Vehicle Sensor Cleaning via Roof Drainage Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with sensors on various parts, such as roofs, face challenges in effectively cleaning sensor lenses or covers due to dirt accumulation, which can disrupt sensor operation, especially under changing environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a roof mount with a drainage tray, sensor housing, and fluid sprayers directed at the sensors, where cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the sensors and collected in a drainage tray, allowing the fluid to flow through tubes away from the vehicle, preventing spillage and ensuring continuous sensor data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning fluid is sprayed onto sensor lenses to remove dirt, then sensor cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid may spill onto vehicle occupants or accumulate on the roof mount
Solution Approach 1:
A drainage tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor housing and the roof mount surface. This tray collects cleaning fluid as it flows down from the sensor housing, preventing direct contact with vehicle occupants or uncontrolled accumulation on the roof. The tray acts as a mediator that captures and redirects the fluid through designated drainage paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage tray extracts and removes the potentially harmful element (excess cleaning fluid) from the system before it can cause harm. By positioning the tray to receive and channel fluid away from the roof mount and vehicle occupants, the system proactively removes the harmful aspect of fluid spillage while preserving the beneficial cleaning function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a drainage tray is added to collect cleaning fluid, then fluid spillage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tray serves multiple functions within a single component: it collects excess cleaning fluid, channels it away from the roof mount, prevents fluid accumulation, and directs fluid through drainage tubes to safe exit points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby minimizing overall system complexity while effectively addressing fluid management requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tubes are used to move fluid away from the vehicle, then fluid containment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system utilizes flexible tubing to transport cleaning fluid from the drainage tray to designated exit points on the vehicle. These flexible tubes can be easily routed along existing vehicle structures and connected to the tray, providing effective fluid containment and redirection without requiring complex rigid piping systems or extensive manufacturing processes.
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 removes dirt from sensor lenses, maintaining sensor operation and data quality by using a drainage tray and tube system to manage cleaning fluid, preventing fluid from reaching occupants and ensuring uninterrupted data collection.
Implementation Method 1
The sprayed fluid moves along the drainage tray (e.g., via gravity) and away from the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a roof mount including a drainage tray, a sensor housing disposed on the roof mount, and a sensor supported by the sensor housing and a fluid spray directed toward the sensor. The sensor is disposed above the drainage tray.