LiDAR Sensor Dirt Prevention via Bumper Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic vehicles face challenges in maintaining the sensitivity of LiDAR sensors due to dirt adhesion, particularly when mounted in positions susceptible to contamination from rolling water or cleaning liquids, which can impair sensor performance and vehicle design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular system incorporating protrusions on design parts and sensors to prevent dirt adhesion, combined with cleaners equipped with nozzles that spray a cleaning medium, ensuring effective cleaning while minimizing contamination risks, and allowing for adjustable mounting to accommodate various sensor positions without compromising vehicle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the in-vehicle sensor is mounted on the underside of the vehicle to maintain design aesthetics, then the design property is improved, but the sensor becomes susceptible to contamination from rolling muddy water
Solution Approach 1:
A protrusion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the cleaning target surface and the external environment. This protrusion acts as a barrier that prevents muddy water and dirt from directly contacting the sensor surface, while allowing the sensor to remain mounted in the aesthetically pleasing underside position.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a spatial dimension by extending a protrusion outward from the sensor mounting location. This creates a protective overhang that changes the spatial relationship between the sensor and contaminants, preventing direct exposure without relocating the sensor itself.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protrusion is provided on the design part to prevent dirt adhesion, then the cleaning target surface is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complex overall protective structure, the solution applies a simple localized protrusion only at the specific location where dirt adhesion is problematic. This localized approach provides protection without requiring complex system-wide modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is segmented into a separate protrusion element that can be independently provided on either the design part or the sensor. This segmentation allows the protection mechanism to be added or removed independently of the sensor or design part themselves.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cleaning target surface is arranged at the inner side with respect to the immediate upper portion, then dirt adhesion is prevented, but the sensor mounting flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable by allowing the protrusion to be provided on either the design part or the sensor itself, depending on the specific mounting configuration. This flexibility enables the same protective principle to be applied across various mounting positions and sensor types.
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 system effectively prevents dirt adhesion to in-vehicle sensors, maintaining their sensitivity and operational integrity while allowing for flexible mounting that preserves the vehicle's design aesthetics, even in positions prone to contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the immediate upper portion is constituted by a protrusion provided on the design part or the first in-vehicle sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first cleaner having a nozzle that sprays a cleaning medium on the first cleaning target surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular system includes a first in-vehicle sensor having a first cleaning target surface which is provided on a design part forming an appearance of a vehicle and arranged so as to face an exterior of the vehicle. The first cleaning target surface is arranged at an inner side of the vehicle than an immediate upper portion of the first cleaning target surface. The immediate upper portion is constituted by a protrusion provided in a rear bumper.