Movable Sensor Lens for Autonomous Vehicle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors, such as LIDAR and optical cameras, face performance compromise due to debris or damage on their lenses, which obstructs their field of view and affects driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A movable sensor lens system with a cleaning mechanism that automatically detects and classifies irregularities, moves the lens to avoid damaged areas, and uses a cleaning system to remove debris, ensuring continuous optimal sensor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor lens is kept stationary to maintain a stable field of view, then the sensor structure is simple and reliable, but debris or damage on the lens cannot be avoided, compromising sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor lens movable rather than stationary. The lens can translate between a retracted position (normal operation) and an extended position (cleaning operation). This dynamic capability allows the lens to be moved into the path of the cleaning system when debris or damage is detected, thereby maintaining sensor performance without requiring a permanently complex structure.
2Reliability
If a cleaning system is added to remove debris from the lens, then sensor performance is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to be dynamically activated only when needed. The controller monitors sensor data for debris or damage and only then actuates the lens to move into the cleaning path. This on-demand operation reduces the effective complexity by keeping the cleaning mechanism dormant during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service capabilities through automatic detection and classification of lens irregularities. The controller autonomously determines when cleaning is needed based on sensor data analysis, and automatically actuates the lens movement without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for manual monitoring and intervention.
3Reliability
If the lens is moved frequently to avoid damaged areas, then the field of view is maintained, but the duration of lens action is reduced and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens movement is implemented as a partial action rather than continuous movement. The lens translates only when specifically needed - either for cleaning operations or to reposition around damage - and returns to its normal retracted position afterward. This partial action approach minimizes wear and extends lens lifespan while maintaining field of view quality only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensor data to determine when lens movement is necessary. The controller continuously monitors for debris or damage and only actuates the lens when irregularities are detected. This feedback-based control prevents unnecessary lens movement, thereby extending operational lifespan while maintaining field of view quality only when needed.
4Device complexity
If debris is allowed to accumulate on the lens, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of debris or damage on the lens using sensor data analysis. When irregularities are detected, the controller proactively actuates the lens to move into the cleaning path before the debris can significantly degrade sensor performance. This preliminary action maintains measurement precision by preventing debris accumulation from reaching critical levels.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system for monitoring and evaluating irregularities on a sensor lens of a vehicle sensor are disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the steps of providing the vehicle with an actuator configured to move the sensor lens and a controller in electronic communication with the actuator, receiving sensor data corresponding to at least one characteristic of a vehicle environment from the at least one sensor, evaluating the sensor data to determine if the sensor data indicates an irregularity on the sensor lens of the at least one sensor, classifying the irregularity, storing irregularity data corresponding to the classified irregularity in a non-transient, computer-readable data medium, and, in response to the classified irregularity, automatically controlling the actuator to move the sensor lens from a first position to a second position.