Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control Module with Driver Authorization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical detection systems in vehicles, such as cameras and LIDARs, face issues with cleaning operations being automatically triggered at inappropriate times, potentially leading to accidents or distractions, especially during high-speed driving or parking maneuvers, as existing systems lack driver authorization and situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control module that sends authorization messages to the driver for cleaning operations, allowing the driver to initiate cleaning only when safe, using detection means for foreign bodies, signaling within the passenger compartment, and monitoring driving parameters to ensure safe timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic cleaning is triggered based on sensor detection, then cleaning operations are performed when needed, but cleaning may occur at inappropriate times causing safety issues or distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The control module continuously monitors driving parameters (speed, gear position, steering angle) and uses this feedback to determine whether current conditions are appropriate for cleaning. The system only activates cleaning when the feedback indicates safe conditions, such as vehicle stopped or in park mode, thereby preventing harmful cleaning operations at inappropriate times
Solution Approach 2:
The control module performs preliminary checks of driving parameters before initiating cleaning operations. By evaluating speed, gear position, and steering angle in advance, the system ensures that cleaning only starts when pre-established safety conditions are met, preventing potential safety hazards before they can occur
2Productivity
If cleaning fluid is projected at high speed, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but liquid drops may enter driver's field of vision causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The control module applies preliminary anti-action by preventing cleaning operations from initiating when the vehicle is moving at speeds that would cause liquid drops to enter the driver's field of vision. By checking driving parameters before cleaning starts, the system blocks potentially harmful cleaning actions before they can create driver distraction hazards
3Reliability
If cleaning operations are performed frequently, then sensor cleanliness is maintained, but fluid consumption increases and may deplete shared reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The control module monitors sensor detection quality and uses this feedback to determine when cleaning is actually needed. By continuously assessing whether the sensor requires cleaning based on detection data, the system avoids unnecessary cleaning operations that would waste fluid, while still maintaining sensor optical quality when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of cleaning frequency based on actual sensor condition and driving conditions. Instead of fixed periodic cleaning, the adaptively adjusts cleaning frequency based on detected foreign bodies, environmental factors, and sensor quality metrics, reducing fluid consumption while maintaining necessary cleaning levels
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning a sensor (2) of an optical detection system for a motor vehicle, comprising a fluid distribution set (3) for distributing fluid onto said sensor under the control of operating instructions issued by a control module (6). According to the invention, the control module is configured to generate an information message (M1) about the need for the sensor to be cleaned and to receive a control instruction from a vehicle occupant authorizing the cleaning operation.