Lidar Window Cleaning With Pulsed Gas Nozzle Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rain, dirt, and debris on the window of a Lidar system in autonomous vehicles can impair its effectiveness by obstructing light beams, necessitating a quick and effective cleaning method.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a nozzle with a processor-controlled gas flow at a variable rate, including pulses of up to 48 liters per minute for 5 milliseconds, directed at the window with multiple nozzles activated sequentially to efficiently remove debris, with each nozzle having a specific elevation and tilt angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous gas flow is used to clean the Lidar window, then the cleaning coverage is comprehensive, but the energy consumption increases and the cleaning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed gas flow instead of continuous flow. The processor controls the pump to deliver gas in discrete pulses at specific intervals, creating a rhythmic cleaning action that maintains effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption and increasing cleaning speed through repeated high-velocity bursts
2Productivity
If a high flow rate of gas is used to remove debris quickly, then the cleaning effectiveness improves, but the gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed gas flow where high flow rates are applied only during brief pulse durations rather than continuously. This delivers sufficient cleaning force during each pulse while significantly reducing total gas consumption compared to sustained high-flow operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow rate is dynamically adjusted through pulsing rather than maintaining a constant high flow. The processor modulates the pump to create variable flow rates that match the cleaning needs at different moments, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and gas consumption
3Area of stationary object
If multiple nozzles are activated simultaneously to clean different areas, then the cleaning coverage is maximized, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple independent nozzles, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the processor to manage each nozzle independently through simple on/off control, reducing overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of multiple simple units
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple nozzles are activated in periodic sequences rather than simultaneously. The processor controls each nozzle to operate in alternating time intervals, which simplifies the control logic compared to simultaneous multi-nozzle coordination while still achieving complete coverage through the sequential periodic action of all nozzles
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 effectively cleans the Lidar window by using a pulsed gas flow to dislodge and remove rain, dirt, and debris, ensuring clear light transmission and maintaining navigation safety.
Implementation Method 1
A gas is controlled using a processor to flow through a nozzle directed at the window to spray from the nozzle at a variable flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a Lidar system includes a cleaning apparatus that performs a method of cleaning the Lidar system. The cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle for spraying a gas onto a window of the Lidar, a pump for controlling a flow of the gas through the nozzle, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the pump to control the flow of the gas through the nozzle at a variable flow rate.