LiDAR Cleaning Rail for Clear Sensor Windows in Harsh Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR sensors used in vehicles face challenges in maintaining clear windows for effective operation, especially in harsh environmental conditions, which can impact their ability to detect objects and generate accurate 3D environmental maps.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a movable cleaning rail system within the LiDAR sensor casing, which uses pressurized fluid to extend and retract, allowing nozzles to clean the window effectively, ensuring optimal visibility and sensor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning system is integrated into the LiDAR sensor to maintain clear windows, then the reliability of the sensor is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is integrated within the LiDAR sensor casing, merging the cleaning function with the sensor housing. The cleaning rail is received within the casing and the nozzles are positioned to clean the window from the interior, combining multiple functions into a single integrated unit rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning rail is slidably received within the fluid line, creating a nested structure where the cleaning rail can move inside the fluid delivery pathway. This nesting allows the cleaning mechanism to be compact while maintaining full functionality, reducing overall device complexity
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning rail is extended to reach the window for cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning rail is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend and retract as needed. The sliding mechanism enables the cleaning rail to dynamically adjust its position to reach the window for effective cleaning, then return to a retracted position when not in use, maintaining simplicity when the cleaning function is not active
3Ease of operation
If pressurized fluid is used to move the cleaning rail and clean the window, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized fluid system serves multiple functions: it both moves the cleaning rail to the extended position and provides the cleaning spray through nozzles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuation and cleaning systems, potentially reducing overall energy consumption compared to having independent mechanisms for each function
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 cleaning rail system ensures that the LiDAR sensor maintains clear windows, enhancing its ability to detect objects and generate accurate 3D maps, even in adverse weather conditions, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle's ADAS systems.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid line is in the casing. A cleaning rail is moveable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position. The cleaning rail is slidably received in the fluid line and slidable relative to the fluid line between the retracted position and the extended position.
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning rail has nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid line. The nozzles are aimed at the window in the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR sensor includes a casing, a window supported by the casing, a light detector having a field of view, and a light emitter having a field of illumination aimed at the field of view. At least one of the light detector or the light emitter is in the casing and aimed through the window. A fluid line is in the casing. A cleaning rail is moveable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position. The cleaning rail is slidably received in the fluid line and slidable relative to the fluid line between the retracted position and the extended position. The cleaning rail has nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid line. The nozzles are aimed at the window in the extended position. The cleaning rail has a rod slidably received in the fluid line and an arm extending transverse to the rod along the window. The arm has the nozzles. A light source is on the rod. The light source is aimed at the window in the extended position. An image sensor is aimed at the window.