Solenoid Sensor-Cleaning Assembly With Plunger Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors on autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles are affected by obstructions such as dust, snow, and insects, which impede their ability to function effectively, leading to reduced performance in navigation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management assembly that includes a solenoid assembly with a plunger and pressure sensors to control the flow of cleaning fluid to nozzles positioned to clear obstructions from the sensors' field of view, using a computer to determine the plunger's position based on pressure sensor data and actuate the solenoid assembly to maintain or open/close fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning fluid is continuously supplied to nozzles, then sensor clarity is maintained, but fluid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic actuation of the solenoid valve based on sensor input (obstruction detection) rather than continuous fluid supply. The controller activates the solenoid valve only when obstructions are detected, creating a periodic on-demand cleaning action that maintains sensor clarity while significantly reducing cleaning fluid consumption compared to continuous supply systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to autonomously detect obstructions on sensor surfaces and automatically triggers the cleaning mechanism without human intervention. The controller receives sensor data, determines when cleaning is needed, and actuates the solenoid valve accordingly, enabling the system to self-regulate fluid supply based on actual cleaning needs
2Measurement precision
If a solenoid valve is used to control fluid flow, then fluid management precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual or mechanical fluid flow control with an electromechanical solenoid valve actuated by electrical signals from the controller. This substitution enables precise on-demand fluid flow control through electrical actuation rather than mechanical adjustment, achieving accurate fluid management while keeping the overall system compact and integrated
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve assembly is integrated into a multi-functional system that combines obstruction detection sensors, fluid storage reservoir, pump mechanism, and control logic into a single unified assembly. This integration allows the same assembly to perform multiple functions (detection, storage, pumping, valve control, and cleaning) reducing overall system complexity despite the added precision control mechanism
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are added to detect plunger position, then control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensors act as intermediary detection elements that indirectly measure plunger position by detecting pressure changes in the fluid line caused by plunger movement. This indirect measurement approach provides accurate position detection without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precision
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 clears obstructions from sensors' fields of view, ensuring continuous and reliable operation of vehicle sensors by using a controlled fluid flow system to maintain sensor clarity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position in which fluid is inhibited from flowing from the inlet tube to the outlet tube
Implementation Method 2
The solenoid assembly has a spring urging the plunger to the closed position
Implementation Method 3
The assembly includes a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger is moved toward the open position. Pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is at the open position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube. The assembly includes a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position in which fluid is inhibited from flowing from the inlet tube to the outlet tube. The solenoid assembly has a spring urging the plunger to the closed position. The assembly includes a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger is moved toward the open position. Pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is at the open position. The assembly includes a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger is moved toward the closed position. Pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is at the closed position.