Two-Piece Nozzle System for Sensor Window Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensor systems, especially optical sensors, face functional impairment due to contamination from rain, snow, insects, dust, and ice, which affects their performance and reliability in harsh environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece nozzle system is designed to generate a first fluid flow that deflects contaminants parallel to the sensor window and a second fluid flow that can be directed onto the window for cleaning, using air or water, with adjustable intensity and direction to maintain sensor functionality under adverse conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed nozzle system is used to protect the sensor window, then the sensor window is protected from contamination, but the system lacks adaptability to different contamination conditions and cleaning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor window protectionVSAvoidnozzle position adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle system is divided into a first nozzle piece fixedly situated with respect to the sensor window and a second nozzle piece configured to assume different positions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a stable base structure while providing adaptive cleaning capability through the movable second nozzle piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second piece of the two-piece nozzle system is configured to assume different positions with respect to the first piece, enabling dynamic adjustment of the nozzle system. This allows the fluid flow direction and intensity to be adapted based on contamination conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed protection and adaptive cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single fluid flow is used for both deflection and cleaning, then the system is simpler, but the intensity and direction cannot be optimized for different functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle system structureVSAvoidfluid flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle system is segmented into two functional pieces: the first nozzle piece generates a first fluid flow for deflecting contaminants in parallel to the sensor window, while the second nozzle piece generates a second fluid flow for direct cleaning. This functional segmentation allows independent optimization of each fluid flow's intensity and direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the nozzle system are assigned different functional qualities: the first nozzle piece is optimized for deflection with lower intensity fluid flow, while the second nozzle piece is optimized for cleaning with higher intensity fluid flow. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between system simplicity and functional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the sensor elements can vary their position behind the sensor window, then contamination impact is reduced, but the protective effect of the sensor window is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidcontaminant impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of allowing sensor elements to move behind the sensor window, the invention applies preliminary anti-action by using fluid flows to prevent contaminants from reaching the sensor window in the first place. The first fluid flow deflects contaminants parallel to the surface, while the second fluid flow cleans the window, maintaining both protective effect and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 effectively protects sensor windows by deflecting and cleaning contaminants, ensuring the continued usability of sensor systems in rain, snow, dust, and ice conditions, enhancing their operational readiness and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

direct a predominant portion of the first fluid flow in parallel to the sensor window... slight or small objects such as rain, snow, insects, dust, or ice may be deflected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow deflection: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

direct a predominant portion of the second fluid flow in the direction onto the sensor window... a cleaning effect may be additionally achieved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray cleaning: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS11724267B2Device for protecting a sensor window

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A device is described for protecting a sensor window. The device includes a two-piece nozzle system and is configured for generating a first and a second fluid flow,a first piece of the two-piece nozzle system being fixedly situated with respect to the sensor window, anda second piece of the two-piece nozzle system being configured for assuming different positions with respect to the first piece of the two-piece nozzle system, and the two-piece nozzle system being aligned with respect to the sensor window to direct a predominant portion of the first fluid flow in parallel to the sensor window and to direct a predominant portion of the second fluid flow in the direction onto the sensor window.