Spray Nozzle Duct Geometry for Stable Optical Sensor Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection system cleaning devices struggle to maintain a stable divergence angle for the fluid jet, leading to varying cleaning quality due to changes in fluid pressure and viscosity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spray nozzle design features an internal distribution duct with diverging lateral walls and a ramp, which controls the fluid's spread before it encounters the ramp, ensuring a stable flat jet with controlled divergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a ramp is positioned in front of the outlet of the distribution duct to deflect the fluid flow sharply, then a flat jet is formed for optimized cleaning, but the divergence angle of the flat jet varies notably according to fluid pressure and viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the distribution duct (cross-sectional area, angle of flare) to compensate for variations in fluid parameters (pressure, viscosity). The duct cross-section increases in the direction of the ramp, and the lateral walls diverge at a specific angle, which stabilizes the flat jet divergence angle to within ±5° despite pressure variations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distribution duct cross section is increased in the vicinity of the ramp, then the fluid spread is controlled before contact with the ramp, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution duct is segmented into distinct zones: a proximal section with smaller cross-section, a transition zone where the cross-section increases, and a distal section near the ramp with larger cross-section. The lateral walls are divided into a first portion (parallel to bottom wall) and a second portion (diverging), creating controlled flow segments that manage fluid spread without excessive complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lateral walls diverge from one another in the direction of the ramp, then the maximum spread of the fluid is controlled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution duct is designed with pre-calculated geometric parameters (flare angle, cross-sectional area progression) that prepare the fluid flow in advance before it reaches the ramp. The lateral walls diverge at a predetermined angle, and the cross-section increases progressively, so that the fluid arrives at the ramp with the optimal spread characteristics, reducing the need for high-precision adjustment during manufacturing.
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
This design maintains a consistent cleaning quality by limiting the angle of divergence of the flat jet, even under varying pressure and temperature conditions, ensuring effective cleaning of optical sensors.
Implementation Method 1
it is known practice to employ a spray nozzle with a ramp positioned in front of the outlet of the distribution duct, so as to deflect the flow of the fluid sharply towards the optical sensor that is to be cleaned. This sudden-deflection phenomenon causes the shape of the fluid to be changed into a divergent flat jet.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for spraying a fluid for arrangement on a body of a cleaning device of an optical detection system mounted on a motor vehicle is disclosed. The nozzle has an internal distribution duct which extends between a proximal end, for being fluidly connected to a fluid distribution channel arranged in the body, and a distal end forming a fluid outlet orifice, the distribution duct being defined at least by a back wall and two opposite lateral walls, the nozzle further comprising a ramp arranged on the path of the fluid at the outlet orifice. The lateral walls are arranged at the distal end of the distribution duct so as to be distanced from one another, the distribution duct flaring in the direction of the ramp.