Rotating Nozzle Core for Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washer nozzles for cleaning systems, particularly those used in self-driving and autonomous vehicles, face challenges such as increased manufacturing costs, labor, and the need for numerous individualized components, which can lead to decreased effectiveness over time due to decalibration, impacting the cleaning of cameras and sensors exposed to environmental elements.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with a rotatable nozzle core and housing design that includes a sprayer shaft and vane, allowing for rotational biasing to change the outlet orientation, enabling efficient media distribution to multiple points on a surface, reducing the need for complex calibration and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional washer nozzles are uniquely arranged for each vehicle model and structure, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle core is made rotatable about the spray axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the outlet orientation. This enables a single nozzle design to adapt to different cleaning requirements by changing its spray direction, eliminating the need for multiple fixed nozzle variants for different vehicle models and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities and adjustable spray directions, allowing one nozzle design to serve multiple vehicle types and cleaning applications. The rotatable nozzle core enables the same nozzle to clean different surfaces (windshield, camera, sensor) by orienting the spray accordingly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable components are used to accommodate various mounting options, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle core is pre-configured with rotational capability and biasing mechanisms that enable automatic positioning. This preliminary design feature eliminates the need for post-installation adjustment components and complex mounting hardware, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle core automatically positions itself through fluid-driven rotation and biasing mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual calibration or external adjustment components. The system self-adjusts to achieve proper spray orientation, reducing manufacturing complexity and labor requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple static and adjustable mounts are used, then cleaning coverage is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple static mounts to achieve different spray directions, the invention employs a single rotatable nozzle core that dynamically adjusts its orientation. This dynamic approach covers multiple cleaning zones with one lightweight component rather than requiring several heavier static mounting structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If shimming and adjustment kits are provided for post-installation calibration, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to decalibration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle core incorporates automatic positioning mechanisms driven by the fluid flow itself, eliminating the need for manual shimming and adjustment kits. The biasing mechanisms maintain proper orientation automatically during operation, preventing decalibration over time and ensuring consistent performance without requiring post-installation adjustments.
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 nozzle assembly enhances cleaning efficacy, reduces the number of parts required, and improves usability by maintaining effectiveness over time, ensuring reliable operation of vehicle systems despite environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The vane is adapted to receive media from the inlet to rotationally bias the nozzle core in a first direction and radially orient the outlet to an activated position
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle assembly also comprises means for rotationally biasing the nozzle core to in a second direction opposite the first and radially orient the outlet to a home position different than the activated position
Data Source
AI summary
An improved nozzle assembly includes a housing having an inlet for directing media (e.g. cleaning fluid) into the housing, and a nozzle core rotatably coupled to the housing. The nozzle core includes a sprayer shaft and a vane coupled thereto. The sprayer shaft defines a peripheral outlet, and is adapted for passage of media from the housing through the outlet. The vane is adapted to receive media from the inlet to rotationally bias the nozzle core in a first direction and radially orient the outlet to an activated position. The nozzle core is rotationally biased in a second direction opposite the first to radially orient the outlet to a home position different than the activated position. A system including the nozzle assembly, and methods of using each of the same, are also disclosed.