Sensor Lens Cleaning Assembly With Airflow Duct Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor systems face challenges in maintaining cleanliness and aerodynamics, leading to potential debris interference and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor assembly with a fluid nozzle and duct system that directs airflow across the sensor lens, utilizing a pressure source and filter to create a pressurized chamber, which outlets airflow through a duct to shield the sensor and prevent debris, while a pump and nozzle distribute washer fluid for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional sensor housing design is used, then the sensor is protected from debris, but the housing creates aerodynamic drag and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor housing with the airflow duct into a single integrated structure. The housing serves dual purposes: protecting the sensor and directing airflow across the lens to prevent debris accumulation. This eliminates the need for separate aerodynamic fairings while maintaining both protection and airflow functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural protection of the sensor, aerodynamic flow management, and debris prevention through integrated ducting. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and improves aerodynamics compared to traditional designs requiring separate components for each function.
2Shape
If a compact sensor assembly is used, then aerodynamics are improved, but the cleaning system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning functions are integrated into the existing housing and duct structure rather than adding separate cleaning components. The fluid nozzle and airflow duct work together with the housing to create a compact cleaning system that maintains aerodynamics while providing effective sensor lens cleaning capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If airflow is directed across the sensor lens, then debris is prevented, but the sensor assembly requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow duct is integrated into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate duct components. The housing itself forms part of the airflow path, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining effective debris prevention through continuous airflow across the sensor lens.
4Reliability
If a fluid nozzle is added for cleaning, then sensor cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid nozzle is integrated into the housing structure and works in conjunction with the existing airflow duct. This integration allows effective sensor cleaning through coordinated fluid and airflow while minimizing additional components and maintaining a compact assembly.
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 provides effective cleaning of vehicle sensors in a compact and efficient manner, reducing debris interference and improving aerodynamics, thus enhancing sensor performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure source positioned to raise a pressure in the chamber above an atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a pressure source and filter to create a pressurized chamber
Implementation Method 3
a pump and nozzle distribute washer fluid for cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a sensor including a sensor lens, a casing mounted to the sensor, and a fluid nozzle mounted to the casing. The casing at least partially defines a duct positioned to outlet airflow across the sensor lens, and the duct defines a direction of airflow. The fluid nozzle is aimed through the duct in the direction of airflow.