Lidar Cover Heating via Infrared Reflection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR sensing technologies in automotive vehicles are compromised by ice or condensation formation on sensor windows or casings, particularly in colder climates, due to interference from known heating solutions that block or disrupt LIDAR transmission.
Innovation Solution
A detector device with a cover transparent to LIDAR radiation, utilizing infrared radiation and reflecting surfaces to increase the cover's temperature, preventing ice or condensation buildup, while maintaining LIDAR functionality through a separator and reflectors that direct infrared radiation for heating without interfering with LIDAR operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If known heating circuits or coatings are used to prevent ice build-up, then the cover temperature is increased, but LIDAR transmission is blocked or interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective spectral properties to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The cover is designed to be transparent to LIDAR wavelengths while absorbing infrared radiation for heating. This local quality differentiation in spectral transmission allows simultaneous LIDAR operation and ice prevention without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (deliquescent material or hygroscopic coating) that absorbs moisture and prevents ice formation through a different mechanism. This intermediary material prevents ice buildup without blocking LIDAR transmission, mediating between the conflicting requirements of temperature control and optical transparency.
2Reliability
If separate heaters are added to prevent ice, then ice prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mounting and wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing cover structure by incorporating infrared-absorbing materials or deliquescent coatings directly into the cover. This integration eliminates the need for separate heater assemblies, mounting hardware, and wiring, reducing device complexity while maintaining ice prevention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deliquescent material or hygroscopic coating provides self-service ice prevention by automatically absorbing moisture from the environment or condensation without requiring external power or control systems. This passive mechanism eliminates the need for complex wiring and control electronics.
3Reliability
If the cover is made transparent to LIDAR radiation, then LIDAR functionality is maintained, but ice or condensation can still form on the cover surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cover exhibits different optical properties for different wavelengths: transparent to LIDAR wavelengths and absorbing to infrared wavelengths. This local quality in spectral response allows simultaneous maintenance of LIDAR functionality and prevention of ice formation through differential heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the cover by introducing materials with selective spectral absorption. This parameter change allows the cover to selectively absorb infrared radiation for heating while remaining transparent to LIDAR wavelengths, preventing ice formation without compromising LIDAR functionality.
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
Enhances the reliability and availability of LIDAR sensing technologies by effectively preventing ice or condensation on sensor components across a wider range of environmental conditions without disrupting LIDAR functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation source that emits a second type of radiation into the cover is further provided wherein the second type of radiation is different from the first type of radiation
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of reflecting surfaces are transparent to the first type of radiation and at least partially opaque to the second type of radiation to at least partially reflect the second type of radiation into the cover
Implementation Method 3
The detector device may comprise a separator that is configured to separate the second type of radiation from other radiation emitted by the radiation source, wherein the separated second type of radiation is directed toward at least one of the reflecting surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
An illustrative example embodiment of a detector device (22) includes a sensor portion (30) that is configured to at least emit or receive a first type of radiation (34). A cover (40) near the sensor portion (30) is transparent to the first type of radiation (34) to allow the first type of radiation (34) to pass through the cover (40). A radiation source (42) emits a second, different type of radiation (44). A plurality of reflecting surfaces (46, 48) are transparent to the first type of radiation (34) and at least partially opaque to the second type of radiation (44) to at least partially reflect the second type of radiation (44) into the cover (40) to increase a temperature of at least a portion of the cover (40).