Vehicle Sensor Lens Cleaning with Multi-Angle Washing and Wiping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor cleaning systems for vehicle-mounted sensors are inefficient in maintaining a clean entrance surface, especially in harsh environmental conditions, due to the lack of multiple wiping elements and heated washer fluid dispensers.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system that includes multiple washing elements to dispense heated or non-heated washer fluid over the entrance surface from different angles, and multiple wiping elements that move independently to wipe the surface in a sequence of reconfigurable steps, automatically performing cleaning processes during vehicle shutdown and startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wiping element is used to clean the sensor surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness and ability to maintain a sufficiently large clean portion of the surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system divides the single wiping function into multiple independent wiping elements (first wiping element and second wiping element) that can operate simultaneously or sequentially. Each wiping element is controlled by its own motor, allowing independent movement along different wiping paths to cover the entire sensor surface more effectively, thereby improving cleaning productivity without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple wiping elements moving along different wiping paths (first wiping path and second wiping path) that are spatially distributed across the sensor surface. This multi-dimensional approach ensures complete coverage of the sensor surface, including hard-to-reach areas, thereby enhancing cleaning effectiveness while maintaining reasonable device complexity through systematic path planning.
2Productivity
If multiple washing elements dispensing fluid from different directions are added, then the cleaning effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing function is segmented into multiple washing elements positioned at different locations around the sensor surface. Each washing element dispenses washer fluid from a different direction, creating comprehensive fluid coverage that enhances contaminant removal effectiveness. The segmented approach allows systematic cleaning of the entire surface while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing elements are integrated with the existing sensor housing and cleaning system architecture, serving multiple functions: dispensing washer fluid, directing fluid flow from optimal angles, and working in coordination with the wiping elements. This multi-functional integration improves cleaning effectiveness while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared structural components.
3Productivity
If heated washer fluid is used to remove contaminants, then the cleaning effectiveness in harsh conditions improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the washer fluid by providing heated washer fluid instead of ambient temperature fluid. This parameter change significantly improves contaminant removal effectiveness, especially in harsh environmental conditions, by enhancing the chemical and physical properties of the fluid for better cleaning performance while managing energy consumption through controlled heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer fluid is heated in advance before being dispensed onto the sensor surface. This preliminary heating action ensures that the fluid is already at the optimal temperature for effective contaminant removal when it contacts the surface, maximizing cleaning effectiveness while allowing for efficient energy utilization through pre-treatment rather than during the actual cleaning process.
4Reliability
If automatic cleaning during vehicle shutdown and startup is implemented, then the reliability of sensor operation is improved, but the loss of time during vehicle operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs cleaning operations in advance during vehicle shutdown and startup phases, before the sensor begins its primary operational function. This preliminary cleaning action ensures the sensor surface is clean and ready for optimal operation, improving reliability without interfering with the sensor's operational time during vehicle operation. The cleaning is scheduled during transition periods when the sensor is not actively being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic cleaning cycles that are automatically triggered during vehicle shutdown and startup events. This periodic action pattern ensures regular maintenance of the sensor surface at appropriate intervals, maintaining high reliability while minimizing the impact on operational time by scheduling cleaning during natural transition periods in the vehicle's operational cycle.
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 maintains a clean entrance surface for an extended period, even in harsh conditions, by using multiple wiping elements to prevent debris buildup and heated washer fluid to efficiently remove contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element and configured to heat the washer fluid in the fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pump in communication with the fluid reservoir and the plurality of dispensing nozzles
Implementation Method 3
multiple wiping elements that move independently over the entrance surface
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor cleaning systems are disclosed for cleaning an entrance surface through which light beams are transmitted from an environment to a vehicle-mounted sensor. The sensor cleaning system includes multiple washing elements that dispense a heated or non-heated washer fluid over the entrance surface from different angles, and multiple wiping elements that move independently over the entrance surface. The washing and dispensing elements wash and wipe the entrance surface in a sequence of reconfigurable wiping and washing steps. During vehicle shut down and startup processes, the sensor cleaning system automatically performs a cleaning process. After a last cleaning process performed during a vehicle shut down process, the wiping elements cover the entrance surface to shield the entrance surface from dirt and other debris that could interfere with sensor operation.