Windshield Washer Nozzles for Camera Imaging Area Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield washer systems fail to provide sufficient washer fluid to the area in front of imaging devices, such as stereo camera assemblies, located on the interior side of the front windshield, leading to ineffective cleaning and potential issues with the outside recognition apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A windshield washer system featuring a combination of a first nozzle for diffusing washer fluid over a wide area and a second nozzle with a narrower spray pattern specifically targeting the imaging area, which is strategically positioned to ensure effective cleaning of the imaging device, including a jet nozzle located at the upstream side of the air flow and secured to the vehicle body or wiper arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single nozzle diffuses washer fluid over the entire windshield surface, then the coverage area is maximized, but the washer fluid supply to the imaging area becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield washer system is divided into multiple nozzles with distinct functions: a first nozzle for general windshield cleaning and a second nozzle specifically for the imaging area. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific target area, ensuring sufficient washer fluid supply to the imaging area without compromising overall coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The second nozzle is designed with a narrower spray pattern specifically tailored to target the imaging area located at the upper central portion of the windshield. This local quality approach ensures concentrated washer fluid delivery to the critical imaging area where external recognition apparatus is mounted, while the first nozzle handles the broader windshield surface
2Device complexity
If the second nozzle is positioned far from the imaging area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness of the imaging area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second nozzle is positioned at an upstream location relative to the imaging area in the air flow direction, utilizing the third dimension (air flow direction) to achieve effective cleaning. This positioning allows the washer fluid to be carried by the air flow generated during vehicle movement, ensuring the imaging area receives adequate washer fluid without requiring the nozzle to be physically adjacent to it
3Area of stationary object
If the spray pattern of the second nozzle is wide, then the coverage area is increased, but the precision of targeting the imaging area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second nozzle is designed with a narrower spray pattern specifically matched to the dimensions and location of the imaging area. This localized spray pattern ensures precise targeting of the imaging area while avoiding unnecessary spray to surrounding areas, optimizing washer fluid utilization for the critical cleaning function
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 cleans the imaging area by ensuring sufficient washer fluid supply, even for passenger-side cameras, enhancing the performance of the outside recognition apparatus and maintaining the functionality of the imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
a washer fluid supplier for supplying the washer fluid to the washer nozzles by pressurizing the washer fluid
Implementation Method 2
the washer fluid injected from the second nozzle is carried together with an air flow when the vehicle is moving
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a windshield washer system. The windshield washer system includes: washer nozzles for injecting washer fluid onto a top portion of a windshield, in which an imaging area is included in a field of view of an imaging device that is located in a vehicle cabin; and a washer fluid supplier for supplying the washer fluid to the washer nozzles by pressurizing the washer fluid. The washer nozzles include a first nozzle having a spray pattern covering an area other than the imaging area and a second nozzle having a spray pattern covering the imaging area. The spray pattern of the second nozzle is narrower than the spray pattern of the first nozzle.