Sensor Wiper Intensity Control for Durable Automotive Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor cleaning devices for automotive applications face a trade-off between cleaning efficiency and wiper blade abrasion, with increased cleaning intensity leading to higher friction, noise, and reduced durability, while reduced intensity compromises cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning device with adjustable cleaning intensity, featuring multiple wiper elements with varying contact pressures and positioning mechanisms, allowing for optimal cleaning based on required intensity and minimizing abrasion through controlled contact pressure and movement direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the strength of pushing the wiper element against the surface is increased to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but friction of the wiper blade increases causing increased abrasion, increased wiping noise, and a need for a stronger wiper motor
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper rig is designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the contact pressure between the wiper element and the exterior sensor surface. The system can adapt the cleaning intensity based on detected dirt levels, applying higher pressure when needed and lower pressure during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning efficiency and wiper durability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of contact pressure dynamically. By adjusting the positioning of the wiper rig, the contact pressure can be varied to match the cleaning requirements, enabling high cleaning efficiency when dirt is present while minimizing abrasion and noise during cleaner periods
2Productivity
If the strength of pushing the wiper element against the surface is increased to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but wiping noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable positioning mechanism allows the system to dynamically control contact pressure, using higher pressure only when necessary for effective cleaning and lower pressure during normal operation, thereby reducing wiping noise while maintaining cleaning efficiency when needed
3Productivity
If the strength of pushing the wiper element against the surface is increased to improve cleaning efficiency, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but a stronger wiper motor is required
Solution Approach 1:
By making the contact pressure adjustable through the positioning mechanism, the system avoids the need for a continuously high-power motor. The motor only needs to provide high force temporarily when high cleaning intensity is required, rather than maintaining high force continuously, thus reducing overall motor strength requirements
4Reliability
If the strength of pushing the wiper element against the surface is reduced to decrease abrasion, then wiper blade durability is improved, but cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts contact pressure based on actual cleaning needs detected by the control unit. During normal operation with light dirt, lower pressure is applied to minimize abrasion and extend wiper life. When significant dirt or stains are detected, the system temporarily increases pressure to maintain cleaning efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and cleaning performance
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 device achieves efficient and durable cleaning by optimizing contact pressure and movement direction, extending the lifespan of wiper elements and maintaining high cleaning performance by adjusting intensity according to environmental conditions and dirt location.
Implementation Method 1
Cleaning efficiency is typically improved with a strength of pushing the wiper element against the surface to be cleaned. However, increasing strength increases friction of the wiper blade at the surface to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cleaning device for cleaning an exterior sensor surface of a sensor, in particular an optical camera or a LiDAR, for use in automotive applications. The sensor cleaning device includes at least one wiper element and a wiper rig, which supports the at least one wiper element, and which is movable to move the at least one wiper element across the exterior sensor surface. The sensor cleaning device is adjustable to adjust its cleaning intensity for cleaning the exterior sensor surface based on a required cleaning intensity for cleaning the exterior sensor surface.