CN117087612A - Assembly for sensor cleaning with solenoid - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an "assembly for sensor cleaning with a solenoid". An assembly includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube. The assembly includes a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position permitting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position inhibiting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube. The solenoid assembly has a spring urging the plunger toward the closed position. The assembly includes a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the open position. The pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the open position. The assembly includes a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the closed position. The pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the closed position.

Description

Assembly for sensor cleaning with solenoid

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a sensor cleaning assembly for a vehicle.

Background

Vehicles, such as autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, typically include a variety of sensors. Some sensors detect internal conditions of the vehicle, such as wheel speed, wheel orientation, and engine and transmission variables. Some sensors detect the position or orientation of the vehicle, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors; accelerometers, such as piezoelectric or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); gyroscopes, such as rate gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes, or fiber optic gyroscopes; an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU); a magnetometer. Some sensors detect the outside world, such as radar sensors, scanning laser rangefinders, light detection and ranging (lidar) devices, and image processing sensors such as cameras. Lidar devices detect distance to an object by issuing a laser pulse and measuring the time of flight of the pulse to the object and back. Some sensors are communication devices, such as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) devices. Sensor operation may be affected by obstructions (e.g., dust, snow, insects, etc.).

Disclosure of Invention

An assembly includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube. The assembly includes a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position permitting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position inhibiting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube. The solenoid assembly has a spring that urges the plunger toward the closed position. The assembly includes a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the open position. The pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the open position. The assembly includes a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the closed position. The pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the closed position.

The assembly may include a computer in communication with the second pressure sensor, the computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine whether the plunger is in the closed position based on data received from the second pressure sensor.

The instructions may include instructions for: a diagnostic code is stored in a memory in response to determining that the plunger is not in the closed position.

The assembly may include a valve seat between the plunger and the outlet tube.

The plunger in the closed position may abut the valve seat.

The second pressure sensor may be at the valve seat.

The assembly may include a fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the inlet tube.

The assembly may include a nozzle fluidly connected to the outlet tube.

The assembly may include a camera, the nozzle facing the camera.

The second pressure sensor may include a fiber optic line and define a cavity.

The second pressure sensor may include a diaphragm covering the cavity.

The second pressure sensor may comprise a piezoresistive pressure line.

The solenoid assembly may include an induction coil surrounding the plunger, the induction coil being actuatable to move the plunger to the open position.

A solenoid assembly includes a plunger movable between a first position and a second position. The solenoid assembly includes a spring that urges the plunger toward the second position. The solenoid assembly includes a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the first position. The solenoid assembly includes a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the second position. The pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the first position, and the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the second position.

The second pressure sensor may include a fiber optic line and define a cavity.

The width of the fiber optic line may be less than 0.025 inches.

The second pressure sensor may include a diaphragm covering the cavity.

The width of the second pressure sensor at the cavity may be less than 0.036 inches.

The second pressure sensor may comprise a piezoresistive pressure line.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having an assembly that controls cleaning fluid for sensors of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the components of the assembly.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the components of the assembly in a closed position and taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the components of the assembly in an open position and taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the components of the pressure sensor of the assembly.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of components of the vehicle and assembly.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 20 is shown having an assembly 22 that controls cleaning fluid, for example, for autonomous operation of the vehicle 20. The assembly 22 includes an inlet tube 24 and an outlet tube 26. The assembly 22 includes a solenoid assembly 28 having a plunger 30 movable between an open position permitting fluid flow from the inlet tube 24 to the outlet tube 26 and a closed position inhibiting fluid flow from the inlet tube 24 to the outlet tube 26. Solenoid assembly 28 has a spring 32 that urges plunger 30 toward the closed position. The assembly 22 includes a first pressure sensor 34 positioned to be compressed when the plunger 30 is moved toward the open position. The pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 34 indicates whether the plunger 30 is in the open position. The assembly 22 includes a second pressure sensor 36 positioned to be compressed when the plunger 30 is moved toward the closed position. The pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 indicates whether the plunger 30 is in the closed position.

Referring to fig. 1, the vehicle 20 may be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, cross-car, van, minivan, taxi, bus, or the like.

The vehicle 20 may be an autonomous vehicle. The computer 38 (as shown in fig. 6) may be programmed to operate the vehicle 20 completely or to a lesser extent independent of human driver intervention. The computer 38 may be programmed to operate propulsion, braking systems, steering, and/or other vehicle systems based at least in part on data received from the sensors 40. For the purposes of this disclosure, autonomous operation means that the computer 38 controls propulsion, braking systems, and steering without input from a human driver; semi-autonomous operation means that the computer 38 controls one or both of propulsion, braking system, and steering, while the human driver controls the remainder; and non-autonomous operation means that the human driver controls propulsion, braking systems and steering.

The vehicle 20 includes a body 42. The vehicle 20 may be of unitary construction, wherein the frame and body 42 of the vehicle 20 are a single component. Alternatively, the vehicle 20 may be a body-frame split configuration in which the frame supports a body 42, which is a separate component from the frame. The frame and body 42 may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.).

The body 42 includes a body panel that partially defines an exterior of the vehicle 20. The body panels may present a class a surface, such as a finished surface that is exposed to the line of sight of the customer and free of unsightly flaws and defects. The panel of the vehicle body 42 includes, for example, a roof 44 or the like.

The housing 46 for the sensor 40 may be attached to the vehicle 20, e.g., may be attached to one of the body panels of the vehicle 20, e.g., the roof 44. For example, the housing 46 may be shaped to be attachable to the roof 44, e.g., may have a shape that matches the contour of the roof 44. The housing 46 may be attached to the roof 44, which may provide an unobstructed view of the area surrounding the vehicle 20 for the sensor 40. The housing 46 may be formed of, for example, plastic or metal.

The sensors 40 may detect the position and/or orientation of the vehicle 20. For example, the sensor 40 may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor; accelerometers, such as piezoelectric or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); gyroscopes, such as rate gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes, or fiber optic gyroscopes; an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU); a magnetometer. The sensor 40 may detect objects and/or characteristics of the outside world, e.g., the surrounding environment of the vehicle 20, such as other vehicles, roadway lane markings, traffic lights and/or signs, pedestrians, etc. For example, the sensors 40 may include radar sensors, scanning laser rangefinders, light detection and ranging (lidar) devices, and image processing sensors (such as cameras). The sensor 40 may include a communication device, such as a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) or a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) device.

The sensor 40 is disposed within and/or mounted to the housing 46. For example, the sensor 40 may include a plurality of cameras disposed within the housing 46 and at least one lidar device mounted to the housing 46, as shown in fig. 1.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the assembly 22 may include a reservoir 48, a pump 50, a supply line 52, a manifold 54 (which includes an inlet tube 24 and one or more outlet tubes 26), and a nozzle 56. Reservoir 48, pump 50, manifold 54, and nozzle 56 are fluidly connected to one another (i.e., fluid may flow from one to the other) via supply line 52. The assembly 22 distributes the cleaning fluid stored in the reservoir 48 to the nozzles 56. "cleaning fluid" is any liquid stored in reservoir 48 for cleaning. The cleaning liquid may include solvents, detergents, diluents (such as water), and the like. Alternatively or additionally, assembly 22 may use compressed gas delivered to nozzle 56 through manifold 54 and supply line 52.

The reservoir 48 is a tank that may be filled with a liquid (e.g., a cleaning liquid for window cleaning). The reservoir 48 may be disposed in a front portion of the vehicle 20, specifically, in an engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment. Alternatively, the reservoir 48 may be disposed within the housing 46.

The pump 50 is capable of forcing the cleaning fluid through the supply line 52 and the manifold 54 to the nozzles 56 with sufficient pressure so that the cleaning fluid is ejected from the nozzles 56. The pump 50 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 48. The pump 50 may be attached to or disposed in the reservoir 48. The pump 50 is fluidly connected to the manifold 54, specifically, to the inlet tube 24 of the manifold 54, via one of the supply lines 52.

Manifold 54 includes inlet tube 24 and one or more outlet tubes 26, the number of which may vary. In the example shown in the drawings, the manifold 54 includes five outlet tubes 26. Manifold 54 may direct cleaning fluid entering inlet tube 24 to any combination of outlet tubes 26. Manifold 54 may be disposed within housing 46 and fixed relative thereto.

Manifold 54 receives fluid from reservoir 48 at inlet tube 24. For example, one of the supply lines 52 may extend from the pump 50 to the inlet tube 24 of the manifold 54. Manifold 54 provides fluid to one or more nozzles 56 via outlet tube 26. For example, the supply line 52 may extend from the outlet tube 26 of the manifold 54 to the nozzle 56. The supply line 52 may be, for example, a flexible tube.

Each of the nozzles 56 is fluidly connected to one of the outlet tubes 26 via one of the supply lines 52. Nozzle 56 may face a camera or other sensor 40 of assembly 22. In other words, the nozzle 56 is positioned to spray cleaning fluid to clear an obstacle from the field of view of the sensor 40, e.g., the nozzle 56 may be aimed at the sensor 40 or a window (not labeled) of the sensor 40. The cleaning fluid exiting nozzle 56 may remove or wash away obstructions that may interfere with the field of view of sensor 40.

Referring to fig. 2-4, solenoid assembly 28 controls fluid flow from one of inlet tube 24 to outlet tube 26 and nozzle 56 connected to the outlet tube. Solenoid assembly 28 includes a plunger 30. The plunger 30 is movable along the axis A1 between a closed position (shown in fig. 3) in which fluid flow from the inlet tube 24 to such outlet tube 26 is inhibited, and an open position (shown in fig. 4) in which fluid flow from the inlet tube 24 to one of the outlet tubes 26 is permitted. For example, the manifold 54 may include a valve seat 58 surrounding each of the outlet tubes 26. The plunger 30 in the open position may be spaced apart from a valve seat 58 surrounding one of the outlet tubes 26. Fluid may flow into such outlet tube 26 through the space between the plunger 30 and the valve seat 58. The plunger 30 in the closed position may abut a valve seat 58 surrounding one of the outlet tubes 26. The plunger 30 and/or the valve seat 58 may include a rubber coating or other sufficient structure that seals the plunger 30 to the valve seat 58 in the closed position, i.e., such that fluid flow therebetween is inhibited.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the spring 32 of the solenoid assembly 28 includes a plurality of coils. The spring 32 extends between the distal ends. For example, the spring 32 may be a conventional compression coil spring. One of the distal ends of the spring 32 may abut the plunger 30. The spring 32 may be in a compressed state to urge the plunger 30 toward the closed position. For example, the internal force from the spring 32 may urge the plunger 30 toward the valve seat 58.

Solenoid assembly 28 includes an induction coil 60 surrounding plunger 30. The induction coil 60 is actuatable to move the plunger 30 to the open position. The induction coil 60 includes a plurality of windings wound around the plunger 30. The induction coil 60 generates a magnetic field, for example, in response to current through the windings. The magnetic field may urge the plunger 30 toward the open position. For example, when no current is supplied to the windings, the force from the spring 32 may maintain the plunger 30 in the closed position. Upon application of current to the windings, the force from the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 60 may overcome the force of the spring 32 and move the plunger 30 to the open position.

The pressure sensors 34, 36 shown in fig. 3 to 6 detect the amount of pressure applied thereto. The pressure sensors 34, 36 may each output a voltage proportional to the pressure applied to the respective pressure. For example, the second pressure sensors 34, 36 may each include a piezoresistive pressure line. The piezoresistive pressure line may include a piezoresistive sensor element at a distal end of a radiopaque flexible line tip of the piezoresistive pressure line. As another example, and referring to fig. 5, the pressure sensors 34, 36 may each include an optical fiber line 62 and define a cavity 64 at a distal end of the optical fiber line 62. The width of the fiber optic strands 62 may be less than 0.025 inches. The width of the cavity 64 may be less than 0.036 inches. Such dimensions may enable the pressure sensors 34, 36 to be placed within the manifold 54 and/or the solenoid assembly 28. The diaphragm 66 may cover the cavity 64. The fiber optic line 62 may be provided with light from a light source 68, such as a light emitting diode or the like. The fiber optic line 62 may be connected to an optical sensor 70, such as a charge coupled device. Light from the light source 68 may travel through the fiber optic line 62 to the diaphragm 66. Light may travel from the diaphragm 66 to the optical sensor 70 through the fiber optic line 62. The amount of phase delay between light emission and subsequent detection may vary depending on the amount of deflection of the diaphragm 66 caused by the pressure applied to the diaphragm.

Returning to fig. 3 and 4, the first pressure sensor 34 is positioned to be compressed when the plunger 30 is moved toward the open position. For example, the first pressure sensor 34 may be supported above the plunger 30 by the solenoid assembly 28, i.e., such that the plunger 30 is located along the axis A1 between the first pressure sensor 34 and the valve seat 58 in both the open and closed positions. When actuated from the closed position to the open position, the plunger 30 moves toward the first pressure sensor 34.

The second pressure sensor 36 is positioned to be compressed when the plunger 30 is moved toward the closed position. For example, the second pressure sensor 36 may be supported at the valve seat 58 of the outlet tube 26, e.g., below the plunger 30 along the axis A1, i.e., between the plunger 30 and the valve seat 58 along the axis A1 in both the open and closed positions. When actuated from the open position to the closed position, the plunger 30 moves toward the second pressure sensor 36.

The pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 34 indicates whether the plunger 30 is in the open position. For example, the first pressure sensor 34 may detect the first predetermined amount of pressure when the plunger 30 is sufficiently spaced from the valve seat 58 such that fluid may freely flow through the outlet tube 26. The first predetermined amount of pressure may be stored in a memory of computer 38. The pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 indicates whether the plunger 30 is in the closed position. For example, the second pressure sensor 36 may detect a second predetermined amount of pressure when the plunger 30 abuts the valve seat 58 such that fluid flow through the outlet tube 26 is inhibited. The second predetermined amount of pressure may be stored in the memory of computer 38.

The assembly 22 may include a plurality of solenoid assemblies 28 that control fluid flow through the outlet tubes 26 of the manifold 54. The solenoid assemblies 28 may be fixed to the manifold 54, for example, one of the solenoid assemblies 28 may be at each of the outlet tubes 26. Each of the solenoid assemblies 28 may include a plunger 30, a spring 32, a first pressure sensor 34, and a second pressure sensor 36, for example as described herein. The first and second pressure sensors 34, 36 detect the pressure exerted by the plunger 30 of such solenoid assembly 28. One of the solenoid assemblies 28 may control fluid flow through one of the outlet tubes 26 to one of the nozzles 56, and another one of the solenoid assemblies 28 may control fluid flow through another one of the outlet tubes 26 to another one of the nozzles 56. For example, the solenoid assemblies 28 may independently block or open each of the respective outlet tubes 26 by moving a plunger 30 of the solenoid assemblies 28.

Referring to fig. 6, computer 38 is a microprocessor-based controller implemented via circuitry, chips, or other electronic components. The computer 38 includes a processor and memory such as are known. The memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the computer 38 for performing various operations, including operations as disclosed herein. The computer 38 may be programmed to perform the operations disclosed herein. In particular, the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to perform the operations disclosed herein, and electronically stores data and/or databases. For example, computer 38 may include one or more special purpose electronic circuits including an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) manufactured for a particular operation. In another example, computer 38 may include an FPGA (field programmable gate array), which is an integrated circuit manufactured to be configurable by a customer. As an example, digital and mixed signal systems such as FPGAs and ASICs are described using hardware description languages such as VHDL (very high speed integrated circuit hardware description language) in electronic design automation. For example, ASICs are manufactured based on VHDL programming provided prior to manufacture, and logic components within the FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming stored, for example, in a memory electrically connected to the FPGA circuitry. In some examples, the combination of processor, ASIC, and/or FPGA circuitry may be included within a chip package. The computers 38 may be a set of computers in communication with each other.

The computer 38 is typically arranged for communication over a communication network 72, which may include a bus in the vehicle 20, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or the like, and/or other wired and/or wireless mechanisms. Via the communication network 72, the computer 38 may transmit and/or receive messages (e.g., CAN messages) to and/or from various devices (e.g., the sensor 40, the induction coil 60 of the solenoid assembly 28, the first pressure sensor 34, the second pressure sensor 36, propulsion, braking systems, steering, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, where the computer 38 includes multiple devices, the communication network 72 may be used for communication between the devices represented in this disclosure as the computer 38.

The computer 38 is programmed (i.e., the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to perform the following operations) to actuate the plungers 30 of the respective solenoid assemblies 28, e.g., from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. The computer 38 may actuate the plunger 30 of one of the solenoid assemblies 28 to the open position by transmitting commands to such solenoid assemblies 28, for example, via the communication network 72. The command may, for example, provide a specified voltage to the induction coil 60 of the solenoid assembly 28 and generate a magnetic field that urges the plunger 30 away from the valve seat 58 with sufficient force to overcome the force applied to the plunger 30 by the spring 32. The computer 38 may actuate the plunger 30 to the closed position by transmitting commands to the solenoid assembly 28, for example, via the communication network 72. The command may, for example, stop providing a specified voltage to the induction coil 60 of the solenoid assembly 28, thereby allowing the force from the spring 32 to move the plunger 30 to the closed position abutting the valve seat 58. The computer 38 may independently and selectively actuate the solenoid assemblies 28, i.e., actuate one or more of the solenoid assemblies 28 without actuating the other solenoid assemblies. The computer 38 may independently and selectively actuate the solenoid assembly 28 to clean selected sensors 40, such as cameras, of the vehicle 20.

The computer 38 is programmed to determine whether the plunger 30 of each of the solenoid assemblies 28 is in the open position based on data received from the first pressure sensor 34 of such solenoid assemblies 28. The computer 38 may determine whether the plunger 30 is in the open position by comparing the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 34 to a first predetermined amount of pressure. When the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 34 is equal to (or greater than) the first predetermined amount of pressure, the computer 38 may determine that the plunger 30 is in the open position. When the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 34 is less than a first predetermined amount of pressure, the computer 38 may determine that the plunger 30 is not in the open position. The first predetermined amount may be stored in the memory and predetermined by empirical testing, for example, when the plunger 30 is known to be in an open position (e.g., when fluid pressure is supplied to the inlet tube 24 and fluid is free flowing from the corresponding outlet tube 26), the first predetermined amount may be equal to the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 34. The computer 38 may determine whether the plunger 30 of each of the solenoid assemblies 28 is in the open position based solely on data received from the first pressure sensor 34 of the respective solenoid assembly 28. After the computer 38 actuates the plunger 30 to the open position, such as after the computer 38 has commanded a specified voltage to be applied to the induction coil 60 of such solenoid assemblies 28, the computer 38 may determine whether the plunger 30 of one of the solenoid assemblies 28 is in the open position.

The computer 38 is programmed to store a diagnostic code in, for example, a memory upon determining that the plunger 30 of one of the solenoid assemblies 28 is not in the open position. The diagnostic code may include data specifying which particular solenoid assembly 28 includes the plunger 30 that is determined not to be in the open position. Additionally, and upon determining that the plunger 30 of one of the solenoid assemblies 28 is not in the open position, the computer 38 may transmit an error code to the server computer and/or transition the vehicle 20 from autonomous operation to non-autonomous operation.

The computer 38 is programmed to determine whether the plunger 30 is in the closed position based on data received from the second pressure sensor 36. The computer 38 may determine whether the plunger 30 is in the closed position by comparing the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 to a second predetermined amount of pressure. When the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 is equal to (or greater than) the second predetermined amount of pressure, the computer 38 may determine that the plunger 30 is in the closed position. The second predetermined amount of pressure may be predetermined by empirical testing. When the plunger 30 is known to be in the closed position (e.g., when fluid pressure is supplied to the inlet tube 24 and does not flow from the outlet tube 26 closed by the plunger 30), the second predetermined amount of pressure may be determined to be equal to the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36. The second predetermined amount of pressure may be stored in a memory. When the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 is less than a second predetermined amount of pressure, the computer 38 may determine that the plunger 30 is not in the closed position. For example, when the dirt or other debris inhibits the spring 32 from fully extending and moves the plunger 30 to the closed position, the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 may be less than the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 36 when the spring 32 is fully extending and the plunger 30 is in the closed position abutting the valve seat 58. The computer 38 may determine whether the plunger 30 of each of the solenoid assemblies 28 is in the closed position based solely on data received from the second pressure sensor 36 of the respective solenoid assembly 28. After the computer 38 actuates such plungers 30 to the closed position, such as after the computer 38 has stopped providing voltage to the induction coil 60 of such solenoid assemblies 28, the computer 38 may determine whether the plunger 30 of one of the solenoid assemblies 28 is in the closed position. The computer 38 may be programmed to store a diagnostic code or the like upon determining that the plunger 30 of one of the solenoid assemblies 28 is not in the closed position.

Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted by a computer program created using a variety of programming languages and/or techniques, including, but not limited to, java, alone or in combination ^TM C, C ++, visual Basic, java Script, perl, HTML, etc. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes the instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. Files in a networked device are typically a collection of data stored on a computer readable medium, such as a storage medium, random access memory, or the like.

Computer-readable media include any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, and so forth. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includes Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes a main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, a flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

The use of "responsive to", "based on" and "when determined.

The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

According to the present invention there is provided an assembly having: an inlet pipe; an outlet tube; and a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position permitting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position inhibiting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube; the solenoid assembly has a spring urging the plunger toward the closed position; a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the open position, the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicating whether the plunger is in the open position; and a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the closed position, the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicating whether the plunger is in the closed position.

According to an embodiment, the invention also features a computer in communication with the second pressure sensor, the computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine whether the plunger is in the closed position based on data received from the second pressure sensor.

According to an embodiment, the instructions include instructions for: a diagnostic code is stored in a memory in response to determining that the plunger is not in the closed position.

According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a valve seat between the plunger and the outlet tube.

According to an embodiment, the plunger in the closed position abuts the valve seat.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor is at the valve seat.

According to an embodiment, the invention further features a fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the inlet tube.

According to an embodiment, the invention also features a nozzle fluidly connected to the outlet tube.

According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a camera, the nozzle facing the camera.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor comprises a fiber optic line and defines a cavity.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor comprises a diaphragm covering the cavity.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor comprises a piezoresistive pressure line.

According to an embodiment, the solenoid assembly comprises an induction coil surrounding the plunger, the induction coil being actuatable to move the plunger to the open position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a solenoid assembly having: a plunger movable between a first position and a second position; a spring urging the plunger toward the second position; a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the first position; and a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the second position; and wherein the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the first position and the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the second position.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor comprises a fiber optic line and defines a cavity.

According to an embodiment, the optical fiber line has a width of less than 0.025 inches.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor comprises a diaphragm covering the cavity.

According to an embodiment, the width of the second pressure sensor at the cavity is less than 0.036 inches.

According to an embodiment, the second pressure sensor comprises a piezoresistive pressure line.

Claims (15)

1. An assembly, the assembly comprising:

an inlet pipe;

an outlet tube; and

a solenoid assembly having a plunger movable between an open position permitting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube and a closed position inhibiting fluid flow from the inlet tube to the outlet tube;

the solenoid assembly has a spring urging the plunger toward the closed position;

a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the open position, the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicating whether the plunger is in the open position; and

a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the closed position, the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicating whether the plunger is in the closed position.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a valve seat between the plunger and the outlet tube.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the plunger in the closed position abuts the valve seat.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the second pressure sensor is at the valve seat.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the inlet tube.

6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising a nozzle fluidly connected to the outlet tube.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the solenoid assembly includes an induction coil surrounding the plunger, the induction coil being actuatable to move the plunger to the open position.

8. The assembly of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a computer in communication with the second pressure sensor, the computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine whether the plunger is in the closed position based on data received from the second pressure sensor.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the instructions comprise instructions for: a diagnostic code is stored in a memory in response to determining that the plunger is not in the closed position.

10. A solenoid assembly, the solenoid assembly comprising:

a plunger movable between a first position and a second position;

a spring urging the plunger toward the second position;

a first pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the first position; and

a second pressure sensor positioned to be compressed when the plunger moves toward the second position; and is also provided with

Wherein the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the first position and the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor indicates whether the plunger is in the second position.

11. The solenoid assembly of claim 10, wherein the second pressure sensor comprises a fiber optic line and defines a cavity.

12. The solenoid assembly of claim 11 wherein the fiber optic line has a width of less than 0.025 inches.

13. The solenoid assembly of any of claims 11-12, wherein the second pressure sensor includes a diaphragm covering the cavity.

14. The solenoid assembly of claim 13, wherein a width of the second pressure sensor at the cavity is less than 0.036 inches.

15. The solenoid assembly of claim 10, wherein the second pressure sensor comprises a piezoresistive pressure line.