Vehicle Sensor Window Cleaning With Air Curtain Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor operation in vehicles is impaired due to dirt and debris accumulation on sensor lenses and windows, which existing cleaning systems fail to address effectively without interfering with other sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a housing that includes a panel with ports for sensor windows, a liquid nozzle, and an air nozzle system to create air curtains and direct washer fluid, ensuring targeted cleaning of one sensor while preventing interference with adjacent sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid nozzle is positioned to clean a sensor window, then the sensor window can be cleaned effectively, but the liquid spray may interfere with adjacent sensors
Solution Approach 1:
An air curtain is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid nozzle and adjacent sensors. The air curtain acts as a protective barrier that allows the liquid spray to clean the sensor window while preventing the liquid from reaching and interfering with adjacent sensors. The air curtain is positioned to intercept and redirect the liquid flow away from sensitive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a cleaning zone where liquid spray contacts the sensor window, a separation zone where the air curtain deflects the liquid, and a protected zone where adjacent sensors remain dry and unaffected. This spatial segmentation allows effective cleaning while preventing harmful interference with other components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an air curtain is used to protect adjacent sensors, then interference is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects adjacent sensors from liquid interference, directs the liquid spray onto the intended sensor window, and can be integrated with existing sensor housing structures. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system addition.
3Productivity
If the liquid nozzle is positioned close to the sensor window, then cleaning is effective, but the risk of liquid reaching other sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain serves as a mediating barrier positioned between the liquid nozzle and adjacent sensors. It intercepts the liquid spray at a controlled distance from the sensor window, allowing effective cleaning while preventing liquid dispersion to other sensors. The air curtain creates a controlled boundary that manages liquid spray trajectories.
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
Effectively cleans sensor windows while maintaining an unobstructed field of view for all sensors, ensuring continuous operation and preventing debris from contacting other sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an air nozzle to output an air curtain
Implementation Method 2
a liquid nozzle aimed at the sensor window... positioned to receive fluid outputted by the liquid nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus includes a housing attachable to a vehicle and including a panel, a sensor window, a liquid nozzle fixed relative to the housing, and a tunnel. The panel includes a port. The sensor window is positioned in the port. The liquid nozzle is aimed at the sensor window. The liquid nozzle is positioned in a first horizontal direction from the port along the panel. The tunnel extends along the panel and is positioned in a second horizontal direction from the port, the second horizontal direction being opposite the first horizontal direction. The tunnel terminates at an opening positioned to receive fluid outputted by the nozzle.