Sensor Cleaning Nozzle Head With Delayed Spray Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle systems face challenges in efficiently controlling spray timing and adjusting spray angles when cleaning various sensor parts on autonomous vehicles, requiring time to move the nozzle and setting different spray angles for each sensor type.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle system with a head part and body part configuration, including a delay part and elastic member, where fluid flows into the body part and head part moves along the delay part, allowing for controlled spray timing and multiple spray angles through hydraulic pressure, with discharge ports positioned for effective cleaning of sensor parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the nozzle system is positioned adjacent to sensor parts, then cleaning coverage is improved, but spray timing control deteriorates due to movement time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The delay part is designed to preliminarily position the head part at the correct location before fluid spraying begins. The delay part protrudes in the movement direction and has a length that allows the head part to reach the end of the delay part exactly when spraying should start, ensuring proper timing without requiring complex control systems.
2Measurement precision
If the head part is moved to face sensor parts, then cleaning precision is improved, but fluid discharge control deteriorates during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The delay part is extracted as a separate component from the head part and body part. This separate delay part specifically addresses the fluid discharge control issue during movement by physically blocking fluid flow until the head part reaches the correct position, thereby improving reliability without compromising cleaning precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discharge ports are configured for various spray angles, then adaptability to different sensor parts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge ports are configured with different local qualities in terms of spray angles. The first discharge port has a first spray angle and the second discharge port has a second spray angle, allowing each port to be optimized for specific cleaning needs of different sensor parts without requiring a completely different nozzle design.
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
Enables precise control over fluid discharge to prevent spraying during nozzle movement and provides varied spray angles for effective cleaning of diverse sensor parts, enhancing efficiency in autonomous vehicle maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member located between the body part and the head part
Implementation Method 2
the head part may be moved by hydraulic pressure of the fluid flowing into the body part in a longitudinal direction thereof along an inside of the body part
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle system includes a head part having a spray part formed at a location corresponding to a sensor part and a body part having a portion of the head part inserted thereinto and located therein. The body part includes an inlet part configured to allow fluid to flow into the body part therethrough. The nozzle system includes a delay part insertable into at least the portion of the head part and located in the body part. The delay part protrudes in a movement direction of the head part. The fluid flows into the body part and the head part is moved along the delay part and the fluid is sprayed out of the spray part of the head part when the head part is located at and clear of an end of the delay part.