Two-Part Spray Nozzle Mounting for Sensor Shape Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid spray nozzles for sensors, such as cameras, face increased manufacturing costs and complexity due to the need for frequent mold remaking to accommodate varying sensor shapes and positions, leading to higher component counts and assembly burdens.
Innovation Solution
A fluid spray nozzle design comprising a first member fixed to the sensor and a second member, where the first member serves as a shape-change component with low manufacturing costs and the second member as a versatile component with a curved structure, allowing for adjustments in shape without increasing mold costs, by separating the nozzle into two parts that can be easily connected and adapted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable nozzle member is provided to slide with respect to a fixed-side member to adjust ejection direction, then versatility is improved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into a fixed-side member and a movable nozzle member that can be selectively positioned. The movable nozzle member includes a communication passage and nozzle part, while the fixed-side member has a flow passage. By segmenting the nozzle into these functional parts, the patent achieves directional adjustability without requiring a completely movable assembly mechanism, thus reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication passage in the movable nozzle member is designed to selectively communicate with different positions of the flow passage in the fixed-side member. This universal design allows the same nozzle structure to serve multiple ejection directions by simply repositioning the movable nozzle member, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzle designs for different cameras.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable nozzle member is fixed to a garnish on the vehicle body, then mounting flexibility is improved, but assembly burden and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function with the nozzle structure itself. The fixed-side member is designed to be directly mounted to the sensor or its mounting portion, integrating the support and mounting functions into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate garnish components and reduces assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed-side member serves as an intermediary component that directly interfaces with the sensor mounting structure. By designing the fixed-side member with direct mounting capabilities (such as mounting holes or attachment features), the patent eliminates the need for intermediate garnish components, simplifying both the component list and assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent mold remaking is performed to accommodate varying sensor shapes and positions, then adaptability to different sensors is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into a standardized movable nozzle member and a fixed-side member that interfaces with the sensor. The fixed-side member can be customized for different sensor shapes and positions, while the movable nozzle member remains standardized. This segmentation allows customization only where necessary (at the sensor interface) while maintaining standardization for mass production of the core nozzle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing only the fixed-side member's mounting interface to match specific sensor geometries, while keeping the communication passage and nozzle part standardized. This localized customization minimizes the need for complete mold remaking, as only the mounting portion of the fixed-side member needs to be adapted to different sensor shapes and positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid spray nozzle includes a first member that is configured to be fixed to a sensor or a mounted portion to which the sensor is mounted, and a second member that is fixed to the first member. The first member has a fluid inlet and a first fluid passage that is connected to the fluid inlet. The second member has a second fluid passage that is connected to the first fluid passage, and a spray port from which the fluid that has passed through the second fluid passage is sprayed onto a predetermined location of the sensor.