Vehicle Sensor Cleaning via Adaptive Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of sensors in modern motor vehicles requires a resource-efficient cleaning method to maintain the functionality of driver assistance systems without the need for frequent refilling of cleaning resources, as excessive soiling can lead to system failures and increased resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning method utilizing an electronic control unit that controls a cleaning process based on a dependency table with multiple data sets, including environmental and vehicle-specific parameters, to optimize resource usage and determine the necessary cleaning strategy for maintaining sensor functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning resources are increased to maintain sensor functionality, then reliability of driver assistance systems is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying cleaning parameters (cleaning intensity, frequency, target selection) based on sensor soiling levels and environmental conditions. The electronic control unit adjusts cleaning resource consumption dynamically by changing operational parameters rather than using fixed cleaning cycles, thereby maintaining sensor functionality while optimizing resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system transitions from static, predetermined cleaning cycles to dynamic, adaptive cleaning operations. The electronic control unit continuously monitors sensor soiling levels and environmental conditions, adjusting cleaning strategies in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to apply cleaning resources only when and where needed, maintaining reliability while reducing overall consumption.
2Reliability
If cleaning frequency is increased to maintain sensor availability, then reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cleaning actions based on monitored soiling levels rather than fixed time intervals. The electronic control unit determines when cleaning is necessary by evaluating sensor availability and soiling conditions, triggering cleaning operations only when thresholds are exceeded. This conditional periodic action maintains sensor availability while avoiding unnecessary cleaning cycles that would waste resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system monitors its own operational needs through sensors that detect soiling levels on sensor surfaces. This self-monitoring capability allows the system to autonomously determine when cleaning is required, eliminating the need for predetermined cleaning schedules. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about when to consume cleaning resources, optimizing both availability and resource efficiency.
3Reliability
If comprehensive cleaning of all sensors is performed, then reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing cleaning resources to specific sensors or sensor regions based on their individual soiling levels and criticality to system functionality. Rather than uniformly cleaning all sensors, the electronic control unit identifies and prioritizes cleaning of sensors that are most soiled or most critical for current driving conditions, thereby maintaining overall system reliability while reducing total resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system segments the sensor array into individual cleaning targets, evaluating each sensor's soiling level and importance separately. This segmentation allows the electronic control unit to create customized cleaning strategies for different sensors, applying cleaning resources selectively to those that need it most while potentially skipping or reducing cleaning for sensors that are already clean or less critical, thus optimizing resource allocation across the system.
4Quantity of substance
If cleaning strategy is optimized based on environmental conditions, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions (precipitation, humidity, temperature) and sensor soiling levels. This feedback information is fed to the electronic control unit, which adjusts cleaning strategies in real-time. The feedback loop enables the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions, optimizing resource efficiency without requiring overly complex predetermined control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors sensor soiling levels, detects environmental conditions, determines cleaning priorities, and controls cleaning operations. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves sophisticated environmental-based cleaning optimization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The control unit acts as a multi-functional hub that coordinates all cleaning-related activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for indirectly deriving a systematic dependence for a system behavior of a cleaning system of a motor vehicle. The method relates to a system behavior of a cleaning process of a surface of the motor vehicle, for cleaning of at least one surface of the motor vehicle. The method relates to a resource efficient cleaning and/or a resource-saving cleaning. Moreover, the method relates to a cleaning method, a use of a systematic dependence, a cleaning system and a motor vehicle.