Helical Sensor Cleaning Member for Vehicle Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors face challenges in maintaining clear optical paths due to dirt and debris accumulation, which can degrade the quality of data collected, especially in environments with harsh conditions or frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A helical cleaning member system that moves between retracted and extended positions to clean a cylindrical sensor window, utilizing pumps for fluid delivery and an air source for drying, while being controlled to avoid interfering with the sensor's field of view during vehicle motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning member is extended to clean the sensor window, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the sensor's field of view may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions, allowing it to dynamically adjust its state based on operational requirements. When cleaning is needed, the member extends to contact and clean the sensor window; when not in use, it retracts to avoid obstructing the sensor's field of view, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and view obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional components: the cleaning member that can be independently extended and retracted, the control system that determines when cleaning is needed, and the sensor assembly. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be activated only when necessary, preventing continuous obstruction of the sensor view while maintaining cleaning capability
2Speed
If the cleaning member remains extended to maintain cleaning readiness, then cleaning responsiveness is improved, but device complexity and potential interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member operates through periodic extension and retraction cycles based on detected cleaning needs rather than remaining continuously extended. The system monitors sensor conditions and activates the cleaning member only when dirt or debris is detected, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining rapid cleaning responsiveness when required
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system incorporates automatic detection capabilities that trigger cleaning operations without continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring sensor window conditions and activating the cleaning member only when necessary, simplifying control mechanisms while ensuring rapid response to cleaning needs
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
Ensures thorough and efficient cleaning of the sensor window, maintaining data quality by preventing dirty zones and ensuring the sensor remains clear without obstructing its view during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning member may include a tube fluidly coupled to the outlets. The outlets may be first outlets, the tube may be a first tube, and the cleaning member may include a plurality of second outlets and a second tube fluidly coupled to the second outlets. The apparatus may further include a first pump fluidly coupled to the first tube, and a second pump fluidly coupled to the second tube.
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus may further include an air source disposed in the base and fluidly coupled to the third tube. The air source may be one of a blower or a compressor.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a base, a cylindrical sensor window fixed to the base, and a helical cleaning member movable between a retracted position in the base and an extended position extending around the sensor window. The cleaning member includes an outlet directed at the sensor window when the cleaning member is in the extended position.