Self-Cleaning LiDAR Window Using Gas Stream Envelope

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light detection and ranging devices with mechanical wipers for cleaning the transparent window damage coatings and surface finishes, create deposits, and require frequent maintenance, especially when installed in remote or inaccessible locations.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning mechanism using a gas stream from a blow nozzle to remove water droplets and particles from the transparent window without mechanical contact, maintaining the window clear and preserving coatings and surface finishes, with the gas stream directed along the window to prevent deposits and adjust airflow based on laser beam intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mechanical wiper is used to remove droplets and particles from the transparent window, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the coating and surface finish on the window are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsurface finish quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiper system with a gas stream-based cleaning system. A nozzle directs a high-velocity gas stream at the transparent window to remove droplets and particles without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating damage to coatings and surface finishes while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic principles by introducing a gas stream through a nozzle to clean the transparent window. The gas stream utilizes fluid dynamics to dislodge and remove contaminants from the window surface without requiring mechanical contact, thus preserving the window's coating and surface finish

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If a mechanical wiper is used to clean the transparent window, then droplets and particles are removed, but deposits are created on the window surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoiddeposits on window

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiper with a gas stream system that removes contaminants without leaving deposits. The gas stream effectively lifts and evacuates droplets and particles from the window surface, eliminating the rubber deposit problem associated with traditional wipers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a mechanical wiper system is implemented, then the transparent window can be cleaned, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow cleaning functionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from a complex mechanical wiper system and implements it through a simplified gas stream delivery system. By removing the mechanical components (wiper arms, motors, lubrication systems), the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining the essential cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas stream cleaning system operates without requiring lubrication or complex maintenance. The system uses a straightforward gas supply mechanism that eliminates the need for lubricant containers, wiper replacement, and associated maintenance procedures, thereby reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively maintains the transparent window clear of debris without damaging coatings or surface finishes, reducing maintenance needs and allowing for extended operation without mechanical wear, and can be compactly designed without lubricant containers or frequent refills.

Implementation Method 1

The gas stream flows along the transparent window and pushes elements such as the droplets of waters deposited on the external side of the transparent window and thus removes them from the transparent window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Drag

Implementation Method 2

The gas stream escaping from the blow nozzle generates a gas stream envelope that protects the transparent window from elements that could deposit on it. Said gas stream envelop can be defined by a difference of static pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2605043B1A self-cleaning light detection and ranging device

Publication Date: 2014.07.23 AUFWIND GMBH

Figure 1~5
Figure 3~4B

AI summary

The invention concerns a light detection and ranging device (1) comprising a main housing (2) with a transparent window (2). Said light detection and ranging device (1) comprises: - blowing means (7), and - a blow nozzle (9), said blow nozzle (9) being arranged near the transparent window (3), for guiding a gas stream along the transparent window (3) so that the gas escapes from the blow nozzle (9) and generates a gas stream envelope (20) on the transparent window (3) directed along the transparent window (3). The device according to the invention is more particularly used: - for redirecting particles from the outside away from said transparent window and/or - for blowing away water droplets deposited on said transparent window (3).