Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control With One Pump and Tailored Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle cleaning 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 inefficiently use cleaning media, especially for sensors that require high sensitivity maintenance.
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 the cleaning method based on the target object, using a combination of cleaning liquid and air to effectively clean sensors, headlamps, and windows with reduced media usage.
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:
The single pump is designed to serve multiple cleaning target objects (sensors, headlamps, windows) through a common cleaning medium supply line. The pump performs the universal function of pressurizing and delivering cleaning medium to various cleaners, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps while maintaining the ability to clean different objects appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into independent cleaner units (sensor cleaner, headlamp cleaner, window cleaner) that can be individually controlled and operated. Each cleaner is designed with specific nozzle configurations and cleaning patterns suited to its target object, allowing differentiated cleaning methods while sharing a common pump system.
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 single pump serves multiple cleaning functions for different target objects, reducing the total number of pumps required from three (one for each target) to one. This universality significantly reduces system cost while maintaining the capability to provide appropriate cleaning methods for sensors, headlamps, and windows through differentiated cleaner designs and control strategies.
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is sprayed to clean various sensors, headlamp and window shield, then cleaning is effective, but a large amount of cleaning medium is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system employs periodic spraying action where the pump operates in cycles rather than continuously. The cleaner control unit activates the pump only when cleaning is needed for specific target objects, and controls the duration and frequency of spraying. This periodic operation significantly reduces cleaning medium consumption while maintaining effective cleaning of sensors, headlamps, and windows.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cleaner is designed with localized spraying characteristics tailored to its specific target object. Sensor cleaners use targeted, concentrated sprays focused on small sensor surfaces, while headlamp and window cleaners use broader spray patterns appropriate for larger surfaces. This local optimization ensures effective cleaning with minimal cleaning medium usage for each specific application.
4Reliability
If cleaning liquid is sprayed to clean various sensors, headlamp and window shield, then cleaning is effective, but the storage amount of cleaning medium is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pumping action where the single pump delivers cleaning medium in controlled bursts to multiple cleaners as needed. The cleaner control unit manages the timing and duration of pump operation based on which cleaners are active, extending the effective usage duration of a limited cleaning medium supply while maintaining cleaning effectiveness for sensors, headlamps, and windows.
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 reduces costs and media usage while maintaining cleanliness by using a single pump to operate multiple cleaners with tailored cleaning methods for each object, ensuring appropriate cleaning for sensors and other components with efficient use of resources.
Implementation Method 1
a single pump; a plurality of cleaners, which are connected to the single pump and clean different cleaning target objects with a cleaning medium
Implementation Method 2
a cleaner which sprays cleaning liquid to clean the cleaning target object
Implementation Method 3
sprays air to clean the cleaning target object
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle cleaner system 100 is provided with: a single pump 112; a plurality of cleaners 101-108 that are connected to the single pump 112, and that clean, using a cleaning medium, various objects to be cleaned that include sensors to detect information of the outside of a vehicle; and a cleaner control unit 116 that operates the plurality of cleaners 101-108 in accordance with signal inputs. The cleaner control unit 116 is configured so as to be able to operate the plurality of cleaners 101-108 such that the cleaning methods of the plurality of cleaners 101-108 differ from each other.