Optical Sensor Lens Cleaning With Wiper and Fluid Recirculation
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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, ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid projection is used to clean the optical sensor assembly, then the lens surface is cleaned, but the cleaning is insufficient for insect remains and pollution particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning mechanisms (wiper for mechanical wiping, nozzles for fluid injection, and heater for thermal treatment) into a single integrated cleaning system that operates on the optical lens, achieving comprehensive cleaning effectiveness for various types of contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into distinct functional modules: a wiper assembly with wiping elements, a nozzle assembly with multiple nozzles for fluid injection, and a heater assembly with heating elements, allowing each component to address specific cleaning needs independently
2Reliability
If cleaning liquid is discharged onto the optical sensor assembly, then cleaning is achieved, but environmental pollution and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a collection mechanism that captures and recycles the cleaning fluid after it has been used on the optical lens, reducing water consumption and preventing environmental pollution by reusing the fluid instead of discharging it
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressurized fluid injection through nozzles to deliver cleaning fluid precisely onto the lens surface, and employs hydraulic principles in the fluid circulation system to efficiently collect and recirculate the cleaning fluid
3Device complexity
If a simple liquid projection system is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot remove insect remains or pollution particles effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to automatically clean the optical lens without manual intervention, using integrated sensors to detect contamination levels and automatically activating the appropriate cleaning mechanisms (wiper, nozzles, heater) to maintain optimal sensor performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies cleaning parameters such as fluid injection pressure, heater temperature, and wiper activation frequency based on detected contamination levels, allowing efficient removal of different types of debris while adapting to actual cleaning needs
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 by mechanical and fluid action, reducing environmental impact and extending sensor functionality without frequent manual maintenance.
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
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AI summary
A cleaning system (200) for an optical sensor assembly (8) of a vehicle (1) comprising at least one optical sensor (9) and a casing (12) which surrounds the sensor and includes a fixed lens (20) located in the boresight (A9) of the optical sensor. The cleaning system includes a mobile lens (22) equipped with a wiper (24) and movable along the fixed lens (20) of the optical sensor (9). The wiper (24) is configured to wipe an outer surface (S20) the fixed lens when it is moved between a first position, where the mobile lens (22) is offset from the fixed lens (20), and a second position, where the mobile lens covers the fixed lens. The wiper (24) is equipped a wiping lip and with fluid ejection nozzles configured to discharge fluid toward the outer surface (S20) of the fixed lens (20).