Motor-Driven Sensor Cleaning with Wiper Seal Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor cleaning systems for vehicles are costly and complex, with limited wiper movement range, leading to ineffective debris removal and fluid leakage into vehicle compartments, which can impair autonomous vehicle functionality and safety.

Innovation Solution

A sensor cleaning apparatus that includes a motor-driven sensor movement system with a wiper and seal to engage the sensor, allowing for effective debris removal and fluid containment within a vehicle cavity, reducing component complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing sensor cleaning systems are used, then sensor cleaning function is provided, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wiper blade and seal into a single integrated component assembly. The wiper blade is fixedly attached to the end of the seal, creating a unified structure that performs both sealing and cleaning functions simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiper and seal components, reducing system complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal serves dual functions: it seals the cavity to prevent fluid leakage and simultaneously supports the wiper blade for debris removal. By making the seal multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components needed in the system, addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If existing sensor cleaning systems are used, then debris removal is attempted, but wiper movement range is limited leading to ineffective cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidwiper movement range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the wiper blade along a fixed path with limited range, the patent inverts the approach by moving the entire sensor assembly relative to the stationary wiper. This allows the sensor to be positioned optimally for cleaning at different angles and locations, effectively increasing the cleaning coverage without requiring a complex wiper movement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly includes its own motor to drive movement relative to the wiper. This self-service capability allows the sensor to autonomously position itself for effective cleaning, eliminating the need for a complex external wiper movement system while maintaining high debris removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If existing sensor cleaning systems are used, then cleaning fluid is applied, but fluid leakage into vehicle compartments occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning function implementationVSAvoidfluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible seal (such as an elastomeric seal) that conforms to the cavity geometry and creates an effective barrier against fluid leakage. The flexible nature of the seal allows it to maintain sealing contact while accommodating relative movement between the sensor and wiper assembly, preventing cleaning fluid from entering vehicle compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is constructed from composite or specially formulated materials that combine sealing effectiveness with flexibility and durability. This allows the seal to perform its sealing function reliably while withstanding the mechanical stresses of repeated sensor movement and cleaning operations, preventing fluid leakage without compromising ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If sensor movement system is added, then debris removal effectiveness improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the motor from the wiper assembly and places it directly on the sensor assembly. This extraction and relocation simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex transmission mechanisms and linkages that would be required to drive the wiper from a remote location. The motor directly drives the sensor assembly, reducing component complexity while maintaining effective debris removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11305741B2Sensor cleaning apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with vehicles

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Sensor cleaning apparatus, systems, and related methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a sensor of a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a motor operatively coupled to the sensor to enable the sensor to move within a cavity of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a wiper fixedly coupled to the vehicle and partially defining the cavity. An edge of the wiper is to engage the sensor when the sensor moves to remove debris.