Integrated Storage Cavity Reservoir for Sensor Cleaning Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
In self-driving vehicles, the risk of pollutants affecting sensor systems' operational safety is heightened due to the limited capacity of conventional fluid storage for cleaning fluids, which can lead to malfunctions and accidents if not replenished promptly.
Innovation Solution
A storage space assembly with an integrated or attached fluid reservoir, such as a water tank, within the existing storage cavity, providing a larger volume for cleaning agents without requiring additional installation space, utilizing manufacturing techniques like blow molding and ultrasonic welding, and materials like HDPE, to ensure sufficient fluid supply for sensors and cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fluid storage is used, then installation space is saved, but cleaning fluid capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid reservoir is integrated into the storage cavity structure, with the reservoir forming part of the storage cavity's wall structure. The reservoir is arranged between the inner wall and outer wall of the storage cavity, effectively nesting the fluid storage function within the existing storage space framework without requiring additional installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the wall thickness dimension of the storage cavity by forming the fluid reservoir between the inner wall and outer wall. This transforms the traditional volume-based storage approach into a multi-dimensional solution that exploits the vertical wall space, thereby increasing fluid capacity without increasing the external footprint of the storage assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If fluid reservoir is integrated into storage cavity, then cleaning fluid capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage cavity and fluid reservoir are designed as an integrated unit, where the reservoir forms part of the storage cavity's wall structure. This merging of functions allows both components to be manufactured as a single piece using blow molding or injection molding processes, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage cavity structure serves dual functions: providing storage space for items and simultaneously housing the fluid reservoir for cleaning agents. This multi-functionality is achieved by designing the wall structure to contain both the storage compartment and the integrated reservoir, reducing the overall component count and simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage space assembly having a storage cavity having a space for receiving items to be stored, and a self-driving vehicle including such a storage space assembly. The storage space assembly further has at least one fluid reservoir, in particular a water tank, attached to the storage cavity or integrated into the storage cavity.