Lidar Window Cleaning Logic With Adaptive Gas Nozzle Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar system windows in vehicles accumulate debris such as rain, dirt, and dust, which deflects laser beams and impairs system operation, necessitating an effective cleaning method.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify the type of debris on the Lidar system window, select a suitable cleaning mode, and discharge gas at a specific nozzle velocity based on the skin friction coefficient to remove or maintain cleanliness, using an imaging device and processor to determine the level of cleanliness and control the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas is discharged at high nozzle velocity to remove debris, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle velocity is dynamically adjusted based on the identified cleaning mode and debris type. The system transitions between multiple velocity levels (first, second, and third velocities) corresponding to different cleaning modes, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and energy consumption for each specific scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the nozzle velocity parameter according to the cleaning mode and debris characteristics. By selecting from predefined velocity levels associated with different cleaning modes, the system adapts the gas discharge parameters to match the specific cleaning requirements, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cleaning modes are implemented for different debris types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different types of debris (light, medium, and heavy particles) using a single integrated apparatus. The same nozzle and gas discharge mechanism operate in multiple cleaning modes, eliminating the need for separate cleaning devices for different debris types while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an imaging device to detect debris on the window and provides feedback to the processor, which then selects the appropriate cleaning mode and nozzle velocity. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adapt to different debris conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple pre-configured systems.
3Measurement precision
If imaging device is used to identify debris type, then cleaning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device serves as an intermediary between the debris on the window and the cleaning system's response. It captures images of the debris, which are then processed to identify debris type and trigger the appropriate cleaning mode, enabling precise cleaning decisions without requiring direct physical contact or complex sensing mechanisms.
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
Effectively removes debris from the Lidar system window, ensuring optimal operation by maintaining a high level of cleanliness and adapting to different environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle velocity is related to a value of a skin friction coefficient at the surface and the nozzle velocity is selected to create the value for the skin friction coefficient according to the cleaning mode
Data Source
AI summary
A Lidar system, a cleaning apparatus for the Lidar system and a method of operation. The cleaning apparatus cleans a surface of the Lidar system. The cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle and a processor. The nozzle discharges a gas at a surface of the Lidar system. The processor is configured to identify a type of debris on the surface, identify a cleaning mode for cleaning the surface based on the type of debris, select a nozzle velocity of the gas from the nozzle based on the cleaning mode, and operate the nozzle to discharge the gas at the nozzle velocity.