potentially velocity distribution around the cleaning nozzle, the system maintains cleaning efficiency despite the nozzle's position outside the sensor's field of view
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning nozzle is positioned at an angle to the optical axis of the environment sensor to improve cleaning coverage, then cleaning effect is improved, but headwind deflection becomes stronger at high vehicle speeds, further reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guiding element serves as a mediator that intercepts and redirects the headwind before it can deflect the cleaning fluid. By positioning this element strategically, the system maintains the angled nozzle configuration for optimal cleaning coverage while the flow guiding element compensates for the increased headwind deflection by creating a protected flow path
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guiding element performs a preliminary anti-action by deflecting the headwind away from the cleaning fluid trajectory before the cleaning fluid is discharged or before it can be deflected. This preemptive measure counteracts the harmful headwind effect, allowing the cleaning nozzle to maintain its angled position for optimal coverage without suffering from reduced efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning nozzle is disposed statically in front of the environment sensor, then the cleaning fluid can reach the see-through area, but the nozzle interferes with the aerodynamic flow and styling of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guiding element acts as an intermediary that reconciles the conflicting requirements of cleaning functionality and aerodynamic integrity. By strategically positioning and shaping this element, the system enables the cleaning nozzle to function effectively while the flow guiding element manages the air flow to minimize aerodynamic interference and maintain vehicle styling
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guiding element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it deflects headwind to maintain cleaning efficiency, manages aerodynamic flow to reduce drag, and can be designed to integrate with the vehicle's styling. This multi-functionality allows the system to address both cleaning functionality and aerodynamic integrity with a single component
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
Enhances cleaning efficiency by preventing headwind interference, reducing dirt accumulation, and minimizing the need for cleaning fluid, while maintaining aerodynamic integrity and styling considerations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flow guiding element is disposed on the panel component, the flow guiding element being configured to deflect headwind (and possibly additional (partly turbulent) ambient wind) from the see-through area
Data Source
AI summary
A roof module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle, the roof module has 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 5 environment sensor configured to send and/or receive electromagnetic signals through a see-through area so as to detect a vehicle environment; and at least one cleaning nozzle configured to clean the see-through area. At least one flow guiding element is disposed on the panel component, the flow guiding element being configured to deflect headwind away from the see-through area.