LiDAR Sensor Window Wiper With Non-Contact Return Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensing devices, particularly LiDAR sensors on motor vehicles, face issues with impediments such as rain droplets, particulates, and bugs accumulating on the sensor window pane, leading to obstructed views and erroneous sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning unit comprising a wiper and a drive unit is designed to effectively wipe the sensor window pane of optical sensing devices. The wiper, typically made of a flexible and resilient material like rubber, is driven along a predefined trajectory to remove water, fluids, and other impediments, with a unidirectional wiping mechanism to prevent debris reaccumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a wiper is used to remove impediments from the sensor window pane, then the view of the environment is improved, but the sensor data may become erroneous due to improper cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is designed with non-uniform pressure distribution, applying higher pressure at the edges and lower pressure in the center region. This local differentiation prevents excessive pressure that could damage the sensor window pane while maintaining effective cleaning at the periphery where impediments accumulate most.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system dynamically adjusts its operating parameters including pressure, speed, and trajectory to optimize cleaning effectiveness while preventing damage to the sensor window pane, thereby maintaining sensor data accuracy.
2Productivity
If the wiper contacts the sensor window pane during the entire cycle, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but debris is redistributed across the window pane
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper cycle is segmented into distinct phases: an outward stroke where the wiper contacts and cleans the sensor window pane, and a return stroke where the wiper is lifted or repositioned to avoid contact. This temporal and spatial segmentation prevents debris redistribution while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the wiper contact the window pane during both outward and return movements, the system inverts the approach by lifting the wiper during the return stroke. This reversal of the conventional continuous-contact wiper mechanism eliminates debris reaccumulation while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
3Force
If a rigid wiper blade is used, then cleaning force is increased, but the sensor window pane may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is constructed from flexible materials such as rubber or elastomers that can deform under pressure. This flexibility allows the wiper to conform to the sensor window pane surface while distributing pressure evenly, providing sufficient cleaning force without causing damage to the delicate optical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade employs composite material construction combining different layers with varying properties - a compliant base material for cushioning, embedded reinforcement elements for structural integrity, and a specialized contact surface for optimal friction and cleaning performance. This composite structure delivers high cleaning force while protecting the sensor window pane.
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 significantly minimizes the accumulation of optical impediments on the sensor window pane, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of sensor data by maintaining an unobstructed view of the environment.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper and a drive unit arranged for wiping the wiper over the sensor window pane
Implementation Method 2
the wiper is arranged for wiping, pushing, sweeping and/or scraping water, other fluids, such as cleaning fluids or precipitation, and/or other impediments to light transmittance, away from at least a portion of the sensor window pane
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 1G~1I
Figure 2a~2e
AI summary
The invention relates to 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 for instance a first wiper tip, over the sensor window pane from a first position towards a second position such as to wipe at least a first portion of the sensor window pane located between said first position and said second position. 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.