Rotating Sensor Window Cleaning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor cleaning systems for autonomous vehicles require multiple stationary nozzles, increasing complexity, cost, and fluid consumption, while offering incomplete coverage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a cylindrical sensor window and an annular member that rotates due to fluid pressure from liquid nozzles, providing 360° coverage with fewer nozzles, reducing complexity and fluid consumption, and integrating a drying system using air nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stationary nozzles are used for sensor cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity and fluid consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing multiple stationary nozzles with a single rotating nozzle assembly. The nozzle is mounted on a rotating member that can rotate about the sensor window, allowing one nozzle to sequentially clean different areas of the sensor window. This dynamic approach achieves comprehensive cleaning coverage while reducing the number of nozzles from multiple to one, thereby simplifying device complexity and reducing fluid consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple stationary nozzles are used for sensor cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating nozzle assembly allows a single nozzle to serve multiple cleaning positions sequentially. By rotating the nozzle around the sensor window, the same nozzle can clean different areas, eliminating the need for multiple nozzles that would each consume fluid. This dynamic reuse of the single nozzle significantly reduces overall fluid consumption while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple stationary nozzles are used for sensor cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating nozzle system allows one nozzle to cover multiple cleaning positions through rotation. Since only one nozzle is active at a time, the fluid pressure requirements are reduced compared to having multiple nozzles operating simultaneously, which would require higher pressure to deliver sufficient flow to each nozzle. The sequential operation of the single rotating nozzle reduces the cumulative pressure demand on the fluid supply system.
4Reliability
If multiple stationary nozzles are used for sensor cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating nozzle assembly uses a single nozzle that is activated sequentially as it rotates to different positions around the sensor window. This approach reduces power consumption compared to having multiple nozzles operating simultaneously, as only one nozzle requires fluid supply and actuation at any given time. The rotational mechanism allows the single nozzle to cover the entire cleaning area over time, achieving comprehensive coverage with lower overall power consumption.
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 solution provides more comprehensive cleaning with reduced complexity and cost, utilizing fewer nozzles to lower pressure and power requirements, while ensuring continuous rotation for effective sensor window maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure from liquid nozzles
Implementation Method 2
liquid nozzles aimed at the sensor window
Implementation Method 3
drying system using air nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis, and an annular member coupled to the sensor window and rotatable about the axis. The annular member includes a nozzle aimed at the sensor window and oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.