Actuated Sprayer System for Sensor Cover Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Environmental elements such as rain, snow, dirt, and condensation can accumulate on sensor covers of vehicles, obstructing the signals transmitted and received by internal sensor components, particularly in autonomous vehicles where accurate data is crucial for navigation.

Innovation Solution

A repositionable sprayer system with adjustable positioning and multiple sprayers is used to direct a stream of fluid, such as water or anti-freeze, to efficiently clear contaminants from sensor covers, utilizing a combination of actuators, motors, and a track system to ensure effective coverage and force delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover is added to protect sensor components from debris and contaminants, then the protection of internal sensor components is improved, but the cover itself becomes dirty and blocks signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal sensor componentsVSAvoidsignal blockage by contaminants on cover

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful contaminants (dirt, snow, ice) are extracted from the sensor cover surface through fluid spraying and mechanical wiping actions, removing the blocking layer while preserving the protective cover structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid medium (water, cleaning solution) is introduced as an intermediary to facilitate the removal of contaminants from the cover surface, enabling cleaning without direct mechanical contact that could damage the cover or sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a sprayer system with adjustable positioning is used to clear sensor covers, then the effectiveness of contaminant removal is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of contaminant removalVSAvoidcomplexity of sprayer positioning system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sprayer system incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning of the nozzle to target different areas of the sensor cover, optimizing cleaning effectiveness while using controlled movement rather than complex multi-axis systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sprayer system is designed to handle multiple types of contaminants (dirt, snow, ice, condensation) and can be positioned to clean various sensor covers, making it a universal solution that reduces overall system complexity through consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple sprayers and supports are used to ensure effective coverage, then the contaminant removal coverage is improved, but the device complexity and fluid usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of sensor clearVSAvoidnumber of sprayers and supports

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor cover surface is divided into multiple target areas, with sprayers positioned to address specific zones. This segmentation allows focused cleaning of contaminated areas rather than requiring complete coverage of the entire cover surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies fluid and cleaning action to specific contaminated portions of the sensor cover rather than uniformly across the entire surface, optimizing fluid usage and reducing the number of sprayers needed while maintaining effective coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system ensures continuous operation of vehicle sensors by effectively removing debris and condensation, reducing the need for additional wiper mechanisms and optimizing fluid usage by targeting specific areas with precise force and direction, thus maintaining sensor functionality in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

the sprayer is configured to direct a flow of fluid to the sensor cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the positioning device may be a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be attached to the sprayer via an arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Implementation Method 3

The motor may be configured to rotate the support within the track and around the sensor cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 4

the system may further comprise an actuator, wherein the actuator may be configured to adjust the height of the support relative to the sensor cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Data Source

PatentUS11691598B2Actuated sprayer system

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 WAYMO LLC

AI summary

This technology relates to system for clearing a sensor cover. The system may include a sprayer, a support, and a positioning device. The sprayer may be mounted to the support and direct a flow of fluid to the sensor cover. The positioning device may be configured to adjust the position of the sprayer on the support. The system may include a nozzle and the nozzle may be positioned to direct the flow of fluid to an area of the sensor cover. The system may include additional sprayers.