LiDAR Cover Cleaning With a Concealed Reflector Spray Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning devices for optical and optoelectronic devices, such as LiDAR systems, are too complex, require too much space, and have an unharmonious appearance, making them unsuitable for exposed locations on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a nozzle concealed under a reflector, which directs the cleaning agent jet against the reflector and deflects it onto the surface as a spray jet, providing effective cleaning while maintaining a harmonious visual appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning devices are used for LiDAR systems, then cleaning function is provided, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning device with the reflector by integrating the nozzle assembly into the reflector structure. The nozzle is positioned to utilize the reflector's surface as a spray deflection surface, merging two previously separate components (cleaning device and reflector) into a single integrated unit. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves dual functions: it reflects light for the LiDAR system and simultaneously acts as a spray deflection surface for the cleaning device. By making the reflector multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning devices are used for LiDAR systems, then cleaning function is provided, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is nested within or integrated into the reflector structure. The cleaning device components are positioned to utilize the existing reflector volume, effectively nesting the cleaning function within the optical component's space. This reduces the overall volume required for the cleaning device.
3Reliability
If conventional cleaning devices are used for LiDAR systems, then cleaning function is provided, but external appearance becomes unharmonious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible cleaning device components from the external view by positioning the nozzle under the reflector. The reflector itself serves as the visible surface, while the cleaning functionality is hidden beneath it. This extraction of the cleaning device from the visible exterior maintains harmonious appearance while preserving the cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the cleaning function and the aesthetic requirement. It serves as both the optical component and the cover that hides the cleaning device, using its dual role to satisfy both functional and appearance requirements.
4Shape
If the nozzle is arranged concealed under the reflector, then visual appearance becomes harmonious, but cleaning agent delivery path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential disadvantage of the concealed nozzle position into a benefit by using the reflector's surface as a spray deflection surface. The cleaning agent jet that would otherwise require complex redirection mechanisms is instead naturally deflected by the reflector's geometry, simplifying the overall system while maintaining concealed nozzle positioning.
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 solution allows for efficient and cost-effective cleaning of large areas, such as those required for LiDAR systems, while ensuring a sleek and inconspicuous design that meets the demanding external appearance requirements for vehicle-mounted devices.
Implementation Method 1
the jet of cleaning agent is reflected by the reflector and is deflected onto the surface as at least one spray jet
Data Source
AI summary
An optical or optoelectronic device with at least one transparent cover and with a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of the cover with a fluid cleaning agent. In order to effectively clean such a device, in particular a LiDAR device, without the external appearance being disturbed by visible components of a cleaning device, it is proposed that the jet of cleaning agent is directed against a reflector, which is at least temporarily or permanently arranged and aligned at a distance from the outlet opening and the surface, so that the jet of cleaning agent is reflected by the reflector and is deflected onto the surface as at least one spray jet.