Vehicle Sensor Washing Control via Wash Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for washing sensors on vehicles are inefficient, leading to potential contamination and reduced accuracy, as they do not effectively manage the switching on and off of washing devices based on vehicle washing events and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and computing unit that detect when a vehicle has been washed, generating control signals to temporarily switch off the washing device, and restart or re-enable it based on predefined time periods or environmental risks, ensuring sensor cleanliness and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the washing device is continuously operated to ensure sensor cleanliness, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing device operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the washing device only when contamination is detected by the sensor or based on predefined time intervals, rather than maintaining continuous operation. This periodic activation maintains sensor cleanliness and accuracy while significantly reducing water consumption compared to continuous washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sensor itself to control the washing device. When the sensor detects contamination levels that affect measurement accuracy, it triggers the washing device to activate. This feedback mechanism ensures the washing device operates only when necessary to maintain sensor accuracy, avoiding unnecessary water consumption during clean periods.
2Loss of substance
If the washing device is switched off to save water, then water consumption decreases, but sensor contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of contamination conditions before the sensor is significantly contaminated. The control unit monitors environmental conditions and sensor status, activating the washing device in advance when contamination is detected, rather than waiting for the sensor to become dirty. This preliminary action maintains sensor reliability while avoiding excessive washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor essentially monitors its own contamination status and triggers its own cleaning when needed. The control unit uses feedback from the sensor's performance or dedicated contamination sensors to determine when washing is required, allowing the system to self-regulate between active washing and water-saving modes while maintaining sensor cleanliness.
3Loss of substance
If the washing device is activated based on detected vehicle wash events, then water consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses intermediary indicators to detect vehicle wash events indirectly. Rather than directly detecting the washing process, the control unit monitors changes in sensor output signals that occur during vehicle washing (such as changes in reflected light patterns or ultrasonic wave characteristics). These intermediary changes serve as reliable indicators that a vehicle wash has occurred, allowing the system to reduce sensor washing activation without requiring direct detection of the washing process.
4Measurement precision
If the washing device operates frequently to prevent contamination, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing device operates periodically based on detected contamination levels or time intervals rather than continuously. The control unit activates the washing device only when contamination is detected or after predefined intervals, maintaining sensor accuracy while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary frequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from contamination detection to control washing activation. When the sensor or monitoring system detects contamination levels that affect measurement accuracy, it triggers the washing device. This feedback-based control ensures the washing device operates only when necessary to maintain sensor accuracy, reducing energy consumption compared to frequent or continuous operation.
Data Source
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Figure 3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one washing device of at least one sensor arranged on an outer contour of a vehicle, in which method firstly an implemented vehicle-washing process of the outer contour of the vehicle is identified (140). Here, "sensors" mean e.g. distance sensors which detect the surroundings of a vehicle and are arranged for this purpose on the outer bodywork of the vehicle. An implemented vehicle-washing process leads to the externally attached sensors being cleaned as well and after a vehicle-washing process it can be accordingly assumed that said sensors are now free of soiling. According to the invention, first control signals for actuating the at least one washing device of the at least one sensor are generated (150) on the basis of an identified vehicle-washing process, which was carried out e.g. in a car wash.