Tamper-Resistant Lidar Sensor Housing with Integrated Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensing systems lack effective protection against theft and efficient cleaning mechanisms for sensors, particularly Lidar sensors, which are expensive and prone to damage from environmental factors like snow and ice.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensing system with a tamper-resistant Lidar sensor module housing that includes a removable cover with snap-attach mechanisms and a fluid port for cleaning, utilizing a single pump to supply liquid and air for cleaning and defrosting, and an extendable nozzle system for efficient fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensor module uses a removable cover for maintenance access, then ease of operation is improved, but theft vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a mounting portion and a removable cover portion, allowing the cover to be separated for maintenance while the mounting portion remains fixed to the vehicle with tamper-resistant elements
Solution Approach 2:
Tamper-resistant attaching elements act as intermediaries between the cover and mounting portion, providing a mechanism that allows legitimate removal for maintenance while preventing unauthorized removal through damage upon attempted forced separation
2Reliability
If the sensor module includes cleaning and defrosting mechanisms, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning and defrosting functions are merged into a single integrated system with a single pump that can supply both liquid cleaning fluid and pressurized air through shared fluid channels and nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump serves multiple functions by supplying both liquid cleaning fluid and pressurized air, and the fluid channels distribute multiple media types to the sensor window for both cleaning and defrosting operations
3Reliability
If the housing uses tamper-resistant attaching elements, then theft protection is improved, but ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a fixed mounting portion and a removable cover portion, allowing the cover to be accessed and removed for repairs while the mounting portion remains securely attached with tamper-resistant elements
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-resistant attaching elements serve as intermediaries that provide controlled access - they prevent unauthorized removal through damage but allow legitimate repair access through proper tools and procedures
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 provides enhanced theft protection for Lidar sensors and ensures continuous operation by keeping sensors clean and free from ice and snow, using a single pump for both liquid and air supply, ensuring reliable data capture and system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a single pump to supply both liquid and air to the sensor module
Implementation Method 2
channels or passageways in the housing direct fluid onto a window of the cover portion through which the sensor senses
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for a vehicle includes a sensor module configured to be disposed at the vehicle. The sensor module includes a sensor disposed in a housing, which includes a mounting portion and a cover portion. The mounting portion is configured to attach at a portion of the vehicle such that the cover portion is at an exterior of the vehicle. The cover portion is removably attached at the mounting portion and includes tamper resistant attaching elements such that an attempt to remove the cover portion or sensor module damages the sensor module. The sensor module may include a washer nozzle for directing pressurized fluid or spray onto a window of the sensor module. Responsive to an output of the sensor, a control determines the presence of one or more objects exterior the vehicle and within the field of sensing of the sensor.