Vehicle Sensor Air Jet Cleaning Triggered by Wiper Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning systems have complex configurations due to the need for image analysis to detect adhered materials, which increases costs and reduces applicability to various sensor types.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device with a simple configuration that uses a wiper device actuation to determine the likelihood of adhered materials on sensors, actuating an air jetting or wiper device for removal, allowing for intermittent and synchronized cleaning cycles to reduce power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to detect adhered material on sensors, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wiper device as an intermediary indicator. Instead of directly analyzing sensor images to detect adhered material, the system uses the wiper's operation status (whether it has been actuated) as a proxy indicator. When the wiper operates, it implies the presence of rain or mist that may have also adhered to the sensor, triggering the sensor cleaning device. This intermediary approach simplifies the detection mechanism while maintaining practical effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing wiper device's operation to trigger sensor cleaning. The wiper device, already present in the vehicle for windshield cleaning, serves a dual purpose: its operation automatically signals the need for sensor cleaning without requiring separate detection systems. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex image analysis while utilizing resources already available in the vehicle.
2Reliability
If continuous cleaning is performed, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements intermittent cleaning cycles instead of continuous operation. The control section activates the adhered material removal section in periodic intervals, specifically triggered by wiper device operation events. This periodic action maintains cleaning effectiveness by cleaning when needed (when rain/mist is present and indicated by wiper use) while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous cleaning operations.
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
This approach simplifies the system, reduces power consumption, and allows for effective cleaning of various sensor types without the need for image analysis, enhancing the system's applicability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the adhered material removal section is an air jetting device configured to jet air toward the detector face of the vehicle-mounted sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning device includes first and second air jetting devices configured to remove adhered material (such as raindrops and mist particles) that has adhered to detector faces of sensors configured to detect information regarding surroundings of a vehicle, and a control ECU configured to operate air pumps of the first and second air jetting devices when a wiper device of the vehicle has been actuated.