Lidar Window Ultrasonic Cleaning for Debris-Free Line of Sight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lidar systems face issues with debris accumulation on their windows, which obstructs the line-of-sight and affects the detection of remote targets, as existing solutions lack effective and autonomous methods for debris removal.

Innovation Solution

Integration of ultrasonic transducers attached to the window, which vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to clear debris by triggering cavitation in fluids, combined with sensors and a controller to detect debris and initiate cleaning operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning of the window is performed, then debris is removed from the window surface, but the system requires manual intervention and operational interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic transducer is attached to the window and automatically activates to generate ultrasonic vibrations that remove debris from the window surface without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors its own optical components and self-cleans when contamination is detected, enabling continuous autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with ultrasonic vibration-based cleaning. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency vibrations that create cavitation in fluids and direct mechanical stress on debris, causing it to detach from the window surface automatically without human contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ultrasonic transducers are attached to the window, then debris removal capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic transducer serves multiple functions: it generates ultrasonic vibrations for debris removal, creates cavitation in fluids to clean the window surface, and can be integrated with the existing lidar housing structure. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing comprehensive cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic transducer is integrated into the existing lidar system housing and window structure, merging the cleaning function with the optical system. The transducer is attached to the window or housing in a way that combines structural support with cleaning functionality, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the ultrasonic transducer operates continuously, then debris is consistently removed, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow clarity maintenanceVSAvoidultrasonic transducer power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic transducer operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated when debris detection algorithms identify contamination on the window surface, performs cleaning cycles at appropriate intervals, and remains inactive when the window is clear. This periodic operation maintains window clarity while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates debris detection algorithms that monitor the window surface condition and provide feedback to control the ultrasonic transducer operation. When debris is detected, the transducer is activated; when the window is clear, operation stops. This feedback-based control optimizes energy usage by operating only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures uninterrupted operation of lidar systems by effectively removing debris, maintaining the clarity of the window surface and ensuring continuous detection of remote targets without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

one or more ultrasonic transducers attached to the window and configured to cause vibration at the window to remove debris from the exterior-facing surface of the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to clear debris by triggering cavitation in fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Data Source

PatentUS11846707B2Ultrasonic vibrations on a window in a lidar system

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 MICROVISION INC

AI summary

To clear the line-of-sight (LOS) on a window in a lidar system within a vehicle, ultrasonic transducers are physically attached to the interior surface of the window to remove debris. When debris is detected at the window, the ultrasonic transducers are directed to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency thereby generating an ultrasonic wave which causes the debris to bounce off the window. In some scenarios, the ultrasonic transducers vibrate with a particular phase shift to generate a travelling wave that causes the debris to sweep across the window. Additionally, windshield wipers, spray from a nozzle, and/or a hydrophobic or oleophobic coating may be used in combination with the ultrasonic transducers to remove the debris from the window.