Driver Assistance Sensor Glass Cleaning With Integrated Wiper Fluid Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving assistance systems face challenges in maintaining the functionality of external detection modules due to dirt accumulation and potential damage from impacts, leading to inefficient cleaning methods that consume excessive windshield washer fluid and risk irreversible damage.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a wiper blade in contact with a protective glass surface, equipped with a conduit for windshield washer fluid distribution and projection nozzles, optimizes fluid usage and protects sensors from external damage by ensuring effective cleaning without scratching the optical surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a cleaning device with a wiper blade is used to clean the protective glass, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved and fluid consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective glass is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the driving assistance sensor. This mediator can be cleaned separately from the sensor itself, allowing the use of a wiper blade that contacts only the glass surface, thereby reducing fluid consumption and avoiding direct contact with the sensitive optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into distinct functional components: a wiper blade for mechanical cleaning of the protective glass, and separate fluid distribution conduits with nozzles positioned to spray fluid onto the glass surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall fluid consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the wiper blade is positioned close to the driving assistance sensor, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective glass serves as a permanent intermediary barrier between the wiper blade and the driving assistance sensor. The wiper blade is designed to contact only the outer surface of this glass, ensuring that even when positioned close for effective cleaning, the sensitive sensor remains protected from mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective glass is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced if damaged, whereas the driving assistance sensor is a high-value, complex component that should be protected at all costs. This approach allows the use of a more robust wiper blade design that can effectively clean the glass without risking damage to the expensive sensor.
3Quantity of substance
If fluid distribution conduits are integrated into the wiper blade, then fluid targeting is improved and consumption is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution conduits are integrated directly into the structure of the wiper blade, merging two functions (wiping and fluid distribution) into a single component. This integration ensures that fluid is delivered precisely where needed on the protective glass surface, minimizing waste and consumption, while the modular design of the integrated system facilitates standardized manufacturing processes.
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 solution reduces windshield washer fluid consumption, minimizes the weight and size of the fluid tank, and ensures continuous operation of driving assistance sensors by effectively cleaning the protective glass while preventing damage from external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the friction of the wiper blade on the protective glass that the cleaning of this protective glass is carried out
Implementation Method 2
at least one nozzle for spraying this windshield washer fluid can be provided on the windshield washer fluid distribution conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle driver assistance system (100) comprising at least one detection module (101) and one cleaning system (120), the detection module comprising at least one driver assistance sensor (110, 130) and at least one protective glass pane (140) closing the detection module (101) and protecting the at least one driver assistance sensor (110, 130), the cleaning device (120) being configured to clean the protective glass pane (140), and the cleaning device (120) comprising at least one wiper blade (121) in contact with the protective glass pane (140) and movable along a main direction (D) of rectilinear movement.