Vehicle Sensor Cleaning via Pneumatic Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cleaning vehicle-mounted sensors are complex, noisy, expensive, and bulky, making them unsuitable for automotive use, and they require waiting for evaporated wash water to clear before using parking assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A system using a lightweight, low-noise air pump with a variable volume compression chamber and a liquid pump to generate pressurized air below 10 bar, combined with a control unit for coordinated air and liquid flow to efficiently remove dirt and water from sensor surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motor driven air pumps are used to generate pressurized air for cleaning, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the device complexity, noise, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven air pumps with a pneumatic compression system using compressed air storage tanks and pressure regulators. This substitution eliminates motors and complex mechanical drive systems, reducing device complexity, noise, cost, and weight while maintaining the ability to generate sufficient pressurized air for effective sensor surface cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing compressed air storage tanks, pressure regulators, and pneumatic actuators to control the cleaning process. The system uses stored compressed air to power air nozzles for drying and air blades for removing wash water, eliminating the need for motor-driven air generation while maintaining effective cleaning capability
2Speed
If high-pressure air is used to remove wash water quickly, then the drying speed is improved, but the risk of damaging the sensor surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure regulation mechanisms that dynamically adjust air pressure based on the cleaning stage. During the drying phase, pressure is controlled to be sufficient for rapid evaporation and water removal but limited to prevent damage to sensitive sensor surfaces. The system uses multiple pressure levels: higher pressure for initial drying and lower pressure for final surface protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control of air flow parameters through programmable logic controllers that adjust pressure, flow rate, and nozzle positioning based on real-time cleaning requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize drying speed while preventing surface damage by reducing pressure when approaching the cleaning completion stage
3Productivity
If a comprehensive cleaning system with multiple components is used, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional cleaning system where a single integrated unit performs washing, drying, and water removal functions. The system uses a combination of liquid spray nozzles for washing, air nozzles for drying, and air blades for water removal, all controlled by a centralized system. This universal design consolidates multiple cleaning functions into one system, improving effectiveness while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the washing and drying functions into a single coordinated process. The system combines liquid delivery mechanisms with pneumatic air systems in one integrated unit, sharing common control electronics, fluid management systems, and structural components. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate washing and drying systems while maintaining comprehensive cleaning effectiveness
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 provides quick and effective cleaning with reduced components and washing fluid consumption, ensuring clear signals without the need for extensive drying time, and can be used for multiple vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump comprising a fluid inlet, an air outlet, an air-fluid interface and a variable volume compression chamber communicated with the air outlet; an air flow control device communicated with the air nozzle and the air outlet for controlling the flow of air therethrough; and a liquid pump communicated with the fluid inlet to supply a flow of pressurized liquid such that the volume of the compression chamber varies to generate a volume of pressurized air with an absolute pressure value below 10 bar
Implementation Method 2
a liquid pump communicated with the fluid inlet to supply a flow of pressurized liquid such that the volume of the compression chamber varies
Implementation Method 3
an air nozzle arranged to discharge air onto a sensor surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the invention refers to a system for cleaning an external vehicle-mounted sensor surface. The system comprises an air nozzle arranged to discharge air onto a sensor surface; an air pump comprising a fluid inlet, an air outlet, an air-fluid interface and a variable volume compression chamber communicated with the air outlet; an air flow control device communicated with the air nozzle and the air outlet for controlling the flow of air therethrough; and a liquid pump communicated with the fluid inlet to supply a flow of pressurized liquid such that the volume of the compression chamber varies to generate a volume of pressurized air with an absolute pressure below 10 bar.