LIDAR Window Capacitive Sensing for Localized Soiling Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR sensors in vehicles face challenges in detecting and automatically removing objects such as dirt, rain, and ice on their windows, which can impair sensor measurements, and existing solutions do not efficiently address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR sensor with a window integrated capacitive sensors formed by insulated first and second groups of electrical conductors, capable of generating an electrical field to detect object positions and applying a DC voltage for localized heating to remove interference, while maintaining independent functionality for detection and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire window surface is cleaned to remove soiling, then sensor measurement quality is improved, but energy consumption and wear of the window surface increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by detecting the specific position of soiling on the window surface using capacitive sensors, then applying heating only to that localized area rather than the entire window. This selective localized heating removes soiling precisely where it occurs, improving sensor measurement quality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to heating the whole window surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the window surface into multiple detection zones using multiple groups of capacitive sensors arranged at different positions. Each sensor group can independently detect soiling in its specific zone, and the control unit can independently activate heating in corresponding zones. This segmentation allows targeted cleaning of only the affected areas, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable sensor operation.
2Reliability
If the entire window surface is heated to remove soiling, then sensor measurement quality is improved, but wear of the window surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by detecting the specific position of soiling on the window surface using capacitive sensors, then applying heating only to that localized area rather than the entire window. This selective localized heating removes soiling precisely where it occurs, improving sensor measurement quality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to heating the whole window surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of soiling position using capacitive sensors before applying heating. By knowing in advance where soiling is located, the system can apply heating only to those specific areas, avoiding unnecessary thermal exposure to the rest of the window surface and thereby reducing overall wear while still achieving clean sensor measurement areas.
3Measurement precision
If multiple groups of electrical conductors are used to localize objects, then position accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the electrical conductors to serve dual purposes: they function as both capacitive sensors for detecting soiling position and as heating elements for removing soiling. The same conductor structures that detect the position of objects on the window surface can also be activated to heat and clean those specific areas, eliminating the need for separate sensor and actuator systems and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high position accuracy.
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
Enables precise localization and targeted removal of objects on the window, reducing wear and energy consumption, and enhancing sensor performance by localized heating and cleaning, thus maintaining effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
The respective groups of electrical conductors in each case include a first conductor and a second conductor, which are situated on and/or within the window, in each case electrically insulated from one another, and in each case form a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
The detection circuit is furthermore configured to generate an electrical field between the respective first conductors and the second conductors of the respective groups with the aid of a voltage source, to detect a change in the electrical field as a result of an object in the close range of the window
Implementation Method 3
The LIDAR sensor is configured to apply a DC voltage only to those conductors of the respective groups of electrical conductors for a heating which are situated in the area of the position of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR sensor, including a window, at least one first group and one second group of electrical conductors, and a detection circuit. The window is a light exit and entry interface of the LIDAR sensor. Each of the groups includes a first conductor and a second conductor, which are situated on and/or within the window, electrically insulated from one another, form a capacitive sensor, and are electrically connected to the detection circuit. The first and second groups are situated at positions which deviate from one another. The detection circuit generates an electrical field between the respective first conductors and second conductors of the respective groups to detect a change in the electrical field as a result of an object in close range of the window, ascertain a position of the object within the surface of the window, and provide a piece of information about the position of the object.