Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Valve Detection for Leak-Safe Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor systems in vehicles, such as autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, face operational issues due to obstructions and degradation of sensor windows or lenses, which affect the accuracy of data collection, and existing cleaning systems may not provide a predictable fluid supply or efficiently detect fluid leaks, leading to maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system that includes a computer-programmed solenoid valve system, pressure sensors, and a pump to determine the solenoid valve's position and provide fluid to sensors through nozzles, allowing for identification of fluid leaks and obstruction cleaning, with a one-way check valve to maintain pressure and ensure a predictable fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning system is implemented to remove obstructions from sensors, then sensor performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system serves multiple functions: it provides cleaning fluid to nozzles for sensor cleaning, maintains system pressure through check valves, enables leak detection through pressure monitoring, and actuates solenoid valves for controlled fluid distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis through pressure monitoring to detect leaks automatically. The computer-programmed control system monitors pressure differentials and identifies leak locations without requiring external inspection, enabling the system to detect and report its own operational issues.
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring is implemented to detect fluid leaks, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors provide continuous feedback to the control system about fluid pressure in the supply lines. The computer-programmed solenoid valve system monitors pressure differentials before and after valve actuation to detect leaks, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically identifies and reports leakage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual leak detection methods with automated electronic pressure sensing and computer-programmed analysis. Instead of mechanical inspection or visual checks, electrical pressure sensors and digital processing are used to detect and locate leaks automatically.
3Manufacturing precision
If solenoid valve position determination is implemented, then cleaning precision is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors serve as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly indicate solenoid valve position. Instead of directly measuring valve position, the system measures pressure differentials across the valve, which correlates to valve opening state. This intermediary measurement approach simplifies the detection complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 identifies and addresses fluid leaks, ensuring a reliable cleaning process for sensors, improving data accuracy and reducing maintenance time by determining the solenoid valve's position and providing targeted cleaning, thus enhancing sensor performance and vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first pressure in the supply line after commanding the solenoid valve to move to the closed position... determine a second pressure in the supply line... based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure
Implementation Method 2
with a one-way check valve to maintain pressure and ensure a predictable fluid supply
Implementation Method 3
activating a pump to supply fluid to the manifold via a supply line
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid valve in a manifold is commanded to move to a closed position. Upon activating a pump to supply fluid to the manifold via a supply line, a first pressure is determined in the supply line after commanding the solenoid valve to move to the closed position. Upon deactivating the pump to stop supplying fluid to the manifold, a second pressure is determined in the supply line. Based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, the solenoid valve is determined to be one of (a) at least partially open or (b) in the closed position.