Integrated Nozzle Bracket for LIDAR-Camera Sensor Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining the effectiveness of LIDAR and camera sensors due to exposure to dirt, snow, ice, and salt, which can affect their ability to navigate, necessitating a system for periodic cleaning of these sensors.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly for integrated LIDAR and camera-based sensing systems that includes liquid spray nozzles and air ducts for discharging cleaning liquids and compressed air to clear foreign matter from the sensors, with features like annular skirts, deflector fins, and cooling ports to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cleaning systems are provided for LIDAR and camera sensors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate cleaning systems for LIDAR and camera sensors into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes nozzles that can spray cleaning fluid onto both sensor types, and air ducts that can blow air at both sensors, consolidating what would otherwise be separate cleaning mechanisms into one unified system that maintains cleaning effectiveness for both sensor types while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed as a universal cleaning system that serves multiple functions: it can clean both LIDAR sensors and camera sensors using the same structural platform. The nozzles and air ducts are positioned and configured to accommodate different sensor types, allowing one cleaning system to perform the cleaning function for multiple different sensors rather than requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Area of stationary object
If integrated sensor assembly is used, then space utilization is improved, but sensor performance reliability deteriorates due to exposure to elements
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system provides preliminary protective action by regularly removing dirt, snow, ice, and salt from the sensors before these contaminants can significantly degrade sensor performance. The bracket assembly with its nozzles and air ducts is positioned to proactively clean the sensors, preventing the accumulation of harmful substances that would otherwise affect the sensors' ability to perceive the environment accurately.
3Reliability
If comprehensive cleaning coverage is provided, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into distinct functional components: multiple nozzles for fluid cleaning and multiple air ducts for air blowing, with each component targeted at specific sensor areas. The bracket assembly divides the cleaning function into discrete spray zones and air flow paths, allowing comprehensive coverage of both LIDAR and camera sensors while maintaining a manageable structural organization that doesn't overly complicate the overall system.
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 bracket assembly effectively cleans both LIDAR and camera sensors in an integrated package, ensuring reliable sensor performance by removing foreign matter and preventing overheating, thus enhancing the navigation capabilities of autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of liquid spray nozzles discharge a cleaning liquid (e.g., washer fluid) toward the exterior surfaces of the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of air ducts discharge compressed air toward the exterior surfaces of the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor
Implementation Method 3
a small portion of the air flow escapes the internal air passage through the cooling port. This air flow impinges the rear of the camera sensor to prevent overheating of the camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly for an integrated LIDAR and camera-based sensing system is provided. The bracket assembly can be mounted to a LIDAR sensor and includes a camera housing. The bracket assembly also includes a plurality of liquid spray nozzles and a plurality of air blower ducts. The plurality of liquid spray nozzles discharge a cleaning liquid (e.g., washer fluid) toward the exterior surface of the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor, and the plurality of air ducts discharge compressed air toward the exterior surface of the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor. The liquid spray nozzles and the air ducts cooperate to clear foreign matter from the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor despite being close to the edge of each such sensor.