Ultrasonic Vent Patch Cleaning for Vehicle Condensation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle components with vent patches, such as lamp assemblies, experience contaminant buildup that impairs air circulation and condensation management due to exposure to environmental elements, leading to reduced illumination performance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an ultrasonic device, such as a piezoelectric transducer, to induce vibration of the vent patch for cleaning and removing contaminants, controlled by a sensor system and controller to maintain airflow and reduce condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent patch is used for air circulation and condensation management, then moisture and condensation control is improved, but contaminant buildup impairs performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the vent patch surface to mechanically dislodge and remove contaminants. The ultrasonic device generates high-frequency vibrations that create mechanical stress on contaminant particles, causing them to detach from the vent patch surface without damaging the underlying structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cleaning methods with an automated ultrasonic cleaning system. The ultrasonic device provides continuous or periodic automated cleaning, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent maintenance of vent patch performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vent patch is cleaned manually, then contaminant removal is achieved, but labor time and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vent patch system incorporates self-cleaning capability through the integrated ultrasonic device. The system automatically detects when cleaning is needed and performs cleaning operations without external intervention, enabling the component to maintain itself during normal operation or idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic cleaning device performs preventive cleaning before contaminants can significantly impair vent patch function. By continuously or periodically removing contaminants early in the accumulation process, the system prevents performance degradation rather than remedying it after damage occurs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ultrasonic device is mounted directly to the vent patch, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic cleaning device is designed to be adaptable to multiple mounting locations and vent patch configurations. The device can function effectively whether mounted directly to the vent patch, to the housing surrounding the vent patch, or to an intermediate structure, providing universal applicability across different vehicle component designs.
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 maintains vent patch cleanliness, ensuring proper airflow and reducing condensation, thereby preserving the functionality of vehicle components like lamp assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic device arranged to induce vibration for cleaning the vent patch
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic device is an piezoelectric transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Vent patch systems are provided for motor vehicles. The vent patch systems may be configured for ultrasonically cleaning a vent patch of a vehicle component, thereby preserving/restoring air circulation through the vehicle component and reducing condensation build-up. An exemplary vent patch system may include a vent patch and an ultrasonic device. The ultrasonic device can be controlled to induce movement (e.g., vibration) of the vent patch in order to remove dirt and other debris that could otherwise inhibit proper air circulation through the vehicle component.