LiDAR Sensor Cleaning via Pivot Wire and Fluid Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR sensor cleaning apparatuses fail to effectively remove blockages or sticky materials with high viscosity from the sensor surface, degrading detection performance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a pivot frame with a cleaning wire and a drive mechanism that tensions the wire to scrub the LiDAR sensor surface, combined with a high-pressure fluid nozzle for removing low-viscosity foreign objects, ensuring effective removal of both types of contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure fluid is injected to clean the LiDAR sensor surface, then low-viscosity foreign objects are removed, but sticky materials with high viscosity cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: high-pressure fluid injection for low-viscosity contaminants and a mechanical cleaning wire for high-viscosity sticky materials. This segmentation allows each mechanism to specialize in removing specific types of contaminants, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning efficiency and cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different cleaning mechanisms (fluid injection and mechanical wire cleaning) into a single integrated cleaning apparatus. The cleaning wire is positioned to work in conjunction with the fluid nozzle, combining the advantages of both methods to handle various contaminant types effectively.
2Reliability
If a cleaning wire is introduced to remove sticky materials, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning wire is mounted on a rotatable pivot frame that can dynamically adjust its position and contact angle with the LiDAR sensor surface. This dynamic capability allows the cleaning wire to adapt to the curved surface geometry, maintaining effective contact while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through rotational movement rather than complex multi-axis positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning wire acts as a flexible, thin mechanical element that can conform to the LiDAR sensor surface geometry. This flexible approach is simpler than rigid mechanical cleaners and allows effective contact with the curved sensor surface without requiring complex adaptive mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the cleaning wire is tensioned to tightly contact the surface, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the risk of damaging the sensor surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot frame providing rotational freedom allows the cleaning wire to dynamically adjust its contact pressure and angle during operation. This dynamic adjustment enables the wire to maintain sufficient tension for effective cleaning while automatically adapting to surface variations, reducing the risk of concentrated stress points that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure fluid acts as an intermediary between the cleaning wire and the contaminant. The fluid softens and loosens sticky materials before the cleaning wire contacts them, reducing the required contact force and thereby minimizing the risk of surface damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
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 apparatus significantly improves cleaning efficiency by physically removing sticky materials and foreign objects of varying viscosities, maintaining detection performance and convenience in vehicle safety technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning wire mounted on the pivot frame, and having a straight portion contacting a surface of the LiDAR sensor
Implementation Method 2
inject a high-pressure fluid (water, washer fluid, air, etc.) from a cleaning nozzle to the surface of the LiDAR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cleaning a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor includes: a pivot frame rotatably mounted with respect to the LiDAR sensor; a cleaning wire mounted on the pivot frame, and having a straight portion contacting a surface of the LiDAR sensor; and a drive mechanism allowing the pivot frame to pivot, wherein rotating of the pivot frame allows the straight portion of the cleaning wire to contact the surface of the LiDAR sensor.