Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Strategy for Extended Refill Intervals
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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 failure of safety functions 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 conditions and sensor availability, to optimize resource usage and extend the operational time of sensors by determining the necessary cleaning strategy and resource requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning resources are increased to maintain sensor functionality, then sensor availability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system dynamically adapts its behavior based on actual sensor availability and environmental conditions. The control unit continuously monitors sensor performance and adjusts cleaning resource consumption accordingly, transitioning between different cleaning strategies rather than using a fixed approach. This resolves the contradiction by making resource consumption dynamic rather than static, matching it to actual sensor availability needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on environmental conditions and sensor status. By varying cleaning intensity, frequency, and resource application based on measured parameters (sensor availability, environmental factors), the system optimizes the balance between maintaining sensor functionality and minimizing resource consumption, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If cleaning is performed frequently to maintain sensor functionality, then sensor availability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback about actual sensor availability and environmental conditions, then adjusts cleaning frequency and resource application accordingly. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary cleaning operations while ensuring sensor functionality is maintained, extending the operational time between refilling events while preserving sensor availability through condition-based cleaning decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessments of sensor availability and environmental conditions before initiating cleaning operations. By evaluating whether cleaning is actually needed based on current sensor status and environmental factors, the system avoids unnecessary cleaning cycles, thereby extending operational time without refilling while maintaining sensor availability only when necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If environmental conditions are considered in cleaning decisions, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors sensor availability, evaluates environmental conditions, determines cleaning needs, and executes cleaning operations. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated systems for each function, the patent improves resource efficiency through environmental consideration while minimizing the increase in system complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a diagnosing method, a method for selecting a resolution strategy, a use of a resolution strategy, a cleaning method, a cleaning system and a motor vehicle.