Sensor Housing Vibration Control for Lidar Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in removing debris from sensor lenses and windshields due to exposure to elements, as a human passenger may not be available or able to clear the debris, affecting sensor performance similar to how debris impacts a human driver's view.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system utilizing a vehicle computer with a processor that determines vehicle speed and selects actuators to vibrate the sensor housing in axial or radial directions, with varying magnitudes and frequencies based on speed to remove debris, ensuring effective cleaning without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators are used to vibrate the sensor housing to remove debris, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using actuators to generate vibrations in the sensor housing at specific frequencies and magnitudes. The processor controls the actuators to vibrate the housing in axial and/or radial directions, creating mechanical forces that dislodge debris from the windscreen and sensor lens surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration parameters based on vehicle speed. The processor selects different magnitudes and frequencies of vibration depending on whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, and whether speed is above or below a threshold. This dynamic adaptation optimizes cleaning effectiveness while managing energy consumption and device complexity.
2Reliability
If vibration magnitude and frequency are increased to remove stubborn debris, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration parameters based on vehicle speed. When the vehicle is moving, aerodynamic forces assist debris removal, allowing lower vibration magnitudes. When stationary or at low speeds, higher vibration magnitudes are applied to compensate for lack of aerodynamic assistance. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy usage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor changes vibration parameters (magnitude and frequency) based on operating conditions. The system selects from multiple vibration magnitudes and frequencies depending on vehicle speed, adjusting these parameters in real-time to match environmental conditions and optimize the balance between cleaning effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to vibrate in different directions, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple actuators positioned at different locations on the sensor housing. Each actuator targets specific areas of the windscreen and sensor lens, with some actuators oriented axially and others radially. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of different surfaces while enabling independent control of each actuator based on cleaning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: axial actuators clean the front windscreen surface, radial actuators clean side surfaces and angles, and the same actuator types can be used for different sensor housings. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using standardized actuator components for various cleaning tasks.
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 ensures continuous operation of autonomous vehicles by effectively removing debris from sensors, maintaining accurate environmental perception, even in adverse weather conditions, by using actuator vibrations tailored to vehicle speed and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
selecting at least one actuator to vibrate a sensor housing based on the vehicle speed, and commanding the at least one actuator to vibrate the sensor housing in accordance with the vehicle speed
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor. The processor is programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include determining a vehicle speed, selecting at least one actuator to vibrate a sensor housing based on the vehicle speed, and commanding the at least one actuator to vibrate the sensor housing in accordance with the vehicle speed to remove debris from the sensor housing.