Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Assembly With Low Pressure-Loss Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distribution systems for cleaning automotive vehicle sensors are inefficient in terms of fluid consumption, particularly in autonomous vehicles with numerous sensors, leading to high fluid demand and prolonged cleaning durations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution assembly with flow control valves, actuator-controlled nozzles, and optimized conduit design to minimize fluid usage, featuring short conduits and precise pressure control for efficient cleaning sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sensors is increased for autonomous vehicles, then sensor coverage and detection capability are improved, but cleaning fluid consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into multiple controlled zones, each served by dedicated nozzles and flow control valves. This allows selective activation of only the sensor groups that require cleaning, rather than cleaning all sensors simultaneously, thereby reducing overall fluid consumption while maintaining comprehensive sensor coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid pressure and flow rate parameters based on the specific cleaning needs of different sensor groups. By optimizing these parameters for each zone and using short-duration high-pressure pulses, the system achieves effective cleaning with minimal fluid volume per sensor, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and fluid consumption.
2Reliability
If frequent sensor cleanings are performed to meet safety requirements, then sensor performance is maintained, but cleaning fluid consumption and cleaning duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cleaning cycles with optimized duration and frequency for different sensor zones based on their contamination rates and criticality. Flow control valves enable rapid switching between cleaning and non-cleaning states, allowing frequent cleaning schedules to be maintained for critical sensors while reducing or skipping cleaning for less critical sensors, thus maintaining overall reliability while reducing total fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies cleaning action selectively to only those sensor groups that require it at any given time, rather than cleaning all sensors uniformly. This partial action approach maintains sensor performance for critical sensors through frequent targeted cleaning while avoiding unnecessary fluid consumption on sensors that do not require cleaning, resolving the contradiction between reliability and fluid consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fluid distribution systems are used with multiple sensors, then all sensors can be cleaned, but the fluid reservoir size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is divided into modular segments, each with its own flow control valve and nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows the system to scale to accommodate multiple sensors while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular units. Each module can be independently controlled and maintained, reducing overall system complexity despite serving numerous sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control valves and nozzle assemblies are designed as universal components that can serve multiple sensor types and locations. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of unique components needed in the system, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining the ability to clean all sensor types throughout the autonomous vehicle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If long fluid distribution conduits are used to reach all sensors, then all sensors can be serviced, but pressure loss and fluid consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution network is segmented into multiple short conduit sections, each serving a localized sensor group. Flow control valves are positioned at each segment, allowing independent operation. This eliminates the need for long conduits that would cause significant pressure loss, as each segment uses short conduits with minimal pressure drop, while the overall system still provides comprehensive sensor coverage through the distributed segment 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
Reduces cleaning fluid consumption and duration while maintaining effective sensor cleaning performance, achieving a low fluid volume per square centimeter and rapid pressure stabilization for improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one outlet conduit is configured to impose a pressure drop below 1%
Implementation Method 2
supply means for supplying a cleaning fluid to the inlet of the at least one flow control valve at a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a fluid distribution assembly (100) for the cleaning of a sensor and comprising : - a valve (200); - supply means (300) for supplying a fluid to the inlet of the valve (200) at a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure; - a conduit (400) comprising an inner diameter of 3 to 10 mm, and a length below 50 cm; - a nozzle (500) connected to an outlet by means of a conduit (400); - control means (600) configured to command the execution of a sequence with a duration less than a predetermined duration, and having, - an initiation step comprising the control of the actuator, and the supply of the cleaning fluid at the predetermined pressure; - a termination step comprising the control of the actuator.