Vehicle Sensor Cooling Using Cleaning Fluid at High Temperatures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle sensors are temperature-sensitive and can malfunction or have a shortened lifespan when exposed to temperatures outside their operational range, especially in hot climates where ambient temperatures exceed the upper threshold of their specifications, and external sensors are not effectively cooled by interior vehicle systems.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle sensor system that includes a temperature monitor, a processor, and a sensor cleaning subsystem with a cleaning fluid reservoir, which initiates a cleaning cycle to cool down sensors when their temperature exceeds a threshold, ensuring operation within a safe temperature range by determining safe conditions such as vehicle idle mode and absence of hazardous situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sensor is installed externally on the vehicle, then the sensor can be positioned to provide location and situational awareness information, but the interior cooling systems cannot control the temperature of the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning capabilityVSAvoidtemperature control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the temperature control function from the interior cooling system and creates a dedicated external temperature control subsystem. This includes separate temperature sensors positioned near external sensors, independent cooling fluid delivery mechanisms, and dedicated control logic that operates autonomously from the interior climate control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cleaning fluid as an intermediary cooling medium between the external sensor and the thermal environment. The fluid is delivered through ports positioned to contact the sensor, acting as a thermal bridge that transfers heat away from the sensor without requiring direct integration with the interior cooling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle operates in hot climates with ambient temperatures exceeding sensor specifications, then the vehicle can be used in diverse environmental conditions, but the sensor may malfunction or have shortened lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational environment rangeVSAvoidsensor operational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the thermal parameters of the external sensor environment by delivering cooling fluid when temperature thresholds are exceeded. The control system monitors ambient temperature and sensor temperature, adjusting the cooling fluid delivery rate and timing to maintain the sensor within its operational temperature range despite varying ambient conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary cooling actions before the sensor reaches critical temperatures. Temperature monitoring continuously tracks the sensor thermal state, and the control system activates cooling fluid delivery in advance when approaching threshold temperatures, preventing thermal overload before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the cleaning fluid is directed to the sensor to cool it down, then the sensor temperature is maintained within operational range, but the cleaning cycle may create hazardous conditions or discomfort to passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor temperature maintenanceVSAvoidhazardous conditions during cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system operates dynamically based on real-time sensor temperature readings and vehicle operational state. The control logic continuously adjusts cooling fluid delivery timing and intensity, activating cooling only when and where needed, rather than operating continuously or on fixed schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where temperature sensors continuously monitor both ambient and sensor temperatures, and the control system adjusts cooling fluid delivery based on this feedback. The system also monitors vehicle operational state and passenger presence, using this feedback to determine appropriate cooling activation and intensity levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 maintains sensor temperatures within operational ranges, preventing malfunction and extending sensor lifespan by using a cleaning fluid to cool sensors when necessary, while ensuring safety and avoiding hazardous conditions during cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

direct the cleaning fluid to the sensor to cool down the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12179550B2Systems and methods for thermal management of vehicle sensor devices

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A method for cooling a sensor of a vehicle, the method including receiving temperature data corresponding to the sensor from a temperature monitor; and in response to determining that a current temperature of the sensor being greater than a first threshold temperature, initiating a cleaning cycle and directing cleaning fluid to the sensor.