Vehicle Light Sensor Lens Cleaning via Piezoelectric Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sensing devices for vehicles face challenges in effectively protecting the lens from environmental debris and moisture, leading to reduced image clarity and increased maintenance needs due to the accumulation of dirt, snow, and ice.
Innovation Solution
A light sensing device with a housing and gasket assembly that includes a piezoelectric device and fluid dispensing needles, which atomizes a cleaning fluid to minimize contact with the vehicle's exterior panel, ensuring the lens remains clear by using a combination of trickle and blow-off mechanisms to remove debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light sensing device is mounted on the vehicle exterior without protection, then the lens is exposed to environmental debris and moisture, but the lens becomes contaminated leading to reduced image clarity and increased maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
A clear braze shield is positioned between the lens and the external environment to protect the lens from debris and moisture while allowing light transmission. The shield acts as an intermediary barrier that blocks harmful particles while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is extracted from direct exposure to the external environment by mounting the light sensing device recessed in the vehicle body, with only the clear braze shield exposed. This separation removes the lens from the harmful external environment while maintaining its sensing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light sensing device is recessed in the vehicle body, then the lens is protected from direct exposure, but the housing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct components: a main housing body, a separate clear braze shield, and a gasket assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly while achieving comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible gasket assembly is used to seal between the housing and vehicle body, providing effective sealing while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and body panel variations. The flexible gasket simplifies the overall housing structure by eliminating the need for complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If fluid is dispensed to clean the lens, then debris is removed from the lens surface, but fluid may contact the vehicle exterior panel causing unwanted residue or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispensing system is segmented with separate dispensing locations positioned to target specific areas of the lens. This allows precise fluid application directly onto the lens surface while preventing fluid from reaching the exterior panel, enabling effective cleaning without harmful fluid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid is dispensed locally at specific locations on the lens surface rather than uniformly across the entire device. This localized fluid application ensures cleaning effectiveness where needed while minimizing the risk of fluid contact with the vehicle exterior panel.
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 solution effectively protects the light sensor lens from environmental elements, maintaining a clear image and reducing maintenance by using a modular design that minimizes fluid contact with the vehicle's exterior, ensuring reliable operation across various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric device is disposed inside the housing and is operably coupled with the lens cover... configured to provide a predetermined amount of power to the piezoelectric device to operate the piezoelectric device and to atomize most of the predetermined volume of fluid expelled from the first and second needles
Data Source
AI summary
A light sensing device for a vehicle. A housing defines a light sensor cavity and a lens cover. A light sensor is positioned in the light sensor cavity and is surrounded by a gasket assembly. A manifold is configured to receive and store a fluid. A first fluid dispensing assembly extends from the manifold through the gasket assembly. The first fluid dispensing assembly is juxtapositioned above the lens cover and is configured to trickle the fluid downwardly over the manifold at a predetermined flow rate. A second fluid dispensing assembly extends from the manifold through the gasket assembly. The second fluid dispensing assembly is juxtapositioned laterally adjacent to the lens cover and is configured to expel fluid that blows across the lens cover as the vehicle moves.