Lidar Window Cleaning Based on Shielding Object Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar cleaning systems inefficiently clean the lidar window due to fixed program modes that waste resources and prolong lidar downtime, as they often clean the entire window regardless of the location of shielding objects, which are typically small in size.
Innovation Solution
A lidar device with a cleaning apparatus and control unit that determines the location of shielding objects on the window and performs targeted cleaning on specific areas, using a motor, screw rod, and guide rail for precise cleaning, optimizing resource use and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plurality of transmitters and receivers are arranged in a matrix to improve measurement precision and reduce blind spots, then the reliability and coverage of the laser radar device are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmitters and receivers into a single integrated housing, merging what would otherwise be separate functional units into one compact device. This reduces the overall number of components while maintaining the multi-element array configuration needed for reliable measurements and comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions: it protects the optical elements, provides structural support for the matrix arrangement, enables precise angular positioning, and facilitates synchronized operation of multiple transmitters and receivers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Speed
If the laser radar device operates at a low position to improve vehicle stability and aerodynamics, then the vehicle performance is improved, but the laser radar device is exposed to spray and debris from the road surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tilts the transmitter array and receiver array at specific angles (e.g., 10-20 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane, changing the spatial orientation of the optical elements. This angular arrangement allows the laser beams to clear spray and debris more effectively while maintaining a low mounting position for aerodynamic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing includes specific structural features such as tilted windows, protective shields, and angled surfaces positioned at critical locations to deflect spray and debris away from the optical elements. These localized protective features are placed where they are most needed based on the spray trajectory and debris impact patterns.
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
Improves cleaning efficiency by targeting only the affected areas, reducing resource waste and minimizing lidar downtime, thus enhancing the operational reliability of the lidar system.
Implementation Method 1
a laser radar device including a housing, a transmitter unit disposed in the housing and including a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having a transmission axis, the transmitter unit being tiltably supported in the housing
Implementation Method 2
designed so that the transmission axes of the transmitters are directed toward a front side of the vehicle in a state where the transmission axes are parallel to the front side of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning device including a cleaner supported by the vehicle and configured to clean a front side of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a lidar device, a lidar cleaning method, and a vehicle. The lidar device includes a cleaning apparatus and a control unit. The control unit is configured to: determine a to-be-cleaned area of a lidar window based on location information of a shielding object on the lidar window, and control the cleaning apparatus to clean the to-be-cleaned area of the lidar window. In comparison with a conventional lidar device and a cleaning apparatus of the lidar device, embodiments of this application can clean up the shielding object in a targeted manner, which improves lidar cleaning efficiency.