LiDAR Window Cover Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR sensors mounted on vehicle bumpers face degraded sensing performance due to contamination of the window cover, particularly with dust and mud, which existing hot wire systems struggle to remove effectively.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR sensor design incorporating a motor-driven rotating shaft, guide, and brush assembly with a damper system, along with a washing part that sprays fluid and high-temperature gas to clean the window cover, ensuring effective removal of contaminants and maintaining optimal laser transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LiDAR sensor is mounted exposed to the outside for normal operation, then sensing performance is maintained, but the cover is susceptible to contamination from external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cleaning action by continuously or periodically activating the brush to remove contaminants before they can significantly degrade the laser transmission performance, maintaining sensing reliability through preventive maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous protection against contamination by maintaining the brush in constant contact with the cover surface, providing ongoing cleaning action that continuously removes contaminants as they accumulate, rather than periodic or intermittent cleaning
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a brush is added to wash the window cover, then contaminant removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing the brush assembly to simultaneously perform both moisture removal and contaminant removal functions, consolidating what would otherwise require separate heating and cleaning systems into a single mechanical cleaning mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the moisture removal function and contaminant removal function into a single brush cleaning operation, combining multiple cleaning objectives into one integrated mechanical system rather than separate thermal and mechanical systems
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 enhances the washing force on the window cover, improving the LiDAR sensor's performance by effectively removing contaminants and preventing moisture and rainwater, thus ensuring reliable distance measurement operations.
Implementation Method 1
a damper installed between the first and third guide parts or between the second and third guide parts, and providing an elastic force to press the brush against the window cover
Implementation Method 2
a motor mounted in the housing; a rotating shaft rotated by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR sensor may include: a housing; a window cover installed on the housing; a motor mounted in the housing; a rotating shaft rotated by the motor; a guide connected to the rotating shaft and rotated along the surface of the window cover; and a brush mounted on the guide so as to face the window cover, contacted with the window cover, and washing the surface of the window cover with rotation of the guide. The guide may include: a first guide part connected to the rotating shaft; a second guide part rotatably connected to the housing; and a third guide part connected to the first and second guide parts, formed in a U-shape so as to face the window cover, and having the brush mounted thereon.