LiDAR Sensor Cleaning Device with Folding Wiper Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle LiDAR sensors are prone to contamination and damage from external exposure, especially in adverse weather conditions, leading to performance degradation and potential disablement of autonomous driving operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning device with a drive unit and movement unit that folds and unfolds to vertically move a wiper frame, using a motor and gear system to remove contaminants from the sensor surface, accompanied by a washer fluid system for cleaning, and a controller that manages cleaning operations based on environmental data and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the LiDAR sensor is externally exposed for operation, then the sensor can recognize objects and calculate three-dimensional shapes accurately, but the sensor surface becomes prone to contamination from foreign materials in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A wiper frame with wiper elements is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the LiDAR sensor. The wiper frame moves across the sensor surface to remove foreign materials, acting as a protective mediator that maintains sensor cleanliness without blocking the sensor's external exposure for light transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system includes a fluid nozzle that sprays cleaning fluid directly onto the sensor surface, and a wiper frame that removes contaminants. The system is designed to self-maintain sensor performance by continuously or periodically removing contamination without requiring manual intervention or sensor removal
2Reliability
If a cleaning device is added to remove contaminants from the sensor, then sensor performance is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper frame serves multiple functions: it removes foreign materials from the sensor surface, provides structural support for the wiper elements, and can be integrated with the vehicle's existing cleaning fluid system. The drive unit can be shared with other vehicle components, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper elements are nested within or integrated with the wiper frame structure, allowing the cleaning components to be compactly arranged around the sensor without occupying excessive space. The folding link mechanism allows the wiper frame to collapse into a compact configuration when not in use
3Productivity
If the wiper frame is positioned to entirely surround the sensor for complete coverage, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the movement unit size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper frame is divided into multiple segments or linkages that can fold and unfold independently. This segmentation allows the frame to expand to surround the sensor completely for full coverage, then collapse into a compact configuration for storage, reducing the overall movement unit size when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper frame employs a folding link mechanism with rotation shafts and hinges that allow dynamic transformation between extended and retracted states. This dynamic structure enables the frame to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, providing complete coverage during cleaning while minimizing space during storage
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 device effectively maintains sensor performance by removing contaminants, preventing damage to LiDAR sensors and ensuring stable autonomous driving operations even in harsh conditions, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring reliable sensor information.
Implementation Method 1
a motor for generating power, a gear set for switching the power of the motor to a rotational force, and a rack bar set for converting the rotational force of the gear set into a linear movement
Implementation Method 2
a wiper configured to be in direct contact with a surface of the sensor and remove foreign materials from the surface of the sensor through direct cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle includes a front bumper comprising an opening; a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor comprising a surface exposed to the opening of the front bumper; and a sensor cleaning device configured to remove foreign materials on the surface. The sensor cleaning device includes a wiper configured to move over a surface of a sensor to remove foreign materials from the surface of the sensor; and a movement unit connected to the wiper and comprising at least a linkage system configured to perform folding and unfolding movements, which causes the wiper to reciprocate over the surface of the sensor.