Sensor Cleaning Manifold Assembly for Autonomous Vehicle Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dirty or smudged sensor lenses and covers in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles can impair or prevent sensor operation, affecting the vehicle's ability to navigate and detect its environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle assembly with a housing, manifold, valves, and cover that includes a channel integral to the panel, where the manifold and valves are positioned to selectively distribute fluid for cleaning sensors, and the cover holds the valves in place for easy inspection and servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor lenses and covers are cleaned manually, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but vehicle operation is interrupted and cleaning frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sensor cleaning automatically during vehicle operation without requiring separate manual intervention. The cleaning function is integrated into the vehicle's normal operation, allowing cleaning to occur at appropriate moments without interrupting the overall vehicle workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system cleans its own sensors automatically using an integrated fluid distribution system. The manifold and valves work together to deliver cleaning fluid to sensor surfaces without requiring external manual cleaning, enabling the system to maintain itself during normal operation.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed frequently, then sensor cleanliness is improved, but maintenance time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically during vehicle operation rather than requiring separate manual cleaning sessions. The fluid distribution system maintains sensor cleanliness as an ongoing process, ensuring detection capability is preserved without periodic operational stoppages for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle automatically maintains sensor cleanliness through integrated cleaning nozzles and fluid distribution, eliminating the need for external manual cleaning operations. This self-maintaining capability preserves both sensor performance and vehicle productivity simultaneously.
3Ease of repair
If cleaning components are easily accessible for servicing, then ease of maintenance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components including the manifold, individual valves, and nozzle assemblies. Each valve can be independently accessed and serviced through the housing structure, allowing maintenance personnel to reach specific components without disassembling the entire system, thus balancing accessibility with manageable complexity.
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 vehicle assembly enables effective cleaning of sensors by distributing fluid through nozzles aimed at the sensors, improving sensor operation and maintaining the vehicle's navigation and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle assembly includes a housing, a manifold, a plurality of valves, and a cover. The manifold is disposed in the channel, and the manifold includes a plurality of outlets. The valves are attached to the manifold, and the valves selectively control flow to the outlets.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle assembly includes a housing, a manifold, a plurality of valves, and a cover. The housing includes a panel, and the panel includes a channel integral to the panel. The manifold is disposed in the channel, and the manifold includes a plurality of outlets. The valves are attached to the manifold, and the valves selectively control flow to the outlets. The cover extends over the manifold, the cover is fixed to the panel, and the cover holds the valves in place.