Vehicle Sensor Cleaner Integration for Shorter Control Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaner configurations for in-vehicle cameras, which rely on vehicle control units for operation, have limitations in efficiency and wiring complexity, particularly when integrating cleaner units with sensors and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner-equipped sensor system with external sensors, a cleaner unit comprising air and liquid cleaners, and an electronic processing device integrated on a common attachment member, where the wiring between the sensors and processing device is shorter than between the processing device and the vehicle control unit, allowing for independent control and efficient cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cleaner is controlled by the vehicle control unit through existing wiring, then the cleaner can be operated, but the wiring length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the control architecture into two independent parts: the vehicle control unit that issues cleaning commands, and the electronic processing device that directly controls the cleaner unit. This segmentation allows the cleaner to be controlled locally through shorter wiring while maintaining integration with the vehicle's control system through command signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processing device acts as an intermediary between the vehicle control unit and the cleaner unit. It receives cleaning commands from the vehicle control unit and translates them into direct control signals for the cleaner, eliminating the need for long wiring between the vehicle control unit and cleaner while maintaining system integration.
2Productivity
If the cleaner unit is integrated with external sensors on a common attachment member, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the wiring length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function for the cleaner unit is extracted from the vehicle control unit and placed in a separate electronic processing device that is physically located near the cleaner on the common attachment member. This extraction allows the wiring to be localized to short connections between the electronic processing device and cleaner, while the electronic device communicates with the vehicle control unit through separate signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic processing device, cleaner unit, and external sensors are merged onto a common attachment member, creating an integrated assembly. This merging allows all components to be positioned close together, minimizing wiring length while maintaining the functional independence needed for efficient 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 configuration enhances cleaning efficiency by reducing wiring length and complexity, allowing for more integrated and efficient control of cleaner units, improving the overall performance of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid cleaner capable of discharging a cleaning liquid toward the external sensors
Implementation Method 2
a first and a second air cleaner, each capable of discharging air toward one of the external sensors respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a cleaner-equipped sensor system (1) for a vehicle, the sensor system includes: external sensors (2,3) capable of acquiring information on an outside of a vehicle V; a cleaner unit (4) including a liquid cleaner (30) and air cleaners (10, 20); and an electronic processing device (5) configured to output an output of the external sensors (2,3) to a vehicle control unit (6) for controlling the vehicle (V), and to control the cleaner unit (4) depending on an output of the vehicle control unit (6). The external sensors (2,3) and the electronic processing device (5) are integrated.