Stowable Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Nozzle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle exterior cleaning methods, including automated car washes, may not effectively clean vehicle sensors such as LIDAR devices, leading to debris accumulation and reduced performance in autonomous driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system with a fluid-dispensing nozzle and a driving member that moves the nozzle between stowed and deployed positions, utilizing a computer-controlled pump system to deliver fluid arcs for effective debris removal from the sensor surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated car wash machines with nozzles and brushes are used to clean the vehicle exterior, then the vehicle body is effectively cleaned, but the sensors remain contaminated and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple independent components: a first nozzle for dispensing cleaning fluid, a second nozzle for dispensing air, and a driving member for moving the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the first nozzle applies liquid cleaner directly to the sensor, while the second nozzle removes debris with air flow, together solving the problem of sensor contamination that single-component systems cannot address
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning assembly positioned between the vehicle exterior and the sensor. This assembly includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluid and air as intermediary substances to remove debris from the sensor surface. The cleaning assembly acts as a mediator that protects the sensor from direct contact with contaminants while maintaining sensor performance, resolving the contradiction between external cleaning needs and sensor protection
2Reliability
If the nozzle is always deployed to clean the sensor, then the sensor remains clean, but the device complexity and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics through the driving member that moves the assembly between deployed and retracted positions. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions - deploying the cleaning nozzles only when sensor cleaning is needed, and retracting them during normal operation. This resolves the contradiction by providing sensor protection when needed while minimizing system complexity and exposure to damage during non-cleaning periods
Solution Approach 2:
The driving member is configured to move the cleaning assembly to a deployed position before the cleaning operation begins, and to a retracted position after cleaning is complete. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the nozzles are in the correct position to effectively clean the sensor before the cleaning fluid and air are dispensed, while also ensuring the assembly is protected during transport and storage, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and system protection
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 ensures the sensors remain clean, maintaining optimal performance in autonomous driving modes by effectively removing debris and preventing damage from accumulated dirt and contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor cleaning system with a fluid-dispensing nozzle and a driving member that moves the nozzle between stowed and deployed positions, utilizing a computer-controlled pump system to deliver fluid arcs for effective debris removal from the sensor surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cleaning system for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly may include a fluid-dispensing nozzle for a vehicle sensor, a housing within a body of a vehicle, and a driving member which can move the nozzle between a stowed position within the housing and a deployed position.