Rotating Washer Fluid Conduit for Sensor Nozzle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer fluid distribution systems for vehicles fail to effectively distribute washer fluid to various external devices such as cameras, LiDAR, and RADAR, leading to instability in autonomous driving due to contamination, as they lack precise control over nozzle positioning and failure detection.
Innovation Solution
A washer fluid distribution device with a transfer conduit and nozzle units, controlled by a step motor and controller, which rotates discharge holes to corresponding nozzle positions and measures current values to detect position and restriction failures, enabling precise fluid distribution and failure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional washer pump system is used to supply washer fluid to the front or rear windshield, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot effectively distribute washer fluid to various external devices such as cameras, LiDAR, and RADAR
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the washer fluid distribution into multiple nozzle units (first nozzle unit for front windshield, second nozzle unit for rear windshield, third nozzle unit for external devices) that can be selectively activated. The transfer conduit is segmented with multiple discharge holes positioned at different angles to correspond to different nozzle units, enabling targeted fluid delivery to specific locations based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer pump system is designed to serve multiple functions by supplying washer fluid to different locations (front windshield, rear windshield, and external devices like cameras and sensors) through a single integrated system. The transfer conduit with rotatable discharge holes enables one system to perform multiple distribution tasks that would otherwise require separate systems.
2Measurement precision
If the transfer conduit is rotated to position discharge holes corresponding to different nozzle units, then precise washer fluid distribution is achieved, but position detection accuracy is insufficient without additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the operational state of the washer pump motor and step motor to determine the position of the transfer conduit. By measuring current values and operational parameters of these motors, the system infers the rotational position of the transfer conduit and identifies when discharge holes are properly aligned with specific nozzle units, eliminating the need for separate position sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own motor current measurements to self-determine the position of the transfer conduit. The controller leverages the electrical characteristics of the washer pump motor and step motor during operation to automatically detect conduit positioning, making the system self-diagnostic without requiring external sensing components.
3Reliability
If the system monitors motor current values to detect failures, then failure detection capability is improved, but the ability to distinguish between position failure and restriction failure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors current values from both the washer pump motor and step motor to detect failure conditions. By analyzing the pattern and magnitude of current changes during transfer conduit rotation and washer fluid delivery, the system can distinguish between position failures (where the conduit does not rotate to the correct position) and restriction failures (where fluid flow is blocked), enabling targeted diagnostic responses.
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 ensures effective washer fluid distribution to external devices, maintaining vehicle stability by accurately positioning discharge holes and detecting failures without additional sensors, thus enhancing autonomous driving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a step motor configured to apply a driving force to the transfer conduit
Implementation Method 2
a washer pump motor configured to move the washer fluid to the nozzle unit
Data Source
AI summary
A washer fluid distribution device includes a plurality of nozzle units formed consecutively, a transfer conduit configured to pass through the plurality of nozzle units and having one end fluidly connected to an introduction part, the introduction part located at one end of the transfer conduit and configured to allow a washer fluid to be introduced from a washer pump, a plurality of discharge holes configured to correspond to the number of the nozzle units in the transfer conduit and having different angles based on a center of the transfer conduit, and a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the transfer conduit to allow the discharge holes to correspond to the nozzle units in response to a user's request.