Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Assembly for Low-Adherence Fluid Washing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor operation in autonomous vehicles can be impaired by dirt and smudges on lenses, which are not effectively addressed by existing cleaning systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a blower, motor, and pump is programmed to clean the windshield and sensor lenses, adjusting operations based on autonomous mode to minimize fluid adherence to sensors, using specific fluid patterns and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning fluid is directed at high pressure towards the sensor to remove dirt and smudges, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid adherence to the sensor increases causing impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first activating the blower to create airflow and then activating the wiper to mechanically remove loose dirt before directing cleaning fluid at the sensor. This sequence prepares the sensor surface and surrounding area, allowing the subsequent fluid application to be more effective at lower pressures, thereby reducing fluid adherence while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower acts as an intermediary element between the cleaning fluid and the sensor. By creating a controlled airflow field, the blower helps to redirect fluid away from the sensor surface while still allowing the fluid to effectively clean the sensor. This intermediary airflow mechanism enables cleaning without direct high-pressure fluid contact that would cause harmful adherence.
2Device complexity
If a simple cleaning mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient for sensor lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges three distinct cleaning mechanisms (blower, wiper, and fluid delivery system) into a coordinated cleaning assembly. The blower provides airflow to remove loose particles and redirect fluid, the wiper provides mechanical cleaning action, and the fluid delivery system provides chemical cleaning. By combining these mechanisms and controlling their coordinated operation through the computer, the system achieves comprehensive sensor cleaning effectiveness that addresses various types of contamination while managing overall system complexity through integrated control.
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
Enhances sensor performance by reducing fluid adherence and maintaining clear fields of view, thereby improving data accuracy and reliability in autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
A blower is configured to direct air across the sensor
Implementation Method 2
A pump is configured to direct fluid across the windshield and towards the sensor
Implementation Method 3
A motor is configured to move a wiper across a windshield
Data Source
AI summary
Upon determining an autonomous mode for a vehicle is activated, a motor is actuated to move a wiper across a windshield in a low mode based on determining to clean the windshield. A blower is actuated to direct air across a sensor. Then, after expiration of a first timer, a pump is actuated according to a pressure threshold to direct fluid through a fluid nozzle and across the windshield towards the sensor. The pressure threshold specifies a fluid pressure less than a maximum fluid pressure for the pump. The pump is stopped after expiration of a second timer.