Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Circuit With Adaptive Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for motor vehicle sensors result in unnecessary consumption of cleaning products due to uniform delivery parameters, which do not account for the diverse cleaning requirements of various sensors, leading to inefficient use and potential suboptimal cleaning quality.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with an electronic management unit and an electronified pump that adjusts flow parameters such as pressure and flow rate based on sensor type, environmental conditions, and vehicle parameters, using solenoid valves to optimize cleaning fluid delivery to each sensor independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform delivery parameters are used for all sensors, then the system is simple to operate, but cleaning quality becomes suboptimal for sensors with diverse requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different delivery parameters (pressure, flow rate) to different sensors based on their specific cleaning requirements. Each sensor group can receive customized cleaning fluid parameters through controlled valve activation, ensuring optimal cleaning quality for each sensor type while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts delivery parameters by selectively activating specific valves and pumps based on real-time cleaning requirements. The electronic control unit modifies pump operation and valve states dynamically to match the cleaning needs of different sensors, transitioning from static uniform delivery to dynamic adaptive delivery.
2Loss of substance
If cleaning product is delivered to all sensors simultaneously, then all sensors are cleaned uniformly, but unnecessary consumption of cleaning product occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning system into multiple independent zones, each served by dedicated valves and pump connections. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the specific zones requiring cleaning, rather than delivering cleaning product to all sensors simultaneously, thereby reducing unnecessary consumption while maintaining cleaning efficiency for targeted sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by delivering cleaning product only to the specific sensors that require it, rather than uniformly to all sensors. The electronic control unit determines the minimal necessary action for each sensor based on contamination levels and cleaning requirements, optimizing both product consumption and cleaning efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pump serves all projection devices, then the system architecture is simplified, but delivery parameters cannot be optimized for each sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single pump system that can serve multiple projection devices with different requirements. The pump is equipped with multiple outlets and connected to various sensors through a network of controlled valves, allowing one pump to deliver optimized parameters to different sensors by selectively activating specific valve combinations, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces controlled valves as intermediary elements between the single pump and multiple projection devices. These valves act as mediators that direct and regulate the cleaning fluid flow from the single pump to specific sensors, enabling parameter optimization for each sensor while maintaining a simplified single-pump architecture.
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 ensures effective cleaning of sensors with optimized fluid consumption, allowing for lighter and more efficient system installation, while ensuring the quality of detection and measurement by adjusting fluid delivery according to specific sensor needs and environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
Each projection device is connected to the distribution circuit by a pipe with a solenoid valve (6) of its own
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning system further comprises an electronified pump of which an electronic control unit is configured to modify a flow parameter of the cleaning fluid in the distribution circuit
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of devices for projecting a cleaning fluid onto the sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for cleaning a plurality of sensors (2) of a motor vehicle (500), comprising a plurality of devices (5) for spraying a cleaning fluid onto the sensors (2) and comprising a reservoir (4) for storing the cleaning fluid, the cleaning system comprising a dispensing circuit (10) connected to the storage reservoir (4) and on which each of the spraying devices is connected via a solenoid valve (6) that is specific thereto, the cleaning system further comprising an electronic management unit (7) configured to control the operation of at least the dispensing circuit (10). The cleaning system comprises an electronic pump (8), an electronic control unit (80) of which is configured to change a parameter of the flow of the cleaning fluid in the dispensing circuit (10).