Optical Sensor Lens Cleaning With Wiper and Fluid Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning solutions for optical sensor assemblies on vehicles are inefficient in removing insect remains and pollution particles, leading to reduced sensor functionality and environmental pollution from liquid waste.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a mobile lens equipped with a wiper and fluid ejection nozzles, featuring a recirculating circuit to reuse cleaning liquid, which includes a wiper to mechanically clean the lens and fluid nozzles to discharge cleaning fluid, minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid projection is used to clean the optical sensor assembly, then the lens surface is wetted to remove some dirt, but the cleaning is insufficient for insect remains and pollution particles, and the liquid is wasted into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a liquid collection system that captures and recycles cleaning liquid after it flows over the lens. The collected liquid is stored in a reservoir and reused by the spray system, preventing environmental discharge and reducing liquid consumption. This directly addresses both the cleaning effectiveness requirement and the liquid waste problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a wiper blade with pneumatic or hydraulic actuation to mechanically wipe the lens surface. The wiper is integrated with fluid ejection nozzles that deliver cleaning liquid precisely where needed. This combination enhances cleaning effectiveness for stubborn contaminants like insect remains while controlling liquid usage through targeted application.
2Reliability
If a wiper with fluid ejection nozzles is used to clean the lens, then cleaning effectiveness improves for various types of dirtiness, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated wiper assembly. The wiper blade, fluid ejection nozzles, and liquid collection features are merged into one component that performs mechanical wiping, liquid application, and liquid recovery simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to handle multiple types of contamination (insect remains, pollution particles, general dirt) using a single multi-functional assembly. The wiper blade can operate with or without liquid assistance, and the same system collects and recycles the liquid for repeated use, making the system universally effective against various contaminants without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is continuously discharged to maintain sensor functionality, then the sensor remains clean, but environmental pollution increases and water consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a collection mechanism that captures cleaning liquid after it flows over the lens surface. This collected liquid is stored in a reservoir and fed back to the spray nozzles for reuse. This closed-loop approach prevents environmental discharge of cleaning liquid while ensuring continuous sensor functionality, directly addressing both the reliability requirement and environmental protection concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-sufficient by recycling its own cleaning liquid. The collected liquid from the lens surface is automatically stored and reused without requiring external replenishment or disposal systems. This self-service approach maintains sensor cleanliness while eliminating environmental pollution from liquid discharge.
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 system effectively cleans the optical sensor assembly, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and liquid refills, enhancing sensor longevity and vehicle safety by maintaining sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the wiper is configured to wipe an outer surface the fixed lens when it is moved between a first position, where the mobile lens is offset from the fixed lens, and a second position, where the mobile lens covers the fixed lens
Implementation Method 2
the wiper is equipped a wiping lip and with fluid ejection nozzles configured to discharge fluid toward the outer surface of the fixed lens
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for an optical sensor assembly of a vehicle has at least one optical sensor and a casing which surrounds the sensor and includes a fixed lens located in the boresight of the optical sensor. The cleaning system includes a mobile lens equipped with a wiper and movable along the fixed lens of the optical sensor. The wiper is configured to wipe an outer surface the fixed lens when it is moved between a first position, where the mobile lens is offset from the fixed lens, and a second position, where the mobile lens covers the fixed lens. The wiper is equipped a wiping lip and with fluid ejection nozzles configured to discharge fluid toward the outer surface of the fixed lens.