Pioneering a cleaner, smarter autonomous future
In the age of electric and self-driving vehicles, engineers are dedicated to crafting intelligent and secure rides, with valves serving a pivotal role in sensor cleaning.
Achieving a reliable, eco-friendly, compact, and cost-efficient cleaning system is the challenge. As autonomous vehicles, including cars and trucks, gear up for more extensive cleaning systems, the demand for efficient valve solutions becomes critical. Let's explore the evolving needs of autonomous vehicle cleaning.
The sensor cleaning challenge
Integrating valves into larger systems presents challenges that extend beyond technical complexities. It's a real-world puzzle involving optimizing cleaning solutions to minimize waste, enabling vehicles to cover significant distances on minimal cleaning media, and addressing pollution concerns, preventing residue from continuous spraying—both in the air and on the vehicle's surfaces.
As autonomous vehicles, including cars and trucks, gear up for more extensive cleaning systems, the demand for efficient and adaptable valve solutions becomes even more critical.
Introducing the smart stackable electromagnetic 2/2-way valve concept
Introducing our groundbreaking solution—a smart, stackable electromagnetic 2/2-way valve concept, capable of hosting up to six valves on a single manifold. At its core is a electromagnetic 2/2-way valve with optional ECU intelligence, complemented by a manifold and connector. This flexible design caters to OEMs and system designers, offering a seamless, ready-to-drop-in solution for sensor cleaning systems.
This concept evolved through collaboration with Tier 1 system designers for passenger cars and trucks who highlighted the need for flexibility and sustainability. The deliberate selection of the electromagnetic 2/2-way valve, with the capacity to handle pressures up to 5 bar, enables swift accumulation and release of pressure on demand, ensuring precise and controlled cleaning actions. In our stackable design, both air and water systems can seamlessly operate in parallel on a shared manifold.
Features that make the difference
The valve comes with a flexible EE interface that supports LIN or CAN protocols. It offers a cost-effective choice with the one-wire advantage of LIN or the versatility of CAN's two-wire bus. This aligns seamlessly with our platform development goals for the bare-metal platform to accommodate both configurations.
For cleaning systems featuring telescopic nozzles, our optional pressure relief valve is a valuable addition. It operates passively or actively, safeguarding against damage caused by excessive pressure. This feature is especially advantageous in scenarios like headlamp cleaning, where pressure regulates the extension and retraction of telescopic nozzles. Adjusting the pressure during closure ensures smoother operation, minimizing water splatter.
Further enhancing its capabilities, the concept features BLDC controllers that integrate sensorless position detection through software. This allows for precise determination of the valve status. Other benefits include anti-freeze capability for optimal winter operation, easy software updates via OBD, and an optimized PWM Slew Rate ensuring EMC compliance. The valve setup meets industry safety standards, with an IP65 and above rating.
Understanding the Collective Impact: Unveiling the Benefits
So, what's the cumulative impact of these features? Together with the thoughtfully crafted design, they translate into benefits that empower OEMs and system manufacturers to effortlessly develop cost-effective and sustainable systems.
Specifically, our concept delivers:
Flexibility and economy: The platform's adaptability stands out as it accommodates from one to six valves per manifold, providing unparalleled flexibility. Also, the ability to individually replace each valve when the ECU signals the end of its lifespan eliminates the need to replace the entire manifold.
Effortless installation and connectivity:With quick-connector compatibility for both hydraulic and pneumatic configurations, the system guarantees seamless integration and streamlined operation.
Sustainability all-round: The stacking concept allows for more compact integration, reduced weight, and fewer wires. And as the valves only become “active” when needed, ensuring more efficient power consumption.
Furthermore: Ensuring a quiet ride
In autonomous vehicles, where the absence of typical engine sounds amplifies, even small noises can become bothersome to passengers. In a quiet ride, even minor sounds, like those from the valves, can be irksome to passengers. Currently, we're exploring different avenues to reduce the switching noise generated by our valves for a quieter ride.
Driving autonomy forward
We’re excited to be at the forefront of driving autonomy forward. As OEMs navigate the decision between single valves and stacks, air or water, our solution offers them great flexibility.
The benefits are clear—flexibility and economy with easy replacement of individual valves, effortless installation and connectivity with quick-connector compatibility, and an all-round sustainability approach, minimizing waste and energy consumption.
This solution isn't merely for today's needs; it's a significant stride toward shaping the cleaner, smarter future of autonomous vehicle technology.
Discover our solutions for camera and sensor cleaning here
