Sensor Cleaning

Overview:
An advanced sensor cleaning system for cars is designed to maintain the optimal functionality of
various sensors installed in modern vehicles. These sensors play a crucial role in ensuring safety,
efficiency, and overall performance. Here are some features and considerations for an advanced
sensor cleaning system:
1. Automated Cleaning Mechanism:
- Implement an automated cleaning mechanism that periodically cleans the sensors without
manual intervention. This can be scheduled based on time intervals or triggered by specific
conditions like environmental factors or sensor data deviations.

2. Sensor Type Compatibility:

- Consider the different types of sensors in a vehicle, including radar, lidar, ultrasonic, cameras,
and others. The cleaning system should be adaptable to clean various sensor types without
causing damage.

3. Gentle Cleaning Materials:

- Use materials that are gentle on sensor surfaces to avoid scratches or damage. Soft brushes,
air jets, or other non-abrasive methods can be employed to remove dirt, dust, and other
contaminants.

4. Dust and Water Resistance:

- Design the cleaning system to be dust and water-resistant to ensure its durability and
effectiveness in various weather conditions.

5. Smart Sensors for Detection:

- Integrate smart sensors that can detect the level of contamination on the sensor surfaces.
This data can be used to trigger the cleaning process when necessary, optimizing the system's
efficiency.
6. Environmental Considerations:
- Ensure that the cleaning system is environmentally friendly by using eco-friendly cleaning
agents and materials. Minimize waste and energy consumption in the cleaning process.
8. User-Friendly Interface:
- Provide a user-friendly interface for manual control and monitoring. This could be through a
dashboard display, mobile app, or other accessible means for the vehicle owner or maintenance
personnel.
9. Maintenance Alerts:
- Implement a system that provides maintenance alerts when the cleaning system requires
attention, such as low cleaning fluid levels or malfunctioning components.
10. Adaptive Technology:
- Incorporate adaptive technology that learns from the driving conditions and adjusts the
cleaning frequency or intensity accordingly. This ensures that the system remains effective in
various scenarios.
11. Modularity and Upgradability:
- Design the cleaning system in a modular way, allowing for easy upgrades or replacements of
components. This makes it easier to adapt the system to new sensor technologies and future
vehicle models.
12. Compliance with Regulations:
- Ensure that the cleaning system complies with relevant safety and regulatory standards to
guarantee its legality and reliability.

Implementing these features in an advanced sensor cleaning system for cars will contribute to
maintaining optimal sensor performance and, consequently, enhance the overall safety and
efficiency of the vehicle.

Several high-end and luxury vehicles, particularly those equipped with advanced driver
assistance systems (ADAS), may feature sensor cleaning technologies. Please note that the
availability of sensor cleaning tech can vary across different models, trims, and model years.
Here are a few examples of brands that are known for incorporating advanced technologies into
their vehicles:
1. Audi: Some Audi models, especially those with advanced driver assistance features, may have
sensor cleaning systems.
Audi's 2019 Q8 has a self-cleaning laser scanner. The laser scanner maintenance system is part
of Audi AG's efforts to improve cleaning systems for automotive optical sensors

2. BMW: BMW vehicles, particularly those with advanced safety and technology packages, may
include sensor cleaning technology.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series has advanced sensor cleaning technology. The sensors are integrated
into the grille behind a transparent surface, and the front of the grille has mechanisms to clean
and heat the sensors.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/ksjqH-aLUeY?si=HCHCLUrsbz--zuE1

Website: https://faq.bmw.com.au/s/article/BMW-X1-2022-Driver-assistance-systems-Reversing-Assist-
Camera-Cleaning-QS4kw and
https://www.bmw.co.za/content/dam/bmw/marketZA/bmw_co_za/Documents/brochures/bmw-7-i7-
Series-brochure.pdf.asset.1665491489396.pdf
3. Mercedes-Benz: High-end Mercedes-Benz models, especially those equipped with the latest
safety and driver assistance features, may have sensor cleaning systems.

Website:

https://www.valeo.com/en/sensor-and-camera-cleaning-system-for-cars/ and

https://www.valeo.com/en/valeos-lidar-technology-the-key-to-conditionally-automated-driving-part-of-
the-mercedes-benz-drive-pilot-sae-level-3-system/ and

https://odr.chalmers.se/server/api/core/bitstreams/4f75d802-1aeb-47f0-9299-ba00b23f9cf6/content

5. Volvo: Volvo is known for its commitment to safety, and some Volvo models equipped with
advanced safety features may have sensor cleaning systems. Volvo suggests it to clean it
manually.
https://www.volvocars.com/in/support/car/v40/article/099fc64e177bcd3fc0a801e800dab65a

6. Tesla: Tesla vehicles often come with advanced driver assistance features, and some models
may include sensor cleaning technology.

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/how-do-tesla-cameras-self-clean.105500/

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and the availability of sensor cleaning
technology can change with each model year and new releases. Always refer to the latest
information from the manufacturers or authorized dealers for the most accurate details on
specific vehicle features.

There isn’t much information about cars having a good integrated user friendly interface
sensor cleaning system where one could manage the pressure of the fluid.

Although a few third part companies may install such features. I have listed the following
product which might do the job.
 dlhBowles cleaning system

DLH Bowles' cleaning systems, their solutions generally focus on maintaining the functionality of
sensors in various environmental conditions.

DLH Bowles' cleaning systems for sensors are likely designed to address the
challenges posed by dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can accumulate on
sensors, affecting their performance. These systems may involve the use of
cleaning mechanisms such as sprays, brushes, or other technologies to keep
sensors clean and functioning optimally.
dlhBowles is a company that designs and manufactures fluidics and system
components for camera and sensor wash systems. They have been in business for
more than 50 years.
dlhBowles cleaning systems use a range of cleaning gear and hydrophobic coatings
for sensors. These include: Fluidic, Compressed-air, Ultrasonic, Aerodynamic.

Products : https://dlhbowles.com/solutions-services/camera-washer-system/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/c1PPSae_NBE?si=0dQ8BdBOxjNbrU7s time: 00:00 – 1:52
dlhblowes fluid control system this might help in changing the pressure of the fluid:
https://dlhbowles.com/solutions-services/camera-washer-system/cler-fluid-control-unit/
 Kautex
Kautex Allegro Premium Sensor Cleaning System

Youtube : https://youtu.be/-7nRkhWQMWE?si=7Ct2Vg4NMTEQ7YRy

Website : https://www.kautex.com/en/allegro-cleaning-systems
 Valeo
Youtube: https://youtu.be/kmQcu0sEKbY?si=-EZX220JXncK2Pq4
Lidar cleaning: https://youtu.be/ZDPX307vUnE?si=kuZrgdmMiM1ziEGm
 Continental Automotive

Website: https://www.continental-automotive.com/en/components/sensors/sensor-and-
camera-cleaning.html

Youtube: https://youtu.be/myWXMu5Cs3M?si=LZL9JIJBon5loOeZ

https://youtu.be/eMDSV80QW4o?si=eL_X9HxmjjYYOyI

Technologies underdevelopment
Vitesco Technologies: supplies three core components for the new sensor cleaning system and
ensures functional integration: A brushless and compact high-pressure pump with 2 to 7 bar
delivery pressure provides the cleaning water for the complete sensor equipment of a vehicle.

youtube : https://youtu.be/-Eo2Mhs9D9o?si=Dw6CBy_v4Zg5PoyA

Website: https://www.vitesco-technologies.com/en-us/solutions/beyond-powertrain/advanced-sensor-
cleaning-system

Röchling:
: https://www.roechling.com/automotive/products-solutions/propulsion/advanced-active-
cleaning-systems
Google patents: https://file.vogel.com.cn/2019/12/17/5df8a224d9ef9.pdf and https://g.co/kgs/WXm1tdj
Duke engineering:
In 2018, five Duke University mechanical engineering seniors collaborated with General Motors
(GM) to design a cleaning system for autonomous vehicle sensors.
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH-trtAepko

To control the pressure of the water one should integrate it with car infotainment system to control it
manually according to its need.

Hope this find your needs. If you have any query and want some more of that web search do
contact me.