LIDAR Sensor Cleaning System Using Contactless and Wiper Cleaners
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR sensors on vehicles are impaired by environmental conditions such as dirt and dust, which can cause blockages that hinder object detection, leading to reduced sensor performance and potentially requiring a shift to non-autonomous vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor base, a rotatable sensor cover with a window, a contactless cleaner (air nozzle or fluid spray nozzle), and a contacting cleaner (wiper) actuated by a processor to maintain sensor clarity, where the contactless cleaner is activated first, and the contacting cleaner is engaged if the opacity threshold is exceeded after the initial cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contacting cleaner (wiper) is used to clean the sensor window, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into two distinct components: a contactless cleaner (air nozzle or fluid spray) and a contacting cleaner (wiper). The contactless cleaner handles routine cleaning, while the contacting cleaner is reserved for severe contamination cases, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wiper system with a contactless cleaning mechanism using air nozzles or fluid spray nozzles. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact with the sensor window, reducing the risk of mechanical damage and simplifying the cleaning system while maintaining effective cleaning capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a contactless cleaner is used to clean the sensor window, then mechanical damage risk is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness for severe contamination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system dynamically adapts its approach based on contamination severity. The processor monitors sensor performance and automatically switches between contactless cleaning (for light contamination) and contacting cleaner activation (for severe contamination), optimizing both safety and effectiveness in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (air nozzle or fluid spray nozzle) between the cleaning system and the sensor window. This intermediary enables contactless cleaning that effectively removes light contamination without mechanical contact, while severe contamination cases are handled by the contacting cleaner
3Reliability
If the contacting cleaner is activated frequently, then sensor clarity is maintained, but wear on the wiper increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless cleaner performs preliminary cleaning actions to remove light contamination before it accumulates into severe contamination requiring wiper intervention. This preliminary maintenance approach keeps the wiper in reserve, significantly extending its service life while maintaining sensor clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system applies different cleaning methods to different contamination levels: contactless cleaning for superficial contamination and contacting cleaning for severe contamination. This localized approach to cleaning quality optimization reduces unnecessary wiper activation and extends component life
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
Effectively maintains sensor clarity by using a combination of contactless and contacting cleaners to reduce opacity on the sensor window, minimizing the need for the contacting cleaner and ensuring continuous object detection and autonomous vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The contactless cleaner may further include an air nozzle directed to the window.
Implementation Method 2
The contactless cleaner may further include a cleaning fluid spray nozzle directed to the window.
Implementation Method 3
The contacting cleaner may include a wiper mechanically connected to an actuator.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a sensor base, a sensor cover having a window that is rotatably mounted to the base. The system includes a contacting cleaner and a contactless cleaner. The system further includes a processor that is programmed to actuate, first, the contactless cleaner and, then, upon determining that opacity of the window exceeds a predetermined threshold after actuation of the contactless cleaner, the contacting cleaner.