Thermogenic Light-Absorbing Coating for LiDAR Lens Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR sensors face challenges in maintaining a clean lens due to environmental conditions such as harsh weather, moisture, and debris, which can lead to reduced performance and safety issues in autonomous vehicles, and existing active coatings may degrade, failing to provide effective long-term solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a coating with a thermogenic light-absorbing material on the LiDAR lens surface, activated by an internal near-infrared light source to generate heat, forming a hydrophobic, oleophobic, or hydrophilic active coating that repels moisture and particulate matter, potentially combined with a retractable element for additional cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing active coatings are applied to the LiDAR lens, then cleaning performance is improved, but the coatings degrade over time and fail to provide long-term protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from chemical reactions (UV light) to thermal energy (infrared light heating). The coating contains thermogenic light-absorbing materials that convert infrared light to heat, raising the temperature to activate the cleaning function. This parameter change enables durable, long-lasting coatings that don't degrade like UV-activated coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is a composite material combining thermogenic light-absorbing materials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphite, or metal particles) with active cleaning agents. This composite structure allows the coating to absorb infrared light, generate heat, and trigger the cleaning mechanism, providing both durability and long-term functionality.
2Reliability
If mechanical cleaning methods are used, then immediate cleaning effect is achieved, but the lens is subjected to physical stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems (wipers, brushes, air jets) with a thermal-field-based cleaning mechanism. The thermogenic coating absorbs infrared light and generates heat to activate cleaning chemicals or phase-change materials, eliminating mechanical contact with the lens surface while maintaining high cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating enables the lens to clean itself by absorbing infrared light and generating heat internally. This self-service mechanism activates the cleaning function without external mechanical intervention, protecting the lens from physical stress while maintaining cleaning productivity.
3Ease of operation
If UV-activated coatings are used, then self-cleaning function is provided, but the coatings degrade under continuous UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of continuous light exposure (which degrades UV coatings) into a beneficial thermal effect. By using infrared-absorbing materials, the coating harnesses the energy of light to generate heat for activation, turning potential degradation into a sustainable activation mechanism that enhances both self-cleaning capability and coating stability.
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 effectively maintains a clean lens by preventing the adhesion of substances, extending the lifespan of LiDAR sensors and ensuring continuous operation of autonomous vehicles by forming durable, self-cleaning coatings that resist environmental degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a coating having first and second components is applied to an exterior surface of a lens of a laser sensor, the first component including a thermogenic light-absorbing (TLA) material; and irradiating the TLA material from a light source within the laser sensor to generate heat from the TLA material
Implementation Method 2
The heat generated by the TLA material may cause the second component to cure, solidify, or undergo a phase change
Data Source
AI summary
Laser sensor lenses and methods for maintaining clean laser sensors lenses are disclosed. One method may include applying a coating having first and second components to an exterior surface of a lens of a laser sensor, the first component including a thermogenic light-absorbing (TLA) material; and irradiating the TLA material from a light source within the laser sensor to generate heat from the TLA material to cause the second component to form an active coating. The light source may be a laser of a LiDAR sensor. The heat from the TLA material may cause the second component to cure, solidify, or undergo a phase change. The active coating may be at least one of hydrophobic, oleophobic, and hydrophilic. In another embodiment, a removable cover having a TLA material may be positioned proximate the lens window and irradiated to heat the lens window (e.g., to melt ice thereon).