Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Flow Control for Lower Fluid Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning systems for motor vehicle sensors are inefficient in terms of cleaning product consumption, as they use standardized parameters for all sensors, leading to unnecessary usage and varying cleaning requirements based on sensor type and environment.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with an electronically controlled pump and distribution circuit that adjusts flow parameters such as pressure and flow rate based on sensor type, environment, and vehicle conditions, using solenoid valves and an electronic management unit to optimize cleaning fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized cleaning parameters are used for all sensors, then the cleaning system can be simplified and operated uniformly, but cleaning product consumption increases unnecessarily and cleaning effectiveness varies across different sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cleaning parameters by enabling the control unit to selectively activate specific spray devices and adjust cleaning intensity based on which sensors require cleaning. The system transitions from static standardized parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters that match actual cleaning needs of different sensor types and contamination levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different cleaning parameters to different spray devices corresponding to different sensor types. Each sensor group receives customized cleaning intensity and duration based on its specific requirements, rather than applying uniform treatment to all sensors.
2Reliability
If cleaning parameters are optimized for the most demanding sensor, then all sensors can be cleaned effectively, but cleaning product consumption increases beyond what less demanding sensors require
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts cleaning parameters based on real-time identification of which sensors need cleaning and their specific requirements. The system activates only the necessary spray devices at appropriate intensities, avoiding the waste associated with always using maximum parameters for all sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes cleaning parameters (flow rate, pressure, duration) based on sensor type and contamination level. The control unit selects appropriate parameters from available ranges to match each sensor's cleaning needs, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and product consumption.
3Productivity
If multiple spray devices are activated simultaneously for all sensors, then all sensors are cleaned at once improving productivity, but cleaning product consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which spray devices to activate based on sensor contamination status and cleaning requirements. Rather than simultaneously activating all spray devices, the control unit selectively activates only those needed, balancing productivity with resource conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or sequential activation of spray devices based on cleaning needs. The control unit can activate spray devices in sequences or at different times rather than all simultaneously, reducing peak fluid consumption while maintaining cleaning productivity.
4Quantity of substance
If a large reservoir is used to ensure sufficient cleaning product for all sensors, then cleaning capacity is adequate, but system complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit adjusts cleaning parameters such as flow rate and spray duration based on actual sensor needs. This optimization reduces overall cleaning product consumption, allowing for smaller reservoir capacity while maintaining adequate cleaning capability for all sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts cleaning parameters to match actual contamination levels and sensor types. This reduces the total cleaning product required in the system, simplifying reservoir size and overall system configuration while maintaining sufficient cleaning capacity.
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 allows for effective cleaning of various sensors without excessive fluid consumption, enabling precise adjustment of cleaning parameters for different sensor types and conditions, thus optimizing the cleaning process and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
the aforementioned solenoid valve directing the cleaning product pumped from the reservoir toward one or another of the lines
Implementation Method 2
it comprises an electronically controlled pump, the electronic control unit of which is configured to modify a parameter pertaining to the flow of the cleaning fluid in the distribution circuit
Implementation Method 3
One known solution is to spray a quantity of washer fluid onto an optical surface of the detection module in question
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning a plurality of sensors of a motor vehicle includes a plurality of devices for spraying a cleaning fluid onto the sensors and a cleaning fluid storage reservoir. The cleaning system includes a distribution circuit connected to the storage reservoir and to which each of the spray devices is connected via a solenoid valve. The cleaning system further includes an electronic management unit for controlling the operation of at least the distribution circuit. In addition, the cleaning system includes an electronically controlled pump, the electronic control unit of which modifies a parameter pertaining to the flow of the cleaning fluid in the distribution circuit.