Moving Sensor Cover Cleaning for Debris-Blocked Vehicle Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle-mounted sensors are frequently fouled by debris, which obstructs their field of view and impairs their ability to function accurately, especially in varying driving environments.
Innovation Solution
A debris management system comprising a transparent cover that moves across the sensor's field of view, a solvent nozzle to spray solvent onto the cover, and a wiper to remove debris. The system operates in either indexed or continuous modes depending on the cleaning needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning system is designed to clean sensors in indexed mode only, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle continuously fouling environments effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between indexed mode and continuous mode based on sensor feedback about debris accumulation. The control system adjusts the transparent cover's motion from periodic indexed movements to continuous movement when continuous cleaning is detected as necessary, allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through conditional operation modes
2Productivity
If the transparent cover is made larger to accommodate multiple sensors, then more sensors can be cleaned, but the field of view of individual sensors may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system segments the transparent cover into different zones, with the first portion being movable for cleaning purposes and the second portion remaining stationary to maintain optimal sensor field of view. This segmentation allows the system to clean multiple sensors simultaneously while preserving the optical path integrity for each sensor by ensuring the stationary portion does not obstruct their views
3Reliability
If solvent is sprayed continuously to ensure thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and solvent usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by spraying solvent only during indexed mode operations when the transparent cover is positioned to allow effective solvent application and debris removal. The solvent nozzle operates intermittently rather than continuously, activating only when the system transitions to indexed mode for targeted cleaning cycles, thereby reducing overall solvent consumption and energy usage while maintaining effective cleaning through concentrated periodic treatment
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
Effectively cleans debris from the transparent cover, ensuring the sensors maintain a clear field of view and operate reliably across diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A solvent nozzle is disposed on a second side of the transparent cover, wherein the solvent nozzle is configured to spray solvent at a surface of the second side and into the field of view
Implementation Method 2
A wiper is disposed in contact with the surface of the second side
Data Source
AI summary
A debris management system for vehicle sensors includes a sensor disposed on a first side of a transparent cover, the sensor having a field of view through the transparent cover, wherein the transparent cover is configured to move across the field of view of the sensor. A solvent nozzle is disposed on a second side of the transparent cover, wherein the solvent nozzle is configured to spray solvent at a surface of the second side and into the field of view. A wiper is disposed in contact with the surface of the second side.