Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control With Adaptive Air-Fluid Duty Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor cleaning systems are inadequate for effectively removing foreign materials from small sensors located in various parts of vehicles, which can impact autonomous driving and safety, as traditional washer fluid systems are not suited for these small sensors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus with a liquid controller and air controller that dynamically adjust the duty cycle of washer fluid and air spraying based on vehicle speed and rain conditions, allowing for efficient and targeted cleaning of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional washer fluid emitting system is used to clean sensors, then the cleaning capability for large surfaces is sufficient, but it is ineffective for small sensors located in various portions of a vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent sprayer units (first sprayer, second sprayer, third sprayer, fourth sprayer) positioned at different locations to target different sensor surfaces. Each sprayer can be independently controlled to spray washer fluid at specific angles and positions, enabling effective cleaning of both large and small sensors across various vehicle portions.
2Manufacturing precision
If washer fluid is sprayed continuously to ensure thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but washer fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates sprayers in alternating periodic intervals rather than continuous operation. The first and second sprayers operate in alternating intervals, as do the third and fourth sprayers. This periodic activation maintains effective cleaning coverage while significantly reducing washer fluid consumption compared to continuous spraying.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sprayers are operated simultaneously to clean all sensors, then cleaning coverage is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a time-division multiplexing strategy where sprayers are activated in alternating intervals rather than simultaneously. The first sprayer and second sprayer operate alternately, as do the third and fourth sprayers. This approach maintains comprehensive cleaning coverage across all sensor areas while simplifying control logic compared to managing all sprayers simultaneously.
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 system ensures effective removal of foreign materials from vehicle sensors by optimizing washer fluid and air spraying according to vehicle speed and rain, maintaining sensor performance while reducing waste and extending the lifespan of components.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid controller configured to control washer fluid spraying to at least one sensor located in a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an air controller configured to control air spraying to at least one sensor located in the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus and a control method of the vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus includes a liquid controller configured to control washer fluid spraying to at least one sensor located in a vehicle, and an air controller configured to control air spraying to at least one sensor located in the vehicle, wherein the liquid controller and/or the air controller are further configured to dynamically adjust a duty cycle of a control signal according to vehicle speed and/or an amount of rain.