Sensor Spray Nozzle Aerosol Cleaning With Air-Assisted Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for sensor surfaces in autonomous vehicles are inadequate in effectively removing debris and maintaining sensor cleanliness, particularly due to high water consumption and inefficient drying processes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a spray-body that uses a Venturi-type mixing chamber to induce suction pressure, combining liquid and pressurized air to form an aerosol jet for efficient cleaning, while also incorporating solenoid valves for selective control of fluid supply to minimize water consumption and facilitate drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Venturi-type mixing chamber is used to spray liquid and pressurized air mixture, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device alternates between spraying liquid cleaning solution and spraying only pressurized air in periodic cycles. The solenoid valves control the spray body to first spray liquid for wet cleaning, then spray pressurized air for drying, creating a periodic action that improves cleaning efficacy while controlling water consumption through timed intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of the spray by switching between different fluid compositions (liquid only, air only, or mixed aerosol). By adjusting the proportion and type of fluid sprayed based on cleaning stage, the system optimizes both cleaning effectiveness and water usage efficiency
2Productivity
If liquid and pressurized air are sprayed as mixture in aerosol jet, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between wet cleaning phase (spraying liquid or aerosol) and drying phase (spraying pressurized air only). The solenoid valves control this timing to ensure that pressurized air is sprayed immediately after liquid application, efficiently removing moisture and preventing extended drying time
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary drying action by spraying pressurized air immediately after liquid cleaning. This preliminary action removes excess moisture before natural drying would occur, significantly reducing the overall drying time and preventing water spots or sensor damage
3Loss of substance
If solenoid valves are used for selective control of fluid supply, then water consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valves provide multi-functionality by controlling multiple spray modes (liquid only, air only, mixed aerosol) through a single integrated valve system. This universal control mechanism manages both cleaning and drying functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple operations performed
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 achieves improved cleaning efficacy with reduced water consumption and efficient drying of sensor surfaces, ensuring effective operation of autonomous vehicle sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pressure is induced at the liquid fluid connection upon providing pressurized airflow from the pressurized air inlet to the spray-nozzle
Implementation Method 2
the spray-nozzle is adapted to spray the liquid fluid and the pressurized air fluid as a mixture in an aerosol jet from the spray-nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for spray cleaning of a sensor surface includes a spray-body having a spray-nozzle and a body-housing. A liquid fluid connection to a liquid inlet and a pressurized air fluid connection to a pressurized air inlet are such that suction pressure is induced at the liquid fluid connection upon providing pressurized airflow from the pressurized air inlet to the spray-nozzle. A hydraulic flow path is connected to the liquid fluid connection. A hydraulic valve is adapted for selective control of supplying liquid fluid to the liquid fluid inlet. A pneumatic flow path is connected to the pressurized air fluid connection. A pneumatic valve is in a pressurized air fluid duct adapted for selective control of supplying pressurized air fluid from a pressurizer to the pressurized air fluid inlet. The spray-nozzle sprays the liquid fluid and the pressurized air fluid as a mixture in an aerosol jet.