Sensor Window Cleaning Flap for Pulsed Airflow Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems face challenges in effectively removing small water droplets and debris from sensor windows, leading to reduced accuracy and performance due to constant airflow, which is less effective in clearing smaller particles.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly design featuring a rotatable flap mechanism at the outlet, which creates pulsed airflow to enhance the removal of small water droplets and debris from the sensor window, utilizing a pressurized-air source to generate airflow that fluctuates in velocity and direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If constant airflow is used to clean the sensor window, then large particles are removed, but small water droplets and debris remain on the sensor window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor data accuracyVSAvoidsmall water droplets and debris on sensor window

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using a flap that oscillates between blocking and unblocking the airflow path. This creates pulsed airflow patterns that alternately apply high-velocity cleaning forces to the sensor window, effectively removing small water droplets and debris that constant airflow cannot eliminate. The periodic nature of the airflow enhances cleaning effectiveness while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a flap mechanism is added to create pulsed airflow, then small particles are removed effectively, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmall water droplets and debris removalVSAvoidflap mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flap mechanism is designed to operate autonomously without requiring external actuators or control systems. The airflow itself generates the force needed to move the flap, creating a self-regulating system where the cleaning airflow automatically opens the flap and then closes it as it passes. This self-service operation minimizes mechanical complexity while achieving the desired pulsed airflow effect for removing small particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 pulsed airflow effectively removes smaller water droplets and debris, maintaining the sensor window's clarity and enhancing data accuracy by intermittently impeding airflow, thus improving the operational efficiency of the sensing devices.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurized-air source to generate airflow that fluctuates in velocity and direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow:

Implementation Method 2

creates pulsed airflow to enhance the removal of small water droplets and debris from the sensor window, utilizing a pressurized-air source to generate airflow that fluctuates in velocity and direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsed airflow:

Data Source

PatentUS12504514B2Sensor assembly with cleaning

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A sensor assembly includes a housing including an outlet, a sensor including a sensor window, and a flap rotatably coupled to the housing at the outlet. The sensor window is fixed to the housing. The outlet is aimed across the sensor window. The flap is rotatable between an open position angled away from the outlet and a closed position extending across the outlet.