Lidar Radome Anti-Reflection Coating and De-Icing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lidar protection devices fail to maintain optimal wave transmission and are disrupted by frost, ice, or snow, leading to operational errors in motor vehicles, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar radome with a de-icing member, anti-scratch coating, and anti-reflection coating, made of transparent plastic materials, designed to minimize wave attenuation and ensure effective de-icing while maintaining aesthetic and mechanical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a plastic cover is used to protect the Lidar, then the aesthetic criteria and protection from external aggressions are improved, but the transmission of Lidar waves is reduced due to reflections and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the plastic cover through anti-reflection coatings and specific material selection. The cover uses plastic materials with optimized refractive indices and incorporates multi-layer anti-reflection coatings to minimize wave reflections and absorption, thereby maintaining high transmission while providing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining plastic cover material with anti-reflection coating layers. This composite structure integrates the protective function of the plastic with the optical optimization of the coating layers, achieving both protection and high wave transmission efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional heating track is used for de-icing, then the defrosting function is provided, but the transmission of Lidar waves is not optimal due to interference from the conductive wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical heating track system with an alternative de-icing mechanism that does not interfere with Lidar wave transmission. This substitution eliminates the conductive wires that cause reflections and absorption, while maintaining the de-icing function through other means such as integrated heating elements or aerodynamic de-icing designs.
3Strength
If the wall thickness is increased to improve mechanical strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the attenuation of Lidar waves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wall thickness parameter to achieve the minimum necessary thickness for adequate mechanical strength while minimizing wave attenuation. By precisely controlling the thickness parameter and combining it with anti-reflection coatings, the design balances structural requirements with optical performance.
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 low attenuation of Lidar waves, ensuring continuous operation even in adverse weather conditions, with efficient de-icing and reduced mechanical and thermal interference, while maintaining aesthetic and mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
A Lidar can see its normal operation disrupted by the presence of a layer of ice, snow or frost... it is necessary to provide at least one de-icing member of the protection device... A Lidar can see its normal operation disrupted by the presence of a layer of ice, snow or frost... Such a defrosting system is traditionally formed of a heating track, consisting of conductive wires capable of transforming electrical energy into thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one layer composed of an anti-reflection coating configured to limit reflection of said electromagnetic waves on the wall... the reduction in the transmission of the Lidar waves is in particular linked to the reflections of the Lidar waves at the interfaces of the two different mediums (air/plastic, plastic/air)
Implementation Method 3
at least one layer forming a support, comprising a plastic material transparent to said electromagnetic waves... the plastic cover, without having received any particular treatment, will reduce the transmission of the Lidar waves to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the properties of the plastic material forming the cover
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective device (1) configured to protect an electromagnetic wave-emitting component (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a wall (5) configured to allow passage of electromagnetic waves of at least one wavelength between 10 and 2000 nm, the wall (5) comprising: - at least one support layer (7) comprising a plastic material transparent to said electromagnetic waves, - at least one defrosting component (15), - at least one layer (11) composed of an anti-reflective coating configured to limit reflection of said electromagnetic waves on the wall, and - at least one layer (9) composed of a scratch-resistant coating. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a protective device, as well as a method for manufacturing such a protective device.