Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Valve With Piston Noise Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic valves used in motor vehicle cleaning systems generate noise when the piston moves from its engaged to its disengaged position, causing a nuisance in the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
The automatic valve incorporates a damping body with a rigidity below that of the main body, positioned between the piston's second end and the stop, to dampen the movement of the piston and reduce noise emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the piston moves quickly from engaged to disengaged position, then the valve responds faster, but noise is generated causing nuisance in the passenger compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping body (element 310) made of elastomeric material positioned between the piston (element 309) and the stop (element 307). This damping body acts as a cushion that absorbs and dissipates the impact energy when the piston moves from the engaged to the disengaged position, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining acceptable response speed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a damping body with lower rigidity is introduced, then noise is reduced, but the structural strength and responsiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The damping body (element 310) is designed with specific local properties: it is made of elastomeric material with controlled dimensions (diameter and length) that provide the necessary damping characteristics only in the specific location where piston impact occurs. The main body of the piston retains its full structural strength, while the localized damping body handles the noise reduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines different material properties: the piston main body uses rigid material for structural strength and responsiveness, while the damping body uses elastomeric material for noise reduction. This composite approach allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If the piston is held firmly in the engaged position, then the valve sealing is improved, but more force is required to actuate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The damping body is positioned to engage before the piston reaches the hard stop. It provides a progressive cushioning effect that allows the piston to be held firmly against the diaphragm for reliable sealing, while the elastomeric material gradually absorbs the actuation force, reducing the peak force required and providing a softer actuation feel.
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 implementation of the damping body effectively attenuates sound emissions during the piston's movement, resulting in a quieter operation of the automatic valve.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (300) comprising a damping body (310), which is positioned between the second end and the stop having a rigidity below that of the main body so as to dampen the movement of the piston when the piston moves from its engaged position toward its disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic valve comprises a valve body provided with a fluid duct. The valve body comprises a diaphragm configured to seal off the fluid duct when the diaphragm is in the closed position and allow fluid to flow through the fluid duct when the diaphragm is in the open position. Moreover, the automatic valve comprises an actuator. The actuator includes a stop, a spring, and a piston. The piston is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Moreover, the actuator also comprises activation means configured to cause the piston to move toward its disengaged position so as to enable the diaphragm to adopt the open position. Finally, the actuator comprises a damping body, positioned between the second end and the stop, having a rigidity lower than a rigidity of the main body.