SENSOR CLEANING DEVICE

Organization Name

HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Ki Hong Lee of Seoul (KR)

Nak Kyoung Kong of Seongnam (KR)

Jong Min Park of Seoul (KR)

SENSOR CLEANING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18078937 titled 'SENSOR CLEANING DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a sensor cleaning device and a method of controlling it. The device is designed to clean a sensor mounted on a vehicle. It consists of a housing with an opening, a movable protection member, and a cleaning member mounted around the opening. The method involves detecting contamination on the protection member, spraying washer fluid on it, and using a motor to wipe the protection member with the cleaning member.

The sensor cleaning device is specifically designed for cleaning sensors mounted on vehicles.
It includes a movable protection member that can be cleaned using a cleaning member.
The device is controlled by a controller that operates a motor and a nozzle for spraying washer fluid.
The method involves detecting contamination on the protection member, spraying washer fluid on it, and using the motor to wipe it clean.

Potential Applications

Automotive industry: The sensor cleaning device can be used in vehicles to ensure the proper functioning of sensors, such as environmental sensors.
Autonomous vehicles: With the increasing use of sensors in autonomous vehicles, this device can help maintain the accuracy and reliability of sensor data.
Industrial machinery: The sensor cleaning device can be adapted for use in various industrial applications where sensors are used.

Problems Solved

Contamination of sensors: The device addresses the issue of sensor contamination, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of sensor data.
Maintenance and cleaning: It provides a convenient and automated solution for cleaning sensors, reducing the need for manual cleaning and maintenance.

Benefits

Improved sensor performance: By keeping the sensors clean, the device ensures accurate and reliable data, leading to improved performance of the vehicle or machinery.
Time and cost savings: The automated cleaning process reduces the need for manual cleaning, saving time and labor costs.
Increased lifespan of sensors: Regular cleaning helps prolong the lifespan of sensors, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Original Abstract Submitted

Provided is a sensor cleaning device. The sensor cleaning device is configured to clean a sensor mounted on a vehicle. The sensor cleaning device includes a housing having an opening, a protection member movably disposed with respect to the opening, and a cleaning member mounted around the opening and disposed in close contact with the protection member. Also provided is a method of controlling a sensor cleaning device. The method is performed by a controller configured to control an operation of a motor and a nozzle of the sensor cleaning device. The method includes 1) detecting a first contamination of a protection member configured to protect an environmental sensor and disposed to be movable by the motor; 2) spraying a washer fluid to the protection member; 3) and driving the motor so that the protection member is wiped by a cleaning member disposed in contact with the protection member.