Optical Sensor Baffle Assembly for Stray Light and Lens Cleaning
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges with optical sensors due to unintended or undesirable light entering the focal plane, which affects sensitivity and accuracy, and existing systems fail to effectively prevent such light and clean the lens under various weather and road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A baffle assembly with a cleaning system is integrated into the optical sensor, comprising a baffle housing that blocks stray light and includes nozzles to project fluid or gas for lens cleaning, featuring a temperature-controllable surface to manage moisture and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a baffle assembly is added to block stray light, then sensor accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly is integrated within the housing structure of the optical sensor, with the baffle nested inside the housing and positioned around the lens. This nesting approach allows the light-blocking function to be added without requiring a completely separate external structure, thereby improving sensor accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle assembly serves multiple functions: it blocks stray light from entering the sensor, provides a mounting structure for cleaning nozzles, and can be designed with light-absorbing materials to reduce reflections. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the design improves measurement precision while avoiding the need for multiple separate parts that would increase device complexity.
2Reliability
If cleaning nozzles are integrated into the baffle assembly, then lens cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning nozzles are merged with the baffle assembly structure, where the nozzles are positioned to project cleaning fluid onto the lens while the baffle provides structural support and light blocking. This combination allows the lens cleaning function to be integrated into the existing baffle structure, improving reliability by ensuring the cleaning system is properly positioned and protected, while avoiding the need for a completely separate cleaning mechanism that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle assembly acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the cleaning function. By integrating the nozzles into the baffle, the system uses the baffle as a mediator to deliver cleaning fluid to the lens while simultaneously blocking stray light. This intermediary approach allows two functions (light blocking and cleaning) to be coordinated through a single structure, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the baffle blocks more light paths, then stray light prevention is improved, but sensor field of view may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed with varying properties at different locations: the inner surface is configured with light-absorbing materials and specific geometries to maximize stray light absorption in critical areas, while the outer dimensions and positioning are optimized to minimize impact on the sensor's field of view. This local differentiation allows the baffle to effectively block harmful light paths while maintaining adaptability for the sensor's operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of blocking light paths in a single dimension that would restrict the field of view, the baffle is positioned and shaped to block stray light from specific angular directions while allowing light from the desired field of view to pass through. By operating in multiple spatial dimensions and carefully controlling the baffle's position relative to the lens, the design achieves effective stray light prevention without unduly restricting the sensor's field of view.
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 baffle assembly effectively prevents stray light from entering the optical sensor, maintaining sensor accuracy and clarity by blocking unwanted light paths and cleaning the lens, thereby enhancing object detection and visibility in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the baffle assembly effectively prevents stray light from entering the optical sensor, maintaining sensor accuracy and clarity by blocking unwanted light paths
Implementation Method 2
includes nozzles to project fluid or gas for lens cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a baffle assembly for an optical sensor. In one aspect, the baffle assembly is coupled to an optical sensor that is mounted on an autonomous vehicle. The baffle assembly can include a baffle housing coupled to the optical sensor at a proximal edge, and configured to at least partially enclose a field of view of the optical sensor. Additionally, the baffle assembly may include one or more nozzles that are configured to project fluid toward a surface of a lens of the optical sensor.