Sensor Surface Cleaning Nozzle Layout for Self-Driving Cars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weather factors such as rain and dirt can occlude optical elements of sensor systems on self-driving cars, reducing the quality of information gathered and compromising safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a delivery unit comprising a liquid nozzle, an air nozzle, and a deflection orifice, all in fluid communication with a single air manifold, is mounted on the self-driving car to clean sensor surfaces using a liquid jet and air jets, with the air nozzle and deflection orifice positioned proximate to each other to enhance cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a liquid nozzle and air nozzle are positioned close together for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid may contaminate the air jet reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A deflection orifice is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid nozzle and air nozzle. This orifice deflects the liquid jet away from the air nozzle using a secondary air jet, preventing liquid contamination of the air jet while allowing both nozzles to remain in close proximity for a compact delivery unit design
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate air sources are used for the air nozzle and deflection orifice, then air jet control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is merged by using a single air manifold to provide pressurized air to both the air nozzle and deflection orifice. This reduces the number of air sources from multiple separate systems to one unified system, simplifying the overall device while maintaining the ability to control both air jets through the shared manifold
3Productivity
If cleaning system components are integrated closely on the sensor, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery unit is segmented into distinct functional modules (liquid nozzle, air nozzle, deflection orifice, air manifold) that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This modular segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the close integration needed for effective cleaning, as each component can be precisely positioned relative to others during assembly rather than requiring ultra-precise monolithic manufacturing
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 system effectively removes occlusions from sensor surfaces, maintaining sensor performance and ensuring reliable data capture for safe self-driving operations.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid nozzle for delivering a liquid jet and directing the liquid jet towards a surface of the sensor system
Implementation Method 2
an air nozzle for delivering an air jet and directing the air jet towards the surface of the sensor system
Implementation Method 3
a deflection orifice for delivering an other air jet for deflecting the liquid jet away from the air nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of cleaning a surface of a sensor system, the method being performed by a cleaning system comprising a delivery unit and a controller, the delivery unit including a liquid nozzle, an air nozzle located proximate to the air nozzle, and a deflection orifice being in fluid communication with the air nozzle, the method comprising: delivering, by the liquid nozzle, a liquid jet directed towards the surface of the sensor system; delivering, by the air nozzle, an air jet directed towards the surface of the sensor system; delivering, by the deflection orifice, an other air jet directed away from the air nozzle and the surface of the sensor system, the delivering of the air jet being performed simultaneously with the delivering of the other air jet.