Electrostatic Sensor Lens Cleaning for Dusty Vehicle Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with sensors, especially those detecting the external world, face challenges in maintaining sensor cleanliness, particularly in dusty conditions, without consuming washer fluid and reducing the number of vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-cleaning system that includes an electrode positioned to draw dust from the sensor lens when energized, controlled by a computer that energizes the electrode when the vehicle is moving and the dirtiness metric is above a threshold, and deenergizes it when the vehicle is stationary or the dirtiness metric is below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washer fluid is used to clean sensor lenses, then sensor cleanliness is improved, but vehicle component complexity and fluid consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical washer fluid system with an electrostatic field-based cleaning system. An electrode positioned near the sensor lens creates an electrostatic field that attracts and removes dust particles without requiring mechanical fluid delivery components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential cleaning function from the complex washer fluid system and implements it through a simplified electrostatic mechanism. By removing the need for fluid reservoirs, pumps, and delivery mechanisms, the system achieves sensor cleaning with minimal components
2Reliability
If electrode is energized continuously to clean sensor, then sensor cleanliness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is energized periodically rather than continuously, activating only when cleaning is detected to be necessary. This periodic operation maintains sensor cleanliness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sensor data and vehicle motion detection to control electrode activation. The electrode is energized only when dust contamination is detected and the vehicle is moving, optimizing energy usage based on actual cleaning needs
3Productivity
If electrode is positioned close to lens for effective cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but risk of electrical discharge to persons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts electrode operation based on detected conditions. When a person is detected near the sensor, the electrode is deactivated regardless of cleaning needs, dynamically managing the risk-exposure relationship while maintaining cleaning effectiveness when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the electrode and the environment, monitoring for persons and mediating electrode operation. This intermediary function allows the electrode to operate close to the lens for effective cleaning while preventing harmful electrical discharge to persons through real-time condition assessment
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 cleans the sensor lenses during vehicle movement in dusty conditions without using washer fluid, reducing the number of vehicle components, and ensuring safety by deenergizing the electrode when a person is present or the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode positioned to draw dust from the lens when the electrode is energized
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor-cleaning system includes a sensor of a vehicle, an electrode, and a computer communicatively coupled to the electrode. The sensor includes a lens. The electrode is positioned to draw dust from the lens when the electrode is energized. The computer is programmed to energize the electrode in response to the vehicle moving and deenergize the electrode in response to the vehicle being stationary.