LiDAR Sensor Window Wiper That Lifts on the Return Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensing devices, particularly LiDAR sensors on vehicles, face interference from impediments like rain droplets, particulates, and insects on the sensor window pane, leading to erroneous data due to unobstructed views being obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning unit comprising a wiper and a drive unit that moves the wiper over the sensor window pane to remove impediments, using a resilient wiper blade that can be driven in various trajectories to ensure effective cleaning without damaging the pane, and optionally includes nozzles for applying cleaning fluid to facilitate the removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper is used to clean the sensor window pane, then impediments are removed and cleaning effectiveness is improved, but there is a risk of scratching or damaging the optically transmissive protection layer
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is made of elastomeric material (such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer) that is flexible and compliant, allowing it to conform to the curved surface of the sensor window pane without exerting excessive localized pressure that could scratch or damage the optically transmissive protection layer
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade uses elastomeric material with specific durometer hardness (e.g., 20-40 Shore A) that balances cleaning effectiveness with gentleness on the protection layer, and the wiper system controls contact pressure through spring mechanisms or gravity-assisted mounting to prevent damage
2Productivity
If the wiper is moved back to its initial position for repeated cleaning cycles, then the cleaning process can be repeated, but debris may be reintroduced onto the sensor window pane
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is designed to lift off or disengage from the sensor window pane during the return movement to its initial position, reversing the contact state from 'contact during cleaning' to 'no contact during return', thereby preventing debris reintroduction while maintaining cleaning cycle frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper mounting mechanism includes spring elements or flexible connections that allow the wiper blade to dynamically adjust its position, automatically lifting off the sensor window pane during return strokes based on changes in drive unit position or force direction, thus preventing debris contamination
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a wiper blade is made resilient and flexible to avoid damage, then the risk of scratching is reduced, but the wiping force and cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade uses elastomeric material that provides both flexibility to avoid scratching and sufficient friction against the sensor window pane surface to effectively remove impediments, with the material properties tuned to balance gentleness with cleaning power
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning fluid is applied to the sensor window pane before the wiper contacts it, softening or loosening impediments such as insect remains or tar, thereby reducing the mechanical force required by the resilient wiper blade to remove these contaminants while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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 cleaning unit effectively removes impediments from the sensor window pane, ensuring accurate data collection by maintaining a clear view and minimizing downtime of the sensing device, with efficient use of cleaning fluid and reduced risk of debris reintroduction or film formation during return movements.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper and a drive unit arranged for wiping the wiper over the sensor window pane
Implementation Method 2
The wiper, in particular the wiper blade, may be made of a material that is relatively flexible and/or relatively resilient with respect to the material of the window pane
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning unit for cleaning a sensor window pane of an optical sensing device, in particular for optical distance measurement, more in particular a LiDAR sensor device, of a motor vehicle. The cleaning unit comprises a wiper. Further, the cleaning unit comprises a drive unit which is arranged for wiping the wiper over the sensor window pane. Advantageously, the cleaning unit can be arranged for wiping a first portion of the wiper, such as a first wiper tip, over the sensor window pane from a first position towards a second position to wipe at least a first portion of the sensor window pane located between said first and second positions. The cleaning unit can then also be arranged for moving the wiper back from said second position substantially towards said first position without said first portion of the wiper wiping over said first portion of the sensor window pane.