LiDAR Sensor Cover Material for IR Permeability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoplastic materials used in automotive exteriors are not suitable for LiDAR sensors due to significant signal strength reduction, even with small wall thicknesses, making them unsuitable for environmental monitoring applications, and there is a lack of suitable substrate materials for polycarbonate-based compositions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a LiDAR sensor emitting laser pulses in the 800 nm to 2500 nm range, paired with a cover made of a thermoplastic composition based on aromatic polycarbonate and/or polyester carbonate, which maintains high IR permeability and low light transmission in the visible spectrum, ensuring effective signal transmission while providing protection and design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional thermoplastic materials (polyolefins, polyamides, ABS, PC/ABS blends) are used for LiDAR sensor covers, then weight is reduced and design freedom is increased, but signal strength is significantly reduced even with wall thicknesses less than 1 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the thermoplastic material by using aromatic polycarbonate and polyester carbonate with specific molecular structures that allow IR transmission. It also optimizes the wall thickness parameter to 1-7mm to achieve sufficient mechanical strength while maintaining signal transmission above 50%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining aromatic polycarbonate and polyester carbonate in specific ratios, along with carefully selected colorants that do not absorb IR radiation. This composite approach achieves both mechanical durability and optical transparency in the IR range
2Shape
If dark, colored material is used to hide the LiDAR sensor, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but IR transmission is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies colorants that selectively absorb visible light wavelengths while remaining transparent to IR wavelengths. This creates local quality differentiation where the material appears dark aesthetically but maintains functional IR transmission properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses specific colorant chemistry to change the optical properties of the material - selecting pigments and dyes that absorb in the visible spectrum (380-780nm) but transmit in the IR spectrum (800-2500nm), achieving both aesthetic concealment and functional transparency
3Strength
If polycarbonate-based substrate materials with pigments are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but laser beam transmission is significantly hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pigment selection parameters by avoiding conventional carbon black and titanium dioxide that block IR radiation. Instead, it uses organic colorants with specific molecular structures that have transmission windows in the IR range, maintaining both strength and transmission
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 ensures the LiDAR sensor's signal integrity and environmental monitoring capabilities while offering enhanced safety, design freedom, and weight savings, with the thermoplastic composition providing adequate scratch resistance and weather stability.
Implementation Method 1
the area of the substrate layer made of the thermoplastic composition in its respective thickness has a permeability for IR radiation in the range of 800 nm to 2500 nm of at least 50%
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle that uses LiDAR sensors for driver assistance systems. A composition of a thermoplastic material based on polycarbonate, polyester carbonate and/or polymethyl methacrylate is used to form a cover for the sensor against the environment.