Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control for Pump Overheat Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor cleaning systems are ineffective in removing foreign materials from small sensors located in various parts of a vehicle, which can impact the safety of autonomous driving and driving assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus comprising a washer pump motor and a liquid controller that sprays washer fluid, along with an air sprayer and air controller that uses compressed air, with alternating control methods to efficiently clean sensors while preventing motor overheating and maintaining performance across temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the washer pump motor operates continuously to clean sensors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but motor overheating and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control method implements periodic operation of the washer pump motor by activating it only when sensor dirtiness exceeds a threshold level, rather than continuous operation. This periodic activation based on sensor conditions allows the motor to rest and cool down between operations, preventing overheating while maintaining effective sensor cleaning when needed.
2Reliability
If the washer pump motor operates frequently to remove foreign materials, then cleaning performance is improved, but motor lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through sensors that detect the dirtiness level of vehicle sensors. The control method uses this feedback information to determine when washer pump motor operation is necessary, activating the motor only when cleaning is actually needed rather than operating frequently or continuously. This feedback-based control reduces unnecessary motor operations, extending motor lifespan while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
3Reliability
If washer fluid is sprayed continuously on sensors, then foreign material removal is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer pump motor operates periodically based on sensor dirtiness detection rather than continuously. The system activates the washer pump only when the sensor dirtiness level exceeds a predetermined threshold, creating periodic operation cycles that remove foreign materials effectively when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the washer pump motor is activated based on sensor dirtiness detection, then energy efficiency is improved, but response time to clean sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous mechanical operation of the washer pump with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect sensor dirtiness levels. This substitution allows for rapid electronic detection and threshold-based activation, providing timely response to cleaning needs while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during clean conditions.
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
Effectively removes foreign materials from vehicle sensors, prevents motor damage, and maintains cleaning performance despite temperature variations and battery voltage fluctuations, ensuring reliable operation of autonomous driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
a washer pump motor configured to spray a washer fluid on at least one sensor located in a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
controlling at least one compressor motor configured to compress air to spray air on the at least one sensor located in the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus and a control method of the vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The vehicle sensor cleaning apparatus includes a washer pump motor configured to spray washer fluid on at least one sensor located in a vehicle, and a liquid controller configured to control the washer pump motor. The liquid controller is further configured to stop the washer pump motor from operating for a predefined idle time when a number of operations of the washer pump motor reaches a predefined maximum number of operations.