Annular Nozzle Assembly for LIDAR Sensor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles and ADAS systems rely on visual sensors like cameras and LIDAR, which require effective cleaning to maintain situational awareness, but existing fluid washing systems may run out of washer fluid or fail to provide adequate flow, impacting vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
An annular nozzle assembly with multiple spray nozzles and a fluid recovery system that includes a collection bowl, pump, filter, and reservoir, ensuring consistent fluid supply and recovery for cleaning LIDAR sensors, while matching the surface finish of vehicle body panels for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid washer system is used to clean sensors, then sensor cleanliness is improved, but the system may run out of washer fluid or fail to provide adequate flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fluid recovery system that collects used washer fluid from the sensor cleaning process, filters it through a filter element, and recycles it back to the reservoir. This closed-loop system recovers and reuses the fluid, preventing depletion and ensuring continuous adequate supply for sensor cleaning operations.
2Productivity
If multiple spray nozzles are used to provide adequate fluid flow, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is segmented into multiple spray nozzles arranged in an annular configuration around the sensor. Each nozzle is positioned to direct fluid at specific zones of the sensor surface, providing comprehensive coverage through distributed injection points rather than a single complex delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly utilizes an annular (ring-shaped) structure that encircles the sensor, with nozzles positioned at different angular locations. This curved, distributed arrangement provides uniform 360-degree coverage and ensures adequate fluid delivery to all sensor surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly geometry.
3Reliability
If washer fluid is continuously supplied to maintain adequate flow, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers used washer fluid from the cleaning process through a collection system, filters out contaminants using a filter element, and returns the cleaned fluid to the reservoir. This recycling approach maintains continuous adequate fluid supply for effective cleaning while dramatically reducing overall fluid consumption by reusing the same fluid multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid recovery and recycling system operates continuously to maintain an adequate supply of clean washer fluid. The pump continuously circulates fluid through the filter and back to the reservoir, ensuring that cleaning operations can proceed without interruption and maintaining consistent cleaning effectiveness while minimizing fluid loss.
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 cleaning of LIDAR sensors by maintaining an adequate fluid supply, filtering debris, and reusing fluid, thereby maintaining sensor functionality and vehicle autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
The first spray nozzles are directed to spray inwardly onto the LIDAR sensor
Implementation Method 2
a filter and a reservoir. The system ensures continuous cleaning of LIDAR sensors by maintaining an adequate fluid supply, filtering debris
Data Source
AI summary
An annular nozzle assembly includes an inlet tube, an annular tube, at least three first spray nozzles, and a plurality of separating vanes. The annular tube connects to the inlet tube. The first spray nozzles are fixed to the annular tube and are directed to spray inwardly and in a first vertical direction and are equally spaced from each other. The separating vanes are disposed within the annular tube and extend along a length thereof and define a flow channel for each first spray nozzle.