Passive Dome Wiper Control for Sensor Occlusion Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face reduced sensor accuracy due to optical deterrents like dust, dirt, and debris accumulating on sensor housings, impacting safe maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A passive wiper system with a rotating assembly and control system that automatically deploys and stows wiper blades to clear optical deterrents from a dome surface, using position sensors and fluid dispensing nozzles to maintain sensor clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are mounted on the vehicle to detect objects and determine location, then the autonomous vehicle can maneuver safely, but optical deterrents like dust and dirt accumulate on sensor housings reducing sensor accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is positioned to contact the dome surface before significant accumulation of optical deterrents occurs, proactively preventing occlusion rather than reacting after sensors are blocked. The system continuously or periodically wipes the dome surface to maintain clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system is integrated with the sensor housing dome, using the dome's own surface geometry to guide the wiper blade's path. The passive wiper mechanism utilizes the dome's shape and positioning to automatically clear its own surface without external intervention.
2Reliability
If a wiper system is added to clear optical deterrents from the dome, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is extracted as a separate, simple component that can be independently positioned and replaced. The complex control and drive mechanisms are minimized, with the wiper blade itself being a simple mechanical element that contacts the dome surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive wiper system replaces complex active mechanical systems with simpler mechanical contact. Instead of using motors, actuators, or complex control systems, the invention uses a passive blade that relies on gravitational force, spring pressure, or simple mechanical linkage to maintain contact with the dome surface.
3Area of stationary object
If the wiper blade rotates 360 degrees around the dome to clear all surfaces, then complete coverage is achieved, but the position control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A position sensor is introduced as an intermediary element that detects the wiper blade's angular position relative to the dome. This sensor provides feedback to the control system, enabling precise control of the wiper blade's location without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The position sensor continuously monitors the wiper blade's angular position and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the control system to adjust the wiper blade's position accurately, ensuring it contacts the dome at the correct location during its 360-degree rotation.
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 system effectively clears optical deterrents from sensor housings, ensuring reliable operation of cameras and laser scanning equipment, enhancing vehicle safety and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensor is a hall sensor that can detect the presence of a magnet coupled to the wiper assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a dome, a wiper assembly, a position sensor and a control device. The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to rotate around the dome. The position sensor may be configured to send a signal to a control device when a wiper blade passes the position sensor. The control device may include one or more processors configured to receive the signal from the position sensor and determine a location of the wiper blade relative to the dome based on the received signal.