Debris Localization on Vehicle Optical Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) face challenges in accurately localizing and remediating debris on optical surfaces, such as windshields, which can affect sensor performance and lead to inefficient cleaning methods that waste energy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising arrays of light sources and detectors arranged along the perimeter of the optical surface to detect light scatter, identify debris presence and position, and remediate it using heat from wires or fluid/gas emission from nozzles, allowing for localized and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If whole-surface cleaning methods are used to remove debris from the optical surface, then debris removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases and cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical surface is divided into multiple zones using arrays of light sources and detectors arranged along the perimeter. Each zone can be independently monitored and cleaned, allowing the system to target only the specific areas with debris rather than cleaning the entire surface, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different treatment to different parts of the optical surface based on local debris detection. Light sources illuminate specific zones while detectors monitor for debris, and heating elements are activated only in zones where debris is detected, creating a localized cleaning approach that optimizes energy usage
2Measurement precision
If light sources and detectors are arranged to detect light scatter for debris localization, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple light sources positioned at different locations along the perimeter, each illuminating the optical surface from a different angle. Detectors are similarly positioned to receive scattered light from different perspectives. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows precise triangulation of debris position, improving measurement precision while distributing the complexity across multiple simple components rather than one complex device
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
This approach enables precise localization and remediation of debris, minimizing energy usage and ensuring accurate sensor information for vehicle operation, while reducing waste heat and improving cleaning efficiency compared to whole-surface cleaning methods.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light detectors to detect light scatter in the thickness of the optical surface
Implementation Method 2
powering one or more of the wires to generate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A system to localize debris on an optical surface of a vehicle includes a first array along a first side of a perimeter of the optical surface and including a light source to emit light into a thickness of the optical surface. A second array is along a second side of the perimeter, opposite the first side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter in the thickness and provide a corresponding output. A third array is along a third side of the perimeter and includes a light source to emit light. A fourth array is along a fourth side of the perimeter, opposite the third side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter and provide a corresponding output. A controller identifies a presence of the debris, determines a position of the debris based on the output from the light detectors, and remediates the debris.