Electrowetting Sensor Window Clearing for Rotating Vehicle Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining clear sensor windows, particularly from rain or mist, which can obstruct the view of LIDAR and other external sensors, leading to reduced performance and accuracy in navigation and object detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a substrate and electrodes on a cylindrical sensor window, where a computer programmatically activates electrodes in a sequence to electrostatically move water droplets away from the sensor view, coordinated with the movement of a rotatable sensing device, using electrowetting principles to keep the window clear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are activated to electrostatically move water droplets, then the sensor window becomes clear, but energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are activated in periodic sequences rather than continuously. The control system activates specific electrode pairs in alternating patterns to move droplets across the sensor window, then deactivates them when droplets reach collection areas. This periodic activation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining effective droplet removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor window have different electrode configurations optimized for their specific functions. The detection region has electrodes arranged for droplet detection and movement, while collection regions have different electrode patterns designed to capture and remove droplets. This localized optimization ensures energy is only spent where needed for each specific droplet management task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable sensing device is used, then the field of view can be adjusted, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable sensing device serves multiple functions: it detects droplets in different angular positions, tracks droplet movement across the sensor window, and provides a clear field of view to various regions as needed. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors or detection systems, actually reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is designed to rotate dynamically to follow droplet trajectories and adjust the field of view in real-time. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to changing droplet patterns and environmental conditions without requiring a fixed, overly complex multi-sensor array, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are arranged in specific patterns, then droplet movement control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into multiple independent electrode pairs or groups that can be manufactured and tested separately before final assembly. Each electrode pair is designed to control droplets in specific angular sectors, allowing for modular manufacturing processes. This segmentation enables precise control patterns to be achieved while simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity through standardized, repeatable fabrication units.
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 removes water droplets from the sensor window, ensuring a clear view for the sensing device, enhancing the vehicle's ability to detect external features and navigate accurately by preventing obstruction from rain or mist.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system with a substrate and electrodes on a cylindrical sensor window, where a computer programmatically activates electrodes in a sequence to electrostatically move water droplets away from the sensor view, using electrowetting principles to keep the window clear.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a sensor window including a substrate and a plurality of electrodes applied to the substrate, a sensing device movable relative to the sensor window and having a field of view through the sensor window in at least one position, and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensing device and the electrodes. The computer is programmed to activate the electrodes in a sequence that electrostatically moves a droplet on the sensor window, and the sequence is coordinated with movement of the sensing device relative to the sensor window.