LiDAR Cleaning Nozzle Coupled to Sensor Aiming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an efficient method for cleaning LiDAR sensors without smudging vehicle design components and preventing false sensor detections, while also ensuring easy nozzle placement and effective cleaning of LiDARs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor system with an on-board sensor and a cleaner nozzle attached via an aiming mechanism, featuring a check valve and discharge holes in concave parts to prevent backflow and smudging, allowing for efficient cleaning medium distribution and angle-adjusted nozzle placement for effective LiDAR cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed nozzle is used for cleaning the sensor, then the nozzle placement is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness deteriorates when the sensor position changes due to aiming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is made movable and is coupled to the aiming mechanism so that it dynamically adjusts its position and orientation in response to sensor aiming changes. This allows the nozzle to track the sensor position automatically, maintaining cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex manual repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The aiming mechanism serves dual functions: it positions the sensor for optimal detection and simultaneously positions the nozzle for effective cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning systems while ensuring both sensor performance and cleaning effectiveness
2Productivity
If the cleaning medium is sprayed directly at high pressure, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the risk of smudging vehicle design components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with multiple spray outlets positioned at different locations and angles, creating localized spray zones that target specific areas of the sensor. This allows concentrated cleaning force where needed while distributing lower-pressure spray patterns away from sensitive vehicle components
Solution Approach 2:
A guide structure or housing is introduced as an intermediary element between the nozzle and the sensor/vehicle components. This intermediary directs the cleaning medium flow precisely onto the sensor surface while blocking or redirecting excess spray away from design components, preventing smudging
3Productivity
If the cleaning medium is sprayed with high force, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of false detection by the sensor increases due to cleaning medium staying on the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates in periodic cycles with alternating phases: a high-pressure spray phase for effective cleaning followed by a lower-pressure airflow phase or idle phase that allows the sensor surface to dry. This periodic action removes cleaning medium residues that could cause false detections while maintaining cleaning effectiveness during the active spray phase
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle configuration creates localized high-pressure spray zones focused precisely on the sensor's detection surfaces, while surrounding areas receive minimal or no spray. This selective spraying approach ensures thorough cleaning of critical areas while preventing cleaning medium accumulation on adjacent surfaces that could interfere with sensor operation
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 system ensures efficient cleaning of LiDAR sensors, prevents smudging of vehicle components, and reduces the risk of false sensor detections, while allowing for easy nozzle placement and effective cleaning of LiDARs, enhancing the reliability of automatic driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaner may further include a check valve, and the check valve may be attached to the support component
Implementation Method 2
a cleaner having a nozzle configured to spray a cleaning medium toward the on-board sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This vehicle sensor system includes an on-board sensor (6f) that can be attached to a vehicle via an aiming mechanism (40); and a cleaner (50) that has a nozzle (103) for spraying a cleaning medium onto the vehicle sensor (6f). The nozzle (103) is attached to a component (21) the position of which changes in accordance with vehicle sensor (6f) aiming.