Washer Fluid Level Detection for Sensor Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle-mounted object detection sensors, such as LIDAR sensors, face operational impairments due to environmental conditions like dirt and dust, and existing cleaning systems may not be available or functional, affecting safe and efficient vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor and memory to determine the fluid level in a washer fluid container using fluid level sensor data and vehicle motion data, navigating the vehicle to a service center if the fluid level falls below a threshold, and using a filter to account for disturbances caused by vehicle motion, ensuring the cleaning system is operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor is mounted on the vehicle exterior to detect objects outside the vehicle, then the sensor can provide object detection capability, but the sensor becomes subject to environmental conditions such as dirt and dust that impair operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of washer fluid levels and proactively navigates to service centers before sensors become impaired. The fluid level sensor detects low fluid levels in advance, triggering navigation to a service center for refilling, preventing sensor impairment before it occurs.
2Reliability
If a cleaning system is provided to maintain sensor lenses and windshield, then sensor field of view is maintained, but the cleaning system may not be available or functional when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses washer fluid levels as an indicator of cleaning system operational status. When fluid levels are low, the system automatically navigates to a service center, enabling the cleaning system to service itself through external refilling rather than requiring complex self-cleaning mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the vehicle navigates to a service center when fluid level is below threshold, then the cleaning system is maintained, but vehicle operation time is reduced due to navigation interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors washer fluid levels using a fluid level sensor and provides feedback to the navigation system. When the fluid level falls below a threshold, the navigation system receives feedback and automatically routes the vehicle to a service center, creating a closed-loop system that maintains cleaning functionality through timely refilling.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to, upon determining that a first fluid level in a vehicle container is below a threshold based on fluid level sensor data, determine a second fluid level based on a fluid consumption signal and the fluid level sensor, and to navigate the vehicle based on the determined second fluid level.