Sensor Washer Reservoir Layout for Priority-Based Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer systems for autonomous vehicles are inadequate for efficiently and selectively cleaning multiple sensors and cameras, often leading to unnecessary cleaning and insufficient fluid distribution, which is critical for reliable autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A washer system with a main reservoir and sub-reservoirs connected to individual measurement units, controlled by a controller to prioritize and distribute washer fluid based on priority and fluid levels, ensuring timely and efficient cleaning of critical sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reservoir system is used to supply washer fluid to multiple measurement units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response time for fluid distribution to specific units is delayed and the system cannot prioritize cleaning based on usage needs
Solution Approach 1:
The washer fluid storage system is segmented into a main reservoir for bulk storage and multiple sub-reservoirs for individual measurement units. This segmentation enables independent fluid distribution to each unit, allowing rapid response to cleaning requests without requiring complex routing through a single centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
Sub-reservoirs are pre-positioned at each measurement unit and can be independently filled from the main reservoir. This preliminary positioning of fluid storage close to the point of use enables immediate washing operation when needed, eliminating the time delay associated with long-distance fluid transport from a single central reservoir.
2Reliability
If washer fluid is supplied to all sub-reservoirs simultaneously, then all measurement units can be cleaned, but unnecessary fluid is wasted on units that do not require cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The washer fluid distribution system dynamically adapts to actual cleaning needs by enabling selective supply to sub-reservoirs based on which measurement units require cleaning. The controller can activate specific sub-reservoirs or adjust fluid flow rates according to real-time demands, preventing waste while ensuring availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-reservoir is equipped with independent fluid supply control, allowing the system to provide different fluid distribution characteristics to different measurement units. Units requiring cleaning receive fluid immediately, while units not requiring cleaning receive no fluid, optimizing both reliability and resource efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the main reservoir is positioned centrally for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fluid distribution speed to distant measurement units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid storage function is segmented between a central main reservoir for refilling operations and distributed sub-reservoirs at each measurement unit. This segmentation allows the main reservoir to remain centrally positioned for easy maintenance access while sub-reservoirs provide localized fluid supply for rapid washing response.
Solution Approach 2:
Sub-reservoirs act as intermediary fluid storage points between the central main reservoir and the measurement units. They receive fluid from the main reservoir and provide it locally to measurement units, eliminating the need for long-distance fluid transport while maintaining centralized refilling capability.
4Reliability
If multiple independent washer systems are installed for each measurement unit, then the response time and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-reservoirs are merged into a unified distribution network controlled by a single controller that manages fluid supply from one main reservoir. This merging approach provides rapid local response at each measurement unit while avoiding the complexity and cost of completely independent washer systems for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The main reservoir and controller serve multiple functions: the main reservoir supplies fluid to all sub-reservoirs and can be refilled once to service all measurement units, while the controller manages fluid distribution to multiple units based on their individual needs. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
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 provides stable and efficient washer fluid distribution to critical sensors, enhancing autonomous driving performance by ensuring continuous cleaning and reducing unnecessary fluid use.
Implementation Method 1
a main washer pump disposed in the main reservoir to discharge a pressurized washer fluid
Implementation Method 2
a sub-washer pump disposed in the sub-reservoir to spray a pressurized washer fluid to the measuring unit
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a washer system includes a plurality of measurement units configured to receive data required for vehicle driving, a nozzle configured to provide a washer fluid to the measurement units, a main reservoir configured to store the washer fluid, a sub-reservoir coupled to at least one of the measurement units and configured to be supplemented with the washer fluid from the main reservoir and a controller configured to determine a priority of the measurement units and supply, in response to the priority of the measurement units, the washer fluid from the main reservoir to the sub-reservoir based on the measurement unit having a higher priority.