Air Curtain Sensor Protection Against Airborne Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-board vehicle sensors are vulnerable to damage from harsh environmental conditions and collisions with airborne objects such as birds and insects, which can shorten their lifespan and affect their field of view.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors, processors, and memory that detects airborne objects, predicts collision probabilities, and performs actions like actuating a shield or activating an air curtain to prevent collisions based on predicted probabilities and impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted exterior to the vehicle to supplement field of vision, then sensor data quality and detection capability are improved, but sensors become vulnerable to damage from airborne objects and environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air curtain as an intermediary protective barrier between airborne objects and the sensor. The air curtain is generated by airflow generators that create a protective stream of air deflecting birds, insects, and debris away from the sensor surface, allowing the sensor to remain exposed for optimal detection while being protected from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of airborne objects using the sensor, then activates the air curtain before collision occurs. The processor monitors object trajectories and triggers the airflow generators in advance to create the protective barrier, preventing damage before it happens
2Reliability
If a sensor enclosure is used to house the sensors, then protection from airborne objects is improved, but field of view is reduced and collision damage to the enclosure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a physical enclosure that blocks the field of view, the patent uses an air curtain as an intangible intermediary barrier. This protective stream of air deflects objects away from the sensor without obstructing the optical path, maintaining full field of view while providing protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor enclosure with a fluid-based air curtain system. Instead of solid barriers that block vision, compressed air creates an invisible protective barrier that maintains optical access while deflecting airborne objects
3Reliability
If the vehicle activates protective actions frequently to prevent all collisions, then sensor protection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial protection by activating the air curtain only when and where needed based on detected object trajectories. Rather than continuous operation, the airflow generators are activated selectively based on processor determination of collision risk, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining protection when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sensor data to control air curtain activation. The processor continuously monitors detected objects and their trajectories, then adjusts air curtain operation accordingly - activating when collision risk is detected and deactivating when the threat passes, optimizing energy usage based on real-time conditions
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
Effectively protects sensors from airborne collisions by determining the likelihood and force of impact, allowing for timely and appropriate actions to prevent damage and maintain sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
activating an air curtain
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a system and method that detects an airborne object and determines a driving action based on the airborne object. The system comprises one or more sensors; one or more processors; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the system to perform detecting an airborne object within a detection radius of a vehicle. In response to detecting the airborne object, the system performs tracking the airborne object to obtain 3-D coordinate information of the airborne object at distinct times, determining a probability that the airborne object will collide with the one or more sensors based on the 3-D coordinate information, determining whether to take an action of the vehicle based on the determined probability, the action being one of actuating a shield to block the airborne object or activating an air curtain; and performing the action in response to determining to take the action.