Pressurized Sensor Cleaning Reservoir for Multi-Nozzle Pressure Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle sensor cleaning systems face inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs due to the need for secondary pumps to maintain pressure at multiple spray nozzles, especially with the rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving systems, which require cleaning multiple sensor types.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized fluid system with a pressurized reservoir located near the spray nozzle, eliminating the need for secondary pumps, uses actuators to control fluid flow and incorporates compressed air to enhance pressure, ensuring efficient cleaning without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used to feed multiple spray nozzles, then the system complexity is reduced, but the fluid pressure drop increases rendering the cleaning system less performant
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery system into two independent segments: a first pump dedicated to supplying the first spray nozzle, and a second pump dedicated to supplying the second spray nozzle. This segmentation eliminates fluid pressure drop issues by ensuring each nozzle receives adequate pressure independently, while the overall system complexity remains manageable due to the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to universally control both the first and second pumps through a single controller, allowing the system to adapt to different cleaning scenarios. The controller can independently or simultaneously activate either pump or both pumps depending on the cleaning requirements of different sensor surfaces, providing multi-functional capability.
2Stress or pressure
If additional pumps are added to address multiple spray nozzle locations, then the fluid pressure is maintained, but the maintenance and cleaning system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented pump assignments where the first pump serves the first spray nozzle and the second pump serves the second spray nozzle. This segmentation allows for independent maintenance of each pump-nozzle pair, reducing overall maintenance complexity and costs compared to a single complex pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a replicated pump configuration where two separate pump units are used instead of one complex pump. Each pump unit is a simplified, standalone component that can be independently maintained or replaced, reducing maintenance costs and improving ease of repair.
3Device complexity
If a pressurized reservoir is placed adjacent the spray nozzle without a secondary pump, then the system complexity is reduced, but maintaining sufficient pressure and volume becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-pressurizes the fluid in the reservoir adjacent to the spray nozzle using the first pump before cleaning operation begins. This preliminary pressurization action ensures that when the spray nozzle operates, sufficient pressure is already available without requiring a secondary booster pump during the cleaning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pump is designed to independently supply and maintain pressure for its associated spray nozzle and adjacent reservoir without requiring assistance from a second pump. This self-service capability of the first pump-re reservoir-nozzle system reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adequate pressure.
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 cleans multiple sensors with consistent pressure, reducing maintenance and costs by eliminating the need for secondary pumps, while maintaining efficient cleaning cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized reservoir located adjacent the spray nozzle which provides pressurized fluid to the spray nozzle at sufficient pressure and volume without a secondary or booster pump
Implementation Method 2
The washer fluid is sprayed onto the sensor surface in order to wet the sensor surface and soften the contaminant for removal from the sensor surface
Implementation Method 3
a compressed air nozzle directs compressed air onto the sensor surface to expedite drying the sensor surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cleaning a sensor surface on a vehicle comprises operating the at least one actuator coupled to at least one nozzle for controlling flow of pressurized cleaning fluid from a pressurized reservoir to flow pressurized cleaning fluid to the at least one spray nozzle, dispensing the pressurized cleaning fluid from the at least one spray nozzle toward the sensor surface, and operating the at least one actuator into a closed position and reducing flow of the pressurized cleaning fluid flowing to the at least one spray nozzle.