Vehicle Sensor Cleaner Control With Single-Pump Multi-Target Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cleaner systems are complex and costly due to the need for separate pumps for each cleaning target object, such as in-vehicle sensors, headlamps, and windows, and they require excessive cleaning media, which is limited in storage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cleaner system with a single pump connected to multiple cleaners, each with a distinct cleaning method controlled by a unit that adjusts spray time, pressure, and area based on the target object, using cleaning liquid and air to efficiently clean sensors, headlamps, and windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate pump is provided for each cleaning target object, then each object can be cleaned with an appropriate cleaning method, but the system becomes complicated and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
A single pump is designed to serve multiple cleaning target objects (headlamp, window shield, and in-vehicle sensors) by controlling different cleaners (water spray nozzles and air blowers) that are all connected to this common pump, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability to clean different objects with appropriate methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate pump is provided for each cleaning target object, then each object can be cleaned with an appropriate cleaning method, but costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single pump to supply cleaning medium to multiple cleaners including water spray nozzles and air blowers, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps and thereby reducing manufacturing costs while still enabling different cleaning methods for different target objects
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is sprayed to clean various sensors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but a large amount of cleaning medium is required which exceeds limited storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the type of cleaning medium used depending on the cleaning target: cleaning liquid is used for headlamps and window shields, while air is used for in-vehicle sensors. This parameter change allows effective cleaning of sensors without consuming large amounts of cleaning medium, staying within storage limitations
Solution Approach 2:
Different cleaning methods are applied to different cleaning targets based on their specific requirements: water spray for headlamps and window shields, and air blow for in-vehicle sensors. This local differentiation of cleaning quality ensures effective cleaning while optimizing cleaning medium usage
4Productivity
If multiple cleaners are operated simultaneously, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the amount of cleaning media used increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner control unit changes the cleaning medium parameter from liquid to air for in-vehicle sensors, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple cleaners without proportionally increasing cleaning liquid consumption, thus maintaining cleaning efficiency while controlling medium usage within storage limits
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
Reduces costs and conserves cleaning media by using a single pump for multiple cleaners, ensuring appropriate cleaning methods for each object and maintaining cleanliness effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that sprays cleaning liquid to clean the cleaning target object
Implementation Method 2
an air blower that sprays air to clean the cleaning target object
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cleaner system that includes a single pump and a plurality of cleaners which are connected to the single pump and clean different cleaning target objects with a cleaning medium is disclosed. The cleaning target objects include a sensor which detects information on outside of a vehicle and a cleaner control unit which operates the plurality of cleaners in accordance with input of a signal. The cleaner control unit is capable of operating the plurality of cleaners such that cleaning methods of the plurality of cleaners are different from each other.