Deflection system and method to interfere with precipitation and dust settling of vehicle sensors

Abstract

A rainfall protection device, and / or a method of making and / or using the protection device, is provided. A protection device in an embodiment includes a function to prevent precipitation from accumulating above the imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the protection device comprises a base, and the base enables the protection device to be installed on the imaging sensor. The shield may be defined by two end walls and two side walls disposed about a central opening of the shield. During operation, the central opening is aligned with the window of the imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the end wall may have a surface configured to control airflow through the guard to create a vortex flow over the central opening of the guard. In an embodiment, eddy current created above the central opening may deviate precipitation from the central opening and may prevent precipitation from accumulating above the window of the imaging sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to physical guards and, more particularly, to devices configured to control airflow over a sensor to protect the sensor from precipitation. Background Art

[0002] Imaging sensing technology brings remarkable capabilities to a variety of technology areas. One specific technology area that has benefited greatly from imaging sensing technology includes object mapping, where imaging sensing technology is used to map the geometry of an object. An example application of object mapping includes measuring the geometry of a railroad asset. In this application, an imaging sensor is used to measure, detect, or otherwise map the geometry of a railroad asset, such as any component of a railroad track, which may include the alignment of the track component (e.g., the vertical, lateral, and horizontal position of the track component), the gauge of the railroad track, the size of the railroad track, the wear of the railroad track, the inclination of the railroad track, and / or any other measurement of the geometry and / or shape of the railroad track asset. This geometric mapping data can be used to determine the condition and / or status of the railroad track asset and can be used to determine whether the railroad track asset requires maintenance, repair, replacement, calibration, etc.

[0003] However, current imaging sensors used to geometrically map railroad assets may be affected by weather conditions. In particular, railroad asset mapping may be conducted in environments with very inclement weather and at very high speeds (e.g., speeds up to, and sometimes exceeding, 70 miles per hour). As a result, current imaging sensors may be susceptible to the gradual accumulation of precipitation (e.g., snow, rain, dirt, and / or other particles) in the windows of the imaging sensors, which may obscure or otherwise affect the field of view of the imaging sensors. For example, some imaging sensors may include a laser and a camera, wherein a laser beam may scan a target object (e.g., an object being mapped) and the camera may capture reflections of the scanned laser beam. Images captured by the camera based on reflections of the laser beam may be processed to determine various geometric measurements of the target object. However, when precipitation accumulates on the laser window, the laser, which is a source of coherent visible light, may be obscured and may not be able to map the target object. Similarly, when precipitation accumulates above the camera window, the camera may not be able to capture an image of the laser beam reflecting off the target object. Thus, precipitation may prevent the imaging sensor from operating effectively.

[0004] Some solutions have been proposed to prevent precipitation from accumulating on the window of the imaging sensor. Some solutions propose to install a housing over the imaging sensor. However, the sensor in this solution is bulky, requires more space, is expensive (because it encapsulates the entire imaging sensor), and requires more maintenance. Therefore, this solution is not ideal. Another solution that has been proposed involves mounting a plate above the imaging sensor and opening a window in the plate through which the camera can "see". However, this solution is not very effective because it does not significantly prevent the accumulation of rain water. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure achieves technical advantages of precipitation guards and / or methods of making and / or using precipitation guards, including the function of preventing precipitation and dust accumulation on an imaging sensor. In certain embodiments, the precipitation guard may include a base and a shield. The shield may be defined by two end walls and two side walls mounted around a central opening of the shield. In embodiments, the base may be configured to enable the precipitation guard to be mounted to the imaging sensor, with the central opening of the precipitation guard aligned with a window of the imaging sensor. In embodiments, the base may include at least one mounting tab configured to facilitate mounting of a fastening mechanism to the shield to secure the shield to the imaging sensor. In embodiments, at least one end wall of the shield may have a surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex above the central opening of the precipitation guard. For example, the surface of at least one end wall of the shield may have an upward slope relative to the airflow above the precipitation guard. The upwardly inclined surface of at least one end wall of the shield can cause air flowing over the upwardly inclined surface to flow faster than air flowing over the precipitation guard, thereby generating a vortex over the central opening of the precipitation guard. In an embodiment, the vortex generated over the central opening of the precipitation guard can deflect precipitation away from the central opening and can prevent precipitation from accumulating over the window of the imaging sensor.

[0006] In an embodiment, the precipitation shield may be configured to receive air injected from an air injection system at a central opening of the precipitation shield to enhance the vortex generated at the central opening of the precipitation shield. The enhancement of the vortex strengthens or increases the deflection pressure or force of the vortex on precipitation, further improving the function of the precipitation shield to prevent precipitation from accumulating above the imaging sensor window.

[0007] Therefore, the precipitation protection device implemented according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent the accumulation of obstacles on the imaging sensor window and allow the imaging sensor to perform efficient and effective geometric mapping operations without being disturbed by precipitation on the imaging sensor's field of view.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a precipitation shield having a function of preventing precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of manufacturing a precipitation shield configured to prevent precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor. Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of using a precipitation shield to prevent precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor.

[0009] In a specific embodiment, a precipitation guard is provided. The precipitation guard includes a shield defined by two end walls and two side walls mounted around a central opening of the precipitation guard, and a base configured to support the shield and facilitate mounting of the precipitation guard to an imaging sensor such that the central opening of the precipitation guard is aligned with a window of the imaging sensor. In embodiments, at least one of the end walls may have a surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex over the central opening of the precipitation guard. In embodiments, the vortex may deflect precipitation away from the central opening of the precipitation guard and may prevent precipitation from accumulating on the window of the imaging sensor.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a precipitation guard is provided. The method includes: arranging two end walls and two side walls around a central opening of the precipitation guard to define a shield, and forming a base having at least one mounting element. In embodiments, the at least one mounting element can be configured to enable the shield to be mounted to an imaging sensor such that the central opening of the precipitation guard is aligned with a window of the imaging sensor. The method also includes configuring a surface of at least one end wall to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex over the central opening of the precipitation guard. In embodiments, the vortex can deflect precipitation away from the central opening of the precipitation guard and can prevent precipitation from accumulating on the window of the imaging sensor.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a method of preventing precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor is provided. The method includes mounting a precipitation guard to the imaging sensor. In an embodiment, a shield of the precipitation guard may be defined by two end walls and two side walls mounted around a central opening of the precipitation guard. The method also includes aligning the central opening of the precipitation guard with a window of the imaging sensor. In an embodiment, at least one end wall of the shield may have a surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex above the central opening of the precipitation guard. In an embodiment, the vortex may deflect precipitation away from the central opening of the precipitation guard and may prevent precipitation from accumulating on the window of the imaging sensor. The method also includes injecting air into the central opening of the precipitation guard at an injection angle configured to enhance the vortex above the central opening of the precipitation guard.

[0012] The features and technical advantages of the present disclosure have been broadly outlined above so that the detailed description of the present disclosure below can be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described below, which constitute the subject matter of the claims of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments can be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures to achieve the same purpose of the present disclosure. It should also be recognized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims. The novel features of the organization and operation methods that are considered to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as well as further objects and advantages, can be better understood through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that each figure is used for illustration and description purposes only and does not represent a definition of the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For a more comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure, reference may be made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1A An exemplary precipitation protection device having the capability and functionality to prevent precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 1B An exemplary precipitation protection device mounted on an imaging sensor according to an implementation of the present disclosure is shown, the device having the capability and function of preventing precipitation from accumulating on the imaging sensor;

[0016] Figure 1C Another view of an exemplary precipitation protection device mounted on an operating imaging sensor according to an implementation of the present disclosure is shown, the device having the ability and function to prevent precipitation from accumulating on the imaging sensor;

[0017] Figure 2A and 2B An example of an upwardly curved angle configuration of an end wall surface according to an implementation of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0018] Figure 2B Another example of an upwardly curved angle configuration of an end wall surface according to an implementation of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0019] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a precipitation protection device during operation according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3B Another view of a precipitation protection device during operation is shown according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart showing a precipitation protection device configured in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure for preventing precipitation accumulation on an imaging sensor; and

[0022] Figure 5 An exemplary flowchart of operations for manufacturing a precipitation protection device having a function of preventing precipitation from accumulating above an imaging sensor according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes shown in diagrammatic form and in partial view. In some cases, details that are not necessary for understanding the disclosed methods and apparatus or that render other details difficult to understand may have been omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The disclosure and its various features and advantageous details set forth in the following written description will be more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting examples included in the accompanying drawings and the contents detailed in the specification. Descriptions of well-known components are omitted herein so as not to unnecessarily obscure the main features described herein. The following examples are intended to facilitate understanding of the implementation and practice of the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the disclosure as meaning that any suitable combination of the following functions or exemplary embodiments can be combined to achieve the claimed subject matter. The disclosure includes the number of representative species within the genus, or structural features common to members of the genus, so that one of ordinary skill in the art can identify members of the genus. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0025] A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any system claim set forth herein encompasses all elements and limitations disclosed therein, and therefore requires that each system claim be considered as a whole. Any reasonably foreseeable item that has a functional relationship with a claim also falls within the relevant scope. After thoroughly understanding the disclosure and claims in the proposed application, the examiner searched for prior art disclosed in patents and other published documents (i.e., non-patent literature). Therefore, as evidenced by the issuance of this patent, the prior art fails to disclose or teach the elements and limitations set forth in the claims supported by the specification and drawings, and therefore the proposed claims are patentable under the applicable laws and rules of this jurisdiction.

[0026] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a precipitation guard and / or methods of making and / or using a precipitation guard, including functionality to prevent precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor. In certain embodiments, the precipitation guard may include a base and a shield. The shield may be defined by two end walls and two side walls mounted around a central opening of the shield. In implementations, the base is configured to allow the precipitation guard to be mounted on the imaging sensor such that the central opening of the precipitation guard is aligned with a window of the imaging sensor. In embodiments, the base may include at least one mounting tab configured to facilitate mounting a fastening mechanism to the shield to secure the shield to the imaging sensor. In embodiments, at least one end wall of the shield may have a surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex above the central opening of the precipitation guard. In embodiments, the vortex generated above the central opening of the precipitation guard may deflect precipitation away from the central opening and may prevent precipitation from accumulating above the window of the imaging sensor.

[0027] In an embodiment, the precipitation shield may be configured to receive air injected from an air injection system at a central opening of the precipitation shield to enhance the vortex generated at the central opening of the precipitation shield. The enhancement of the vortex strengthens or increases the deflection pressure or force of the vortex on precipitation, further improving the function of the precipitation shield to prevent precipitation from accumulating above the imaging sensor window.

[0028] As used herein, precipitation may refer to any material, particle, or substance that may accumulate, obscure, and / or otherwise affect the vision of an imaging sensor. Non-exhaustive examples of precipitation may include rain, snow, dust, oil, grease, debris, and / or other substances or materials.

[0029] As used herein, a target object may refer to an object that is mapped or detected using an imaging sensor, such as geometric mapping or detection. For example, a target object may include a target railway asset, such as a railroad track that is geometrically mapped using an imaging sensor.

[0030] Figure 1A An exemplary precipitation protection device 100 is shown, which is configured with the capability and functionality to prevent precipitation from accumulating above an imaging sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A , precipitation protection device 100 includes a protection cover 105 and a base 107, and these components can be configured to include various components and / or configurations to provide the functions described in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Next is right Figure 1A The precipitation protection device 100 shown will be discussed in more detail. The discussion of the precipitation protection device 100 100 will be further based on Figure 1B and 1C The example shown in . Figure 1B An exemplary precipitation protection device 100 is shown mounted on an imaging sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device being configured with the capability and functionality to prevent precipitation from accumulating on the imaging sensor; Figure 1C Another view of an exemplary precipitation protection device 100 mounted on an operating imaging sensor according to an implementation of the present disclosure is shown, the device being configured with the capability and functionality to prevent precipitation from accumulating on the imaging sensor;

[0032] In an embodiment, Figure 1B As shown, precipitation guard 100 may be configured to be mounted to an imaging sensor, such as imaging sensor 150. Notably, FIG1B shows an inverted perspective view of precipitation guard 100 mounted to imaging sensor 150, and in particular, above a window of imaging sensor 150. During operation, imaging sensor 150 may be mounted on a railroad train or engine such that precipitation guard 100 and the window of imaging sensor 150 on which precipitation guard 100 is mounted are generally pointed downward toward a target railroad asset.

[0033] In an embodiment, precipitation guard 100 may be configured to be removable. Thus, precipitation guard 100 may be used when inclement weather or adverse conditions may affect or be expected to affect the visibility of an imaging sensor. For example, precipitation guard 100 may be installed on an imaging sensor 150 that is to be used in an area where precipitation is expected to occur (e.g., in cold weather areas, when storms are expected, when track conditions are expected to indicate increased precipitation, etc.). When the adverse conditions are no longer expected to occur, precipitation guard 100 may be removed from imaging sensor 150.

[0034] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the precipitation guard 100 may be made of a material that is strong enough to withstand operation on a railway vehicle (such as a train car, locomotive, engine, etc.) when exposed to the elements. It is important to note that certain operations of the precipitation guard 100 may include preventing precipitation from accumulating on railway asset imaging sensors. These railway asset imaging sensors may be mounted on the bottom of a train car or train engine and are generally exposed to the elements so that they can see the target railway asset. For example, typical applications of these railway asset imaging sensors may include geometric mapping of railway tracks. In these cases, the imaging sensor 150 may be mounted on the bottom of the train car so that the imaging sensor 150 detects and "sees" the target railway track. It is for these reasons that these imaging sensors are easily affected by the natural environment, especially the accumulation of sediment on the imaging sensor window.

[0035] In embodiments, at least a portion of precipitation guard 100 may be constructed of plastic, metal, wood, resin, and / or any other rigid material that is sufficiently rigid and / or light to allow precipitation guard 100 to maintain a predetermined shape while also being resistant to natural environmental elements, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, precipitation guard 100 may be manufactured using one or more construction methods, such as mold injection molding, three-dimensional (3D) printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, and / or any other manufacturing method suitable for constructing precipitation guards according to disclosed embodiments.

[0036] In embodiments, the shield 105 and base 107 may be physically separate components and / or may be constructed separately. In these cases, the shield 105 and base 107 may be connected together to form the precipitation guard 100. The shield 105 and base 107 may be connected together using one or more techniques for connecting components together, which may be appropriate for the materials from which the shield 105 and base 107 are made.

[0037] In some embodiments, the protective cover 105 and the base 107 can be of integral construction. For example, the protective cover 105 and the base 107 can be functional components of a single component. Figure 1A As shown, the shield 105 and the base 107 can be part of a single component, and the separation between the shield 105 and the base 107 can be functional. In some embodiments, the integrated structure of the shield 105 and the base 107 can provide manufacturing advantages, such as reduced costs and reduced complexity of the manufacturing process, as well as operational advantages, such as reduced maintenance requirements (because there may be fewer failure points) and reduced installation requirements (because the shield 105 and the base 107 can be pre-connected).

[0038] In embodiments, base 107 may be configured to support shield 105. For example, shield 105 may be positioned on top of base 107 to provide support for shield 105 during operation. Base 107 may be configured to facilitate mounting precipitation guard 100 to an imaging sensor (e.g., imaging sensor 150). For example, base 107 may be configured to couple to imaging sensor 150, such as by positioning base 107 on the imaging sensor and securing base 107 to the imaging sensor. In embodiments, base 107 may include at least one mounting element (e.g., mounting element 140 and mounting element 142) configured to facilitate mounting base 107 (and precipitation guard 100) to an imaging sensor.

[0039] In embodiments, each of mounting elements 140 and 142 may be disposed at a respective end of base 107. For example, mounting element 140 may be disposed at a proximal end of base 107, while mounting element 142 may be disposed at a distal end of base 107. Each mounting element 140 and 142 may include a flange, tab, surface, or area configured to support and allow for a fastening mechanism (e.g., such as a strap, buckle, clip, etc.) to be positioned over each respective mounting element 140 and 142 and over the imaging sensor to secure base 107 (and precipitation guard 100) to the imaging sensor. For example, as Figure 1B As shown, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted and secured to imaging sensor 150 using straps 145 and 146. In this example, straps 145 and 146 may be positioned and secured over mounting elements 140 and 142, respectively, and around imaging sensor 150. In this manner, base 107 (and precipitation guard 100) may be secured to imaging sensor 150.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the mounting elements 140 and 142 may include a corresponding flange configured to secure a fastening mechanism to each mounting element 140 and 142. For example, the mounting element 140 may include a flange 141 that may be configured to provide a stop or obstacle for a strap 145 mounted on the mounting element 140, thereby preventing the strap 145 from sliding off the mounting element 140. Similarly, the mounting element 142 may include a flange 143 that may be configured to provide a stop or obstacle for a strap 146 mounted on the mounting element 142, thereby preventing the strap 146 from sliding off the mounting element 142.

[0041] It is understood that the discussion herein of straps for securing the precipitation protection device of the embodiments to the imaging sensor is for illustrative purposes only, and the present disclosure also contemplates other fastening and / or securing components and / or methods. Therefore, the straps used in this discussion should not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0042] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of each of mounting elements 140 and 142 can be used to provide more mounting points for base 107. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom surface of each of mounting elements 140 and 142 can be configured to include an adhesive surface (e.g., glue, tape, or any other adhesive substance) that can contact the imaging sensor and provide another fixing force to fix base 107 to the imaging sensor.

[0043] In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the base 107 (e.g., a surface opposite to the surface of the base 107 on which the protective cover 105 is located) can be configured to match the shape of the imaging sensor 150 coupled to the base 107. For example, Figure 1B As shown, the surface of imaging sensor 150 along latitudinal axis 152 may have a first radius of curvature. As shown, the surface of imaging sensor 150 along longitudinal axis 154 may lack curvature and may be flat. In this case, the bottom surface of base 107 may be configured to substantially follow the geometry of the surface of imaging sensor 150. For example, the bottom surface of base 107 may include curvature 106 along lateral axis 152 of precipitation guard 100, the radius of which may be substantially the same as the first radius of the surface of imaging sensor 150. In some embodiments, the curvature of the bottom surface of base 107 may include the curvature of mounting elements 140 and 142. In this way, mounting elements 140 and 142 may be configured to follow the geometry of imaging sensor 150 to facilitate mounting precipitation guard 100 to imaging sensor 150. In this same example, the bottom surface of base 107 may lack curvature along longitudinal axis 154 and may be flat, as shown.

[0044] In embodiments, base 107 may include an opening that at least partially defines a central opening 130 of precipitation guard 100. Central opening 130 of precipitation guard 100 may be configured to provide imaging sensor 150 with a view through precipitation guard 100 by maintaining an unobstructed open area of ​​precipitation guard 100 through which imaging sensor 150 may view a target object. In embodiments, central opening 130 may be aligned with window 190 of imaging sensor 150 during operation, as discussed in more detail below.

[0045] In embodiments, shield 105 may be configured to control airflow through precipitation guard 100 to generate a vortex configured to prevent precipitation from accumulating above imaging sensor 150. In embodiments, shield 150 may be defined by end walls 110 and 112 and side walls 120 and 122. Further, end wall 110, end wall 112, side wall 120, and side wall 122 may be arranged around central opening 130. In this manner, the combination of end wall 110, end wall 112, side wall 120, and side wall 122 may form a box around central opening 130. As will be described in more detail below, during operation, central opening 130 may be aligned with window 190 of imaging sensor 150. In this manner, when precipitation guard 100 is installed or mounted above imaging sensor 150, central opening 130 may provide an open space or area to provide a view for imaging sensor 150 through precipitation guard 100.

[0046] In an embodiment, the end walls 110 and 112 and the side walls 120 and 122 may be configured to provide stability to the protective cover 105. In an embodiment, the end walls 110 and 112 and the side walls 120 and 122 may have a certain thickness, which is configured to ensure that the protective cover 105 maintains its shape during operation. The height of the end walls 110 and 112 and the side walls 120 and 122 can be configured according to the present disclosure to provide functionality while preventing interference with the field of view of the imaging sensor 150. It should be understood that excessively high end walls and / or side walls may prevent the imaging sensor 150 from "seeing" the target object.

[0047] In a specific implementation, the outer surfaces of the side walls 120 and 122 may be slightly curved or slightly sloped. The shape of the outer surfaces of the side walls 120 and 122 may bring some benefits, such as optimizing the amount of material required to build the shield 105 by reducing the amount of material used for the side walls 120 and 122, while providing sufficient stability for the shield 105 according to the geometry of the surface of the imaging sensor 150. In an embodiment, the inner surfaces of the side walls 120 and 122 may be flat and may not have a curved angle or slope.

[0048] In embodiments, at least one of end walls 110 and 112 may have a surface configured to control airflow over precipitation guard 100 to form a vortex over central opening 130. In embodiments, the vortex created over central opening 130 may deflect precipitation away from central opening 130 and may prevent precipitation from accumulating over window 190 of imaging sensor 150. For example, in certain embodiments, end wall 110 may have a specially shaped surface 111 to form a vortex over central opening 130 during operation. The shape of surface 111 may cause airflow over surface 110 to flow faster than airflow over precipitation guard, which may result in the creation of a vortex over central opening 130.

[0049] It is noted that the following discussion focuses on surface 111 of end wall 110. However, this is for illustrative purposes only. In fact, in some embodiments, the surface of end wall 112 may additionally or alternatively be configured to control airflow to generate a vortex over central opening 130. In these cases, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted to imaging sensor 150 such that airflow passing through precipitation guard 100 first strikes end wall 112 and then strikes end wall 110. Therefore, it is noted that the discussion herein with respect to surface 111 of end wall 110 should not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0050] like Figure 1C , imaging sensor 150 may be mounted on a rail vehicle (not shown) traveling on a rail to perform geometric mapping of the rail along direction 180. In this example, the movement of the rail vehicle, imaging sensor 150, and precipitation guard 100 may be along direction 180, and such movement along direction 180 may cause airflow to flow in a direction opposite to direction 180. For example, airflows including airflow 160 and airflow 162 may flow through precipitation guard 100 in a direction opposite to direction 180. It is understood that the speed of airflow 160 and airflow 162 may be related to the speed of the rail vehicle on which imaging sensor 150 is mounted. For example, when the rail vehicle is moving at a faster speed, the speed of airflow 160 and airflow 162 may also be faster than when the rail vehicle is moving at a slower speed. It is noted that airflow 160 and airflow 162 may represent a component of airflow flowing through precipitation guard 100. In this example, airflow 160 may represent a component of airflow flowing close to surface 111, and may also represent an airflow that strikes or contacts surface 111. Airflow 162 may represent a component of airflow flowing through precipitation guard 100 above airflow 160 , which may not contact surface 111 of end wall 110 .

[0051] The surface 111 of the end wall 110 may be inclined upward or may have an upwardly inclined shape. As used herein, the upwardly inclined shape may refer to having an upward slope or an upwardly curved angle. For example, Figures 1A-1C , the surface 111 may be inclined upward. In a specific implementation, an upward slope may be a flat angle or a straight angle extending upward from the base 107 , and an upward arc angle may be an arc angle extending upward from the base 107 .

[0052] exist Figure 1C In the example shown, the airflows 160 and 162 may move at the same first speed before reaching the surface 111 or the central opening 130. In an embodiment, once the airflow 160 reaches the surface 111 and flows over the surface 111, the upwardly inclined shape of the surface 111 of the end wall 110 may cause the speed of the airflow 160 to increase. In this case, the speed of the airflow 160 increases to a speed faster than the first speed. In addition, the flow of the airflow 160 is changed to an upward direction, consistent with the upwardly inclined shape of the surface 111. On the other hand, the airflow 162 remains unchanged at this time and continues to flow along the same straight trajectory and at the same first speed. The unchanged airflow 162 meets the faster airflow 160 above the central opening 130, which airflow 160 may also be in an upward direction. The difference in speed and direction of the airflows 160 and 162 causes a vortex 165 to be generated above the central opening 130. In some embodiments, due to the direction of the airflows 160 and 162, the vortex 165 may have a counterclockwise direction in the perspective shown. As described above, the pressure and force generated by vortex 165 may deflect precipitation falling into central opening 130 and may prevent precipitation from accumulating in central opening 130 and / or above window 190 of imaging sensor 130 aligned with central opening 130 .

[0053] In an embodiment, the upwardly inclined shape of the surface 111 of the end wall 110 may include an upward arc angle, the value of which is determined according to operational requirements. For example, in some embodiments, the value of the upward arc angle of the surface 111 can be configured to ensure that the generated vortex has sufficient pressure or force to deflect different types of particles, such as snow, dirt particles, rainwater, etc. The inventors have found that an arc angle that is too steep (e.g., an arc angle value that is too large) may not be able to control the airflow above the precipitation shield to generate a vortex above the central opening, and a vortex may not be generated or the vortex may not be strong enough. In some embodiments, the value of the upward arc angle of the surface 111 can be configured according to space requirements. For example, Figure 2A and 2B The end wall surface is configured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with an upward arc angle as an example. Figure 2AAs shown, surface 111 of shield body 105 may have an arc angle of value R1. In this example, surface 113 of shield 105 (which may be a surface of end wall 112) may also have an arc angle of value R1. In these embodiments, because the surfaces of both end walls have the same upward arc angle, a vortex may be generated above the central opening of precipitation guard 100 regardless of the direction of airflow over precipitation guard 100. In embodiments, R1 may be any angle value generated by a circle with a radius between 1 / 4 and 3 / 4 inches. As shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown, the upward arc angles of different end wall surfaces of the shield 105 may have different values. For example, the surface 111 of the shield 105 may have an arc angle with a value of R1, and the surface 113 of the shield 105 may have an arc angle with a value of R2. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 may be different values. For example, R1 may be a value of the angle produced by a circle with a radius between 1 / 4 inch and 3 / 4 inch, and R2 may be different values ​​of the angle produced by a circle with a radius between 1 / 4 inch and 3 / 4 inch.

[0054] In an embodiment, configuring at least one of end walls 110 and 112 to control airflow through precipitation guard 100 so as to form a vortex over central opening 130 may include adding elements to a surface of at least one of end walls 110 and 112 that can affect airflow through precipitation guard 100. For example, again referring to Figure 1C Elements such as protrusions, cutouts, flanges, materials, etc. may be added to the surface 111 of the end wall 110 . The configuration of these added elements may affect the airflow 160 , thereby generating a vortex 165 on the central opening 130 .

[0055] In embodiments, the dimensions of precipitation guard 100 may be configured to provide stability and strength to precipitation guard 100 when operating in harsh and difficult environments and to optimize space when mounted to imaging sensor 150. In particular, the dimensions of precipitation guard 100 may be configured to avoid interfering with the operation of imaging sensor 150. Figure 2C and 2D An example of the size configuration of the precipitation protection device implemented according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2C Precipitation guard 100 may be configured to have a length L1 that may be between 6 and 7 inches. The central opening of precipitation guard 100 may be configured to ensure coverage of a window of an imaging sensor to which precipitation guard 100 is mounted, while also ensuring that the imaging sensor can view through the window. In embodiments, the central opening of precipitation guard 100 may have a length LW1 and a width WW1. In some embodiments, LW1 may be a value between 3 and 4 inches, and WW1 may be a value between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Figure 2DAs shown, precipitation guard 100 may be configured with a height H1, which may be the height from the lowest point of precipitation guard 100 to the highest point of the sidewall. In embodiments, H1 may be a value configured to provide functionality in accordance with the present disclosure while also preventing interference with the field of view of imaging sensor 150. In some embodiments, H1 may be a value between 1 and 1.5 inches. The widest point of precipitation guard 100 may be configured with a width W1, which may be the distance between the outer points of the bottom surface of precipitation guard 100. In some embodiments, W1 may be a value between 2 and 3 inches.

[0056] Reference again Figure 1C In embodiments, precipitation guard 100 may be configured to receive injected air to enhance vortex 165 generated over central opening 130. In embodiments, injected air may be injected or pumped directly into central opening 130. For example, precipitation guard 100 may be configured with an opening through at least one of end walls 110 and 112 through which nozzle 170 may be inserted into central opening 130. In embodiments, nozzle 170 is inserted through an end wall that is away from airflow over precipitation guard 100 during operation. For example, Figure 1C As shown, end wall 110 may be the end wall facing the airflow (e.g., the airflow including airflows 160 and 162) above precipitation guard 100. In this case, end wall 112 may be the end wall facing away from the airflow above precipitation guard 100. In this example, nozzle 170 may be inserted into central opening 130 through an opening in end wall 112. In some embodiments, nozzle 170 may also be inserted through flange 141 to provide another stabilizing point for nozzle 170.

[0057] In embodiments, the nozzle 170 may include a tube and an end cap that may work together to inject or pump the injected air 168 into the central opening 130. In some embodiments, the size of the nozzle 170 may vary to suit a particular application. For example, in one application, the nozzle 170 may be three inches (3") long and the end cap may be half an inch (1 / 2") long. In another application, the nozzle 170 may be eleven-eighths of an inch (11 / 8") long and the end cap may be three-eighths of an inch (3 / 8") long. The end cap may be welded, bonded, or otherwise coupled to the nozzle 170. The end cap may have a lumen having a diameter of three-sixteenths of an inch (3 / 16") or other suitable diameter. The nozzle 170 may have a lumen having a diameter of one-eighth of an inch (1 / 8") or other suitable diameter. The injected air 168 may form another "cushion" within the central opening 130, enhancing the vortex 165 by providing greater pressure or force upward from the central opening, deflecting precipitation that may fall into the central opening 130. In some embodiments, nozzle 170 may be positioned at a downward angle into central opening 130 to control the air 168 injected into central opening 130 to flow at a downward angle. The angle at which injected air 168 flows downward may cause injected air 168 to "bounce" upward from a surface of imaging sensor 150 (e.g., window 190) toward vortex 165. The updraft of injected air 168 may enhance the rotation of vortex 165 and may further "enhance" the ability of vortex 165 to resist precipitation, thereby further improving the functionality of precipitation protection device 100 and preventing precipitation from accumulating on window 190 of imaging sensor 150.

[0058] In an embodiment, injection air 168 may be injected into the central opening 130 of the precipitation protection device 100 using an air injection system that may include a line 172, an air source 175, a controller 176, a filter 177, and at least one control valve 178. In an embodiment, the air source 175 may be a source of injection air 168. The air source 175 may be a compressor, an air tank, and / or any other source of pressurized air. In some embodiments, the air source 175 may include an existing compressed air source that is part of a railway vehicle (such as a train car or an engine). For example, some railway vehicles use compressed air in various operations (such as braking, driving equipment, etc.). In an embodiment, the air source 175 may include such an existing compressed air source.

[0059] It should be noted that, typically, the pressure of the existing compressed air source in the railway vehicle may be relatively high, possibly exceeding 70 pounds per square inch (psi). In an embodiment, a controller 176 may be provided to control the pressure of the compressed air provided by the air source 175. For example, the controller 176 may reduce the pressure to between 8-10, which may be the pressure when the injection air 168 enters the central opening 130. In an embodiment, the controller 176 may be configured to control the pressure of the injection air 168 according to operational requirements. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 176 may control the pressure of the injection air 168 to maintain the vortex 165 and prevent the vortex 165 from collapsing. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to monitor the vortex 165 (e.g., to monitor the effectiveness of the vortex 165 in preventing precipitation from accumulating on the window 190). In these cases, the controller 176 may determine that the vortex 165 needs to be pressurized, or that the pressurization needs to be increased. Upon determining that the vortex 165 requires boost or requires increased boost, the controller 176 may increase the pressure of the injected air 168 to provide a higher pressure within the central opening 130 or provide a higher “boost” to the vortex 165 .

[0060] In some embodiments, the controller 176 can control the flow of the injected air 168 into the central opening 130. In some embodiments, the injected air 168 into the central opening 130 can be continuous, in which case the injected air 168 can flow into the central opening 130 as long as the air injection system is turned on. In some embodiments, the injected air 168 into the central opening 130 can be intermittent, in which case the injected air 168 can flow into the central opening 130 at periodic or non-periodic time intervals, but not continuously.

[0061] The filter 177 can be configured to remove moisture and / or particulates (e.g., dirt or other particulates) from the injected air 168. Removing moisture from the injected air 168 can prevent moisture from reaching the central opening 130, which could become precipitation because the precipitation protection device 100 may sometimes operate in cold conditions. Removing particulates from the injected air 168 can prevent these particles from reaching the central opening 130, thereby preventing further accumulation of particles within the central opening 130 and keeping the line 172 clear for delivering the injected air 168 to the central opening 130. In another embodiment, the filter 177 can be a compressed air dryer with a desiccant, including desiccant beads to help absorb moisture. For example, the filter 177 can be a compressed air dryer with multiple layers of refillable desiccant, etc.

[0062] In the air injection system of this embodiment, at least one control valve 178 may be provided. The control valve 178 may be configured to control the flow rate of the injected air 168. In some embodiments, the control valve 178 may deliver the injected air 168 through each of the pipes 172 of the air injection system. Figure 1C 172 is shown, but during operation, the injected air 168 will flow through multiple pipes throughout the rail vehicle, and the imaging sensor 130 may be installed on the rail vehicle. Control valves can be used to direct the injected air to different pipes. In addition, in embodiments, more than one imaging sensor 150 may be used on a single rail vehicle. In a typical application, multiple imaging sensors 150 can be used to map the geometry of the rail. Typically, four dual camera sensors (one on each side of the track) can be used to map the rail. In this case, a precipitation protection device 100 can be installed on each camera, so that there are a total of eight precipitation protection devices 100 on a single rail vehicle. In these cases, multiple control valves 178 can be used to deliver injected air to each precipitation protection device 100 while using a single air source (such as air source 175). For example, the control valve 178 can be used to deliver the injected air 168 to the central opening 130 of the precipitation protection device 100, and can also be used to deliver the injected air to point A. In this example, point A can represent multiple additional precipitation protection devices.

[0063] In an embodiment, the tube 172 and / or the nozzle 170 may be made of plastic, steel, brass, aluminum, copper, etc. In an embodiment, the tube 172 may be transparent to facilitate inspection, thereby facilitating determination of whether moisture is present in the tube 172 .

[0064] Now, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, combined Figure 4 as well as Figure 3A and Figure 3B The operation of precipitation protection device 100 is discussed.

[0065] Figure 3A A perspective view of the precipitation protection device 100 in operation according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3B Another view of the precipitation protection device 100 during operation is shown, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4 A general flow chart 400 is shown for a precipitation protection apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure for preventing precipitation accumulation on an imaging sensor.

[0066] During operation, at block 402, precipitation guard 100 is mounted to imaging sensor 150. In an embodiment, precipitation guard 100 may be oriented to imaging sensor 150 according to an expected direction of travel of a rail vehicle on which imaging sensor 150 is mounted. Specifically, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted to imaging sensor 150 such that, when mounted, a surface of at least one end wall of a shield of precipitation guard 100 faces the direction of travel such that airflow generated by the movement of the rail vehicle may impact the surface of the at least one end wall. For example, the expected direction of travel may be direction 180. In this case, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted to imaging sensor 150 such that a surface 111 of end wall 110 of precipitation guard 100 faces direction 180 such that airflow generated by the movement of the rail vehicle may impact surface 111.

[0067] In some embodiments, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted on imaging sensor 150 with the end wall facing the direction of travel being the end wall opposite the end wall through which air injection nozzle is inserted into central opening 130. For example, nozzle 170 may be inserted into central opening 130 through end wall 112. In this case, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted on imaging sensor 150 with the mounting orientation being that surface 111 of end wall 110 (the end wall opposite end wall 112) faces direction 180. In some embodiments, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted on imaging sensor 150 with the end wall facing the direction of travel being the end wall through which air injection nozzle is inserted into central opening 130. For example, in some embodiments, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted on imaging sensor 150 with the mounting orientation being that end wall 112 (i.e., the end wall through which nozzle 170 is inserted into central opening 130) faces direction 180.

[0068] In an embodiment, precipitation guard 100 may be mounted to imaging sensor 150 using straps 145 and 146 located over mounting elements 140 and 142, respectively, at both ends of precipitation guard 100. In an embodiment, straps 145 and 146 may be positioned over mounting elements 140 and 142 and may surround imaging sensor 150.

[0069] During operation, at block 404, the central opening 130 may be aligned with the window 190 of the imaging sensor 150. For example, Figure 3AAs shown, precipitation guard 100 may be positioned over imaging sensor 150 such that central opening 130 of precipitation guard 100 may be aligned with window 190 of imaging sensor 150. In embodiments, window 190 may be a window that provides protection and a field of view for detector 310, which may be a camera or any other sensor. In embodiments, central opening 130 of precipitation guard 100 may be aligned with window 190 of imaging sensor 150 so as not to interfere with or obstruct the field of view of detector 310 through window 190.

[0070] In an embodiment, Figure 3B As shown, when the railway vehicle with imaging sensor 150 installed moves in direction 180, imaging sensor 150 and precipitation guard 100 move with the railway vehicle in direction 180. The movement in direction 180 causes the airflow to flow in a direction opposite to direction 180. For example, the airflow including airflow 160 and airflow 162 may flow through precipitation guard 100 in a direction opposite to direction 180. In an embodiment, surface 111 may be configured to control the airflow including airflow 160 and airflow 162 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to generate a vortex above central opening 130. For example, as Figure 3B As shown, the surface 111 is inclined upward. The upwardly inclined shape of the surface 111 may cause the velocity of the airflow 160 to increase, and once the airflow 160 reaches the surface 111 and flows over the surface 111, the direction of the airflow 160 changes upward. On the other hand, the airflow 162 remains unchanged at this time and continues to flow along the same straight line trajectory at the same speed. The airflow 162 meets the airflow 160 above the central opening 130, and a vortex 165 is generated above the central opening 130 due to the difference in speed and direction of the airflows 160 and 162. In an embodiment, the pressure and force generated by the vortex 165 can cause the precipitation 350 to deviate from the central opening 130, and can prevent the precipitation from accumulating in the central opening 130 and / or accumulating above the window 190 of the imaging sensor 130 aligned with the central opening 130.

[0071] During operation, at block 406, air is injected into the central opening 130 at an injection angle configured to enhance the vortex 165 on the central opening 130. For example, the injected air 168 may flow from the air source 175, the pressure of which is controlled by the controller 176, and may be filtered by the filter 177, and may be passed through the control valve 178 to the nozzle 170 via the conduit 172. The nozzle 170 delivers the injected air 168 from the inlet of the nozzle 170 into the central opening 130 at a downwardly inclined angle to the window 190. In an embodiment, the injected air 168 enhances the vortex 165 by providing another boost, such as providing more pressure or force from the central opening 130 to the vortex 165 to deflect the precipitation 350 from the central opening 130, thereby further improving the function of the precipitation protection device 100 to prevent the precipitation 350 from accumulating on the window 190 of the imaging sensor 150.

[0072] Figure 5 An exemplary flow chart of the operation of manufacturing a precipitation protection device having the function of preventing precipitation from accumulating above an imaging sensor according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. For example, according to the embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 The steps illustrated in the example modules shown produce the precipitation protection device 100 of FIGS. 1-3B .

[0073] At block 502, two end walls and two side walls defining a protective cover may be arranged around a central opening of the precipitation protection device, for example, defining a protective cover 105 and arranged at Figures 1A-1C The end walls 110 and 112 and the side walls 120 and 122 surrounding the central opening 130 in the housing 100 may be formed. At block 504, a base having at least one mounting element may be formed. For example, a base having at least one mounting element may be formed. Figures 1A-1C Base 105 is shown with mounting elements 140 and 142. In embodiments, at least one mounting element may be configured to enable the shield to be mounted to the imaging sensor such that a central opening of the precipitation shield is aligned with a window of the imaging sensor.

[0074] At block 506, a surface of at least one end wall may be configured to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex over a central opening of the precipitation guard. Figures 1A-1C As shown, surface 111 and / or surface 113 of end walls 110 and 112 may be configured to control airflow through precipitation guard 100 to generate vortex 165 over central opening 130 of precipitation guard 100. In embodiments, the vortex may deflect precipitation away from the central opening of the precipitation guard and prevent precipitation from accumulating on the window of the imaging sensor.

[0075] In an embodiment, the surface of at least one end wall may be configured to control the airflow flowing through the precipitation guard to generate a vortex above the central opening of the precipitation guard, which includes shaping the surface of at least one end wall into an upwardly inclined shape. The upwardly inclined shape of the at least one end wall surface may change the speed and direction of one or more first airflows flowing on the at least one end wall surface, and when the first airflow is combined with a second airflow flowing above the first airflow, a vortex is generated above the central opening.

[0076] In an embodiment, the nozzle may be inserted into the central opening of the precipitation guard through at least one end wall. In an embodiment, the nozzle may be configured to inject air into the central opening of the precipitation guard at an injection angle configured to enhance vortex flow over the central opening of the precipitation guard.

[0077] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions and changes may be made to the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In addition, the scope of the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art can easily understand from the contents of the present disclosure, processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods or steps that are currently available or developed in the future and perform substantially the same functions as the corresponding embodiments described herein or achieve substantially the same results may be utilized according to the present invention. Therefore, the attached claims are intended to include these processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods or steps within their scope.

[0078] Furthermore, the description in this patent document should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim and followed by a participatory phrase identifying the function, no claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) for any additional claim or claim element. Terms used in the claims (such as (but not limited to) "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "member," "device," "machine," "system," "processor," "processing device," or "controller") should be understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art and further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Even under the broadest reasonable interpretation, in accordance with this paragraph of the specification, the claims are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) in the absence of the above specific language.

[0079] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential features. For example, each new structure described herein may be modified to accommodate specific local changes or requirements while retaining their basic configuration or structural relationship to each other, or while performing the same or similar functions described herein. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure may be determined by the appended claims rather than the above description. Therefore, all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims should be included in the claims. In addition, the various elements in the claims are not well-known, conventional or traditional. Instead, the claims are directed to the unconventional inventive concepts described in the specification.

Claims

1. A precipitation protection device, comprising: a guard defined by two end walls and two side walls arranged around a central opening of the precipitation guard; as well as a base for supporting the shield and facilitating mounting the precipitation shield to the imaging sensor so that the central opening of the precipitation shield is aligned with the window of the imaging sensor, wherein at least one of the end walls has a surface for controlling airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex over a central opening of the precipitation guard, Therein, the vortex deflects precipitation away from a central opening of the precipitation guard and prevents precipitation from accumulating on the window of the imaging sensor.

2. The precipitation protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The protective cover and the base are an integrated structure.

3. The precipitation protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes one or more mounting elements for receiving one or more fastening assemblies that engage with the one or more mounting elements and the imaging sensor to secure the precipitation guard to the imaging sensor.

4. The precipitation protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation protection device is an upwardly inclined shape.

5. The precipitation protection device according to claim 4, wherein: The upwardly inclined shape of the surface configured to control airflow over the precipitation guard includes one of the following: a gentle upward slope; or Arc corners.

6. The precipitation protection device according to claim 4, wherein: The upwardly inclined shape of the surface is configured to change the speed and direction of one or more first airflow components of airflow flowing through the precipitation guard, wherein the first airflow components include air in contact with the surface, and the surface is configured to control the airflow flowing through the precipitation guard.

7. The precipitation protection device according to claim 6, wherein: The first airflow component has a different speed and direction than a second airflow component flowing through the precipitation shield, wherein the second airflow component includes air flowing over the first airflow component, and wherein the first and second airflow components combine over the central opening and create a vortex.

8. The precipitation guard of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle configured to inject air into the central opening of the precipitation guard at an injection angle configured to enhance vortex flow over the central opening of the precipitation guard.

9. The precipitation protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging sensor is part of a rail asset mapping laser system mounted on a rail vehicle.

10. A method of manufacturing a precipitation protection device, comprising: Arrange two end walls and two side walls around the central opening of the precipitation protection device to form a protection cover; A base is formed having at least one mounting element, wherein at least one mounting element configured to enable the shield to be mounted to the imaging sensor such that a central opening of the precipitation shield is aligned with a window of the imaging sensor; and A surface is configured on at least one end wall to control airflow through the precipitation guard so as to form a vortex over a central opening of the precipitation guard, wherein the vortex deflects precipitation away from the central opening of the precipitation guard to prevent precipitation from accumulating over a window of the imaging sensor.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein configuring at least one end wall with a surface for controlling airflow through the precipitation protection device comprises: A surface of at least one of the end walls is formed into an upwardly inclined shape.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Shaping the surface of at least one end wall to be upwardly inclined comprises one of the following: shaping the surface of at least one end wall into a gentle upward slope; or A surface of at least one end wall is shaped to have arcuate corners.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The upwardly inclined shape of the surface is configured to change the speed and direction of one or more first airflow components of airflow flowing through the precipitation guard, wherein the first airflow components include air in contact with the surface, and the surface is configured to control the airflow flowing through the precipitation guard.

14. The precipitation protection device according to claim 13, wherein: The first airflow component has a different speed and direction than a second airflow component flowing through the precipitation shield, wherein the second airflow component includes air flowing over the first airflow component, and wherein the first and second airflow components combine over the central opening and create a vortex.

15. The precipitation protection device of claim 1, further comprising: A nozzle is inserted through at least one end wall into the central opening of the precipitation guard, wherein the nozzle is configured to inject air into the central opening of the precipitation guard at an injection angle configured to enhance vortex flow over the central opening of the precipitation guard.

16. A method for preventing precipitation from accumulating on an imaging sensor, comprising: mounting a precipitation guard to the imaging sensor, wherein a shield of the precipitation guard is defined by two end walls and two side walls disposed around a central opening of the precipitation guard; aligning a central opening of the precipitation guard with a window of the imaging sensor, wherein at least one end wall of the shield has a surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation guard to form a vortex over the central opening of the precipitation guard, wherein the vortex deflects precipitation away from the central opening of the precipitation guard and prevents precipitation from accumulating over the window of the imaging sensor; and Air is injected into the central opening of the precipitation guard at an injection angle configured to enhance vortex flow over the central opening of the precipitation guard.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein mounting the precipitation protection device to the imaging sensor comprises: One or more fastening assemblies are coupled to the one or more mounting elements of the precipitation guard, the one or more fastening assemblies being configured to engage the one or more mounting elements and the imaging sensor to secure the precipitation guard to the imaging sensor.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: A surface configured to control airflow through the precipitation protection device is shaped to be upwardly inclined.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The upwardly inclined shape of the surface configured to control airflow over the precipitation protection device includes one of the following: a gentle upward slope; or Arc corners.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein injecting air into the central opening of the precipitation protection device at an injection angle comprises: Air is injected into the central opening of the precipitation protection device through a nozzle that injects compressed air into the central opening through at least one end wall at an angle configured to enhance vortex flow over the central opening.

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