Vehicle Sensor Air Nozzle Housing for Uniform Optical Surface Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic cleaning apparatuses for large optical surfaces, such as LIDAR sensor cover panels, are complex, prone to faults, and costly, with limited ability to efficiently and evenly apply air flow to large areas, leading to residual fluid issues and aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic apparatus with a U-shaped housing and multiple spaced nozzles along its edge, connected at both ends for efficient compressed air distribution, utilizing the Venturi effect to enhance air flow and coverage, while minimizing pressure losses and energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple individual nozzles are used to cover large surfaces, then air flow coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple segments (first housing part and second housing part) that can be separately assembled, allowing the nozzle array to be constructed in modular fashion. This segmentation enables coverage of large surfaces while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple nozzles are integrated into a single unified housing structure rather than being separate mounted components. The housing merges the function of multiple nozzle mounts, fluid distribution channels, and structural support into one integrated component, reducing installation complexity and space requirements.
2Device complexity
If compressed air is distributed through a single connection, then device complexity is reduced, but air flow efficiency and pressure distribution worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic supply system is segmented into multiple independent connections (first pneumatic connection and second pneumatic connection) that feed different regions of the housing. This segmentation allows parallel air distribution paths, reducing pressure losses by avoiding long single-path flow routes while keeping the overall system design straightforward.
3Area of stationary object
If air flow is applied to large surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but residual fluid removal becomes less uniform
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the housing receive air flow optimized for their specific requirements. The first and second pneumatic connections can be configured to provide different pressure levels or flow rates to different nozzle groups, ensuring uniform air flow distribution across the entire large surface area while maintaining local optimization.
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 apparatus efficiently and evenly removes residual cleaning fluid and prevents water droplets from large optical surfaces, reducing production costs and improving reliability and aesthetics by ensuring uniform air flow and reduced risk of fluid residue.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the Venturi effect to enhance air flow and coverage, while minimizing pressure losses and energy expenditure
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic apparatus for applying an air flow to an exposed surface of a sensor apparatus of a vehicle. In order to provide a pneumatic apparatus which can efficiently and evenly apply an air flow to larger surfaces, the apparatus comprises a housing configured to extend in the installed state along at least one edge of the exposed surface and has at least one row of nozzles spaced apart from one another and each have a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet and which are adapted to simultaneously eject compressed air in the direction towards the exposed surface.