Vehicle Sensor Thermal Management Using Heated Cleaning Fluid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in maintaining the operational temperature range of sensor devices, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures due to greenhouse effects or installation on the vehicle's exterior, which can lead to unreliable performance and shortened sensor lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor system that includes a temperature monitor, a processor, and a sensor cleaning subsystem with a cleaning fluid reservoir and port, which heats the cleaning fluid and initiates a cleaning cycle to maintain the sensor's temperature within its operational range, while ensuring safety conditions are met before initiating the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is installed on the outside of the vehicle or in the interior exposed to extreme temperatures, then the sensor can provide location and situational awareness information, but the sensor temperature exceeds the operational temperature range causing unreliable performance and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal management system as an intermediary between the sensor and the extreme temperature environment. This system includes temperature monitors that detect sensor temperature, processors that analyze temperature data, and cleaning subsystems that apply thermal energy through cleaning fluid to maintain sensor temperature within operational ranges, thereby protecting the sensor from direct thermal exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the sensor by actively monitoring temperature and dynamically applying heating or cooling through the cleaning subsystem. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system modifies the thermal state by directing heated or cooled cleaning fluid to the sensor, thereby maintaining operational temperature parameters
2Temperature
If the interior cooling system is used to control sensor temperature, then the sensor temperature can be reduced, but the system cannot control externally installed sensor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cleaning subsystem multi-functional by enabling it to perform both cleaning and thermal management functions. The same cleaning fluid delivery system that cleans sensors also provides heating or cooling capability, allowing the system to manage temperature for both interior and externally installed sensors through a single versatile mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning fluid acts as an intermediary thermal transfer medium that can reach both interior and external sensors. By pumping cleaning fluid through nozzles positioned near sensors, the system delivers thermal energy directly to the sensor surface, bypassing the limitation of interior-only cooling systems
3Temperature
If the cleaning cycle is initiated to heat the sensor, then the sensor temperature increases within operational range, but safety hazards may occur during cleaning operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary safety assessments before initiating the cleaning cycle. The processor evaluates multiple conditions including vehicle motion state, ambient temperature, and sensor temperature thresholds before activating the heating function. This preliminary check prevents unsafe operation by ensuring the vehicle is stationary and environmental conditions are appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring during the cleaning cycle. Temperature monitors track sensor temperature in real-time, and the processor adjusts or terminates the cleaning cycle based on whether temperature remains within safe operational ranges. This feedback mechanism prevents overheating and ensures safety during the heating process
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 sensor temperature within operational ranges, preventing malfunction and extending sensor lifespan, while ensuring safety and reliability by assessing conditions before initiating cleaning cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid heater may receive thermal energy for heating the cleaning fluid from a dedicated thermal energy source (e.g., a heater), waste heat generated by the engine (e.g., power train), and/or heat generated inside the vehicle cabin
Implementation Method 2
initiate a cleaning cycle to direct the heated cleaning fluid to the sensor to heat the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor system including a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to receive, from a temperature monitor, temperature of a sensor of a vehicle, and cause a sensor cleaning subsystem to, in response to the temperature of the sensor being less than a threshold temperature: heat a cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid configure to clean and heat the sensor, and initiate a cleaning cycle and direct the heated cleaning fluid to the sensor to increase the temperature of the sensor.