Vehicle Sensor Cleaning with Air, Washer Fluid, and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor cleaning systems for vehicles fail to effectively remove contaminants from environment sensors, leading to impaired performance and potential damage from washer fluid splashes, while also risking secondary contamination of the vehicle's appearance.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive sensor cleaning system comprising an air cleaning system, washer fluid cleaning system, and suction cleaning system, controlled by a controller, which includes an air cleaning system to spray compressed air, a washer fluid cleaning system to spray washer fluid, and a suction cleaning system to remove residual contaminants, thereby ensuring thorough and safe cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washer fluid is sprayed onto the sensor to clean contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but washer fluid may splash and cause damage to the vehicle or create secondary contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is activated simultaneously with or immediately after the washer fluid spraying to preemptively capture and remove washer fluid before it can splash and cause damage. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of fluid splash while maintaining the cleaning benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device acts as an intermediary between the washer fluid cleaning system and the vehicle environment, capturing and removing excess washer fluid and contaminants. This intermediary function allows the washing system to operate effectively while preventing harmful fluid discharge.
2Productivity
If compressed air is sprayed onto the sensor for cleaning, then cleaning speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to compressor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air cleaning is applied in periodic bursts rather than continuous operation, synchronized with the suction device activation. This periodic action maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall compressor runtime and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air cleaning system is merged with the suction cleaning system, where both operations work in coordination. The suction device removes contaminants simultaneously with or immediately after air spraying, allowing for shorter air blasting duration and reduced energy consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple cleaning systems are integrated for thorough cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device serves multiple functions: it removes contaminants during air cleaning, captures washer fluid to prevent splash damage, and can independently clean the sensor surface. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a unified cleaning solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cleaning system, washer fluid system, and suction system are merged into a single integrated cleaning system controlled by one controller. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent cleaning systems while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
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 provides effective cleaning performance, preventing damage to the vehicle and ensuring clear recognition of the surrounding environment by the sensors, while reducing power consumption and improving fuel efficiency by minimizing compressor operations.
Implementation Method 1
an air cleaning system to spray compressed air
Implementation Method 2
a suction cleaning system to suck material around the environment sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cleaning system for cleaning an environment sensor includes: an air cleaning system configured to clean an environment sensor by spraying compressed air; a washer fluid cleaning system configured to clean the environment sensor by spraying washer fluid onto the environment sensor; a suction cleaning system configured to suck around the environment sensor; and a controller configured to control the air cleaning system, the washer fluid cleaning system, and the suction cleaning system.