Recessed Sensor Lens Cleaning With Crossflow Air Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors often experience 'dead zones' of low-speed or still air, which can lead to debris accumulation and reduced effectiveness in detecting external environments, especially in recessed positions within the sensor housing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly design featuring an air nozzle positioned between the aperture and sensor lens, oriented to blow horizontally across the lens, creating a gap that directs airflow and prevents debris accumulation, while a liquid nozzle sprays across the lens to further enhance cleaning, thereby maintaining sensor clarity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sensor lens is recessed within the housing, then the sensor is protected from external damage, but dead zones of low-speed or still air form leading to debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airflow generation function from the housing structure by introducing an air nozzle that blows air across the sensor lens. This creates a continuous airflow that eliminates dead zones and prevents debris accumulation, while the sensor remains recessed for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic means (air nozzle) to generate controlled airflow across the sensor lens surface. This pneumatic system creates positive pressure airflow that actively clears debris and maintains optical clarity without compromising the recessed protective structure.
2Device complexity
If the sensor lens is positioned in a recessed location, then the sensor assembly structure is simplified, but airflow stagnation occurs reducing sensor effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the air nozzle to blow air across the sensor lens before debris can accumulate and interfere with sensing. The continuous airflow proactively prevents contamination rather than reacting to it after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air flow as an intermediary substance between the external environment and the sensor lens. This intermediary airflow acts as a protective barrier that removes harmful debris while allowing the sensor to remain in its recessed, protected position.
3Temperature
If ambient airflow is allowed to reach the sensor, then cooling is provided, but debris and interference are also carried to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a controlled airflow environment specifically at the sensor lens surface. The air nozzle provides localized airflow that cools the sensor and prevents debris accumulation, while the housing structure continues to protect against direct exposure to harsh ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the airflow parameters (velocity, direction, pressure) by using an air nozzle to generate high-speed directed airflow across the sensor lens. This controlled parameter change ensures sufficient cooling and debris removal without requiring direct exposure to high-velocity ambient air streams.
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 design effectively prevents debris accumulation and ensures continuous airflow across the sensor lens, maintaining sensor performance and preventing interference from ambient airflow or debris, even in recessed positions.
Implementation Method 1
an air nozzle positioned between the aperture and the sensor lens along the axis and oriented to blow horizontally across the sensor lens
Implementation Method 2
a liquid nozzle sprays across the lens to further enhance cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a sensor including a sensor lens, the sensor lens defining an axis; a housing panel including an aperture centered on the axis, the sensor lens being recessed from the aperture along the axis; and an air nozzle positioned between the aperture and the sensor lens along the axis and oriented to blow horizontally across the sensor lens. The aperture and the sensor lens define a gap positioned on an opposite lateral side of the sensor lens from the air nozzle.