Vehicle Sensor Air-Duct Cleaning for Compact Residue-Free Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensor cleaning devices are large in size, costly due to specificity for each sensor, and ineffective in removing securely attached foreign bodies without using washing liquids that can dry and cause further issues.

Innovation Solution

A compact air stream cleaning device with a radial fan and adjustable duct and nozzle system that uses a higher air velocity at the outlet to dislodge foreign bodies from sensors, avoiding the use of liquids and accommodating various sensor types with standard components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pump-based spraying system is used to clean sensors, then foreign bodies can be removed from sensor surfaces, but the device size becomes large and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pump-based spraying system with a pneumatic system using compressed air. Instead of using liquid spray mechanisms, the invention uses airflow generated by a compressed air source to remove foreign bodies from sensor surfaces. This substitution dramatically reduces the mechanical complexity and size of the cleaning device while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing compressed air flow through a nozzle to clean sensor surfaces. The high-velocity air stream creates a pneumatic force that dislodges and removes foreign bodies from the sensor, replacing the need for liquid spraying mechanisms and their associated pumps and reservoirs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If a dedicated cleaning system is developed for each sensor, then cleaning effectiveness is optimized, but production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal cleaning system that can service multiple different sensor types with a single standardized platform. The modular design allows the same compressed air-based cleaning mechanism to be applied to various sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) throughout the vehicle, eliminating the need to develop separate cleaning systems for each sensor type and significantly reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is divided into modular components: a standardized compressed air generation unit, interchangeable nozzle assemblies, and flexible ducting. This segmentation allows the core cleaning mechanism to be reused across multiple sensors, with only minor adjustments needed for different sensor types, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If washing liquid is used to clean sensors, then foreign bodies are removed, but dried liquid residue causes further contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidliquid residue contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes liquid-based cleaning with a purely pneumatic cleaning mechanism. Compressed air is directed at the sensor surface through a nozzle, creating a high-velocity air stream that physically dislodges and removes foreign bodies without leaving any residue. This eliminates the harmful effect of dried liquid contamination entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of using cleaning agents into a benefit by using compressed air - a clean, residue-free medium. The high-velocity air stream that could potentially cause dust particles to scatter is instead used effectively to lift and remove foreign bodies from the sensor surface without leaving any contaminating residue behind.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Effectively removes foreign bodies from vehicle sensors without liquid residue, is adaptable to different sensors, and integrates seamlessly into vehicle systems, ensuring reliable sensor performance across environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an air stream generator (3), an air stream transport duct (5) for conveying the air stream over the sensor from a discharge orifice (29) of the air stream generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS20230286471A1Cleaning device for a vehicle sensor

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for at least one vehicle sensor. The cleaning device includes at least one air-flow generator, at least one air-flow transport duct for conveying the air flow to the sensor from an exhaust port of the air-flow generator, the duct including at least one air-flow inlet opening and at least one air-flow outlet orifice. One cross section of the inlet opening of the duct is larger than one cross section of the outlet orifice of the duct.