Passive Wiper System for Dome Sensor Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face reduced accuracy and reliability in sensor systems due to accumulation of optical deterrents like dust, dirt, and debris on dome surfaces housing cameras and laser scanning equipment, which can impede safe maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A passive wiper system that continuously clears optical deterrents from a 360-degree dome surface using rotating wiper blade assemblies driven by a motor, with a control system to detect and deploy wiper blades and spray cleaning fluid as needed, ensuring the dome remains clear and functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive wiper system is used to clear dome surfaces, then the accuracy and reliability of sensor systems is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade assembly uses a dynamic mechanism where the wiper blade can pivot between a stowed position (parallel to dome surface) and an actuated position (perpendicular to dome surface) based on rotational direction, allowing the system to adapt its configuration to operational needs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a passive wiper mechanism that automatically deploys and retracts the wiper blade based on the direction of rotation, with the bearing ring and ramp structure providing self-contained mechanical guidance without requiring additional control systems, thus improving reliability while managing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If wiper blades are deployed to clear optical deterrents, then the clarity of dome surfaces is improved, but the loss of time occurs during deployment and retraction cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system operates through periodic rotation cycles where the wiper blade is deployed in one rotational direction and retracted in the opposite direction, creating a rhythmic cleaning action that maintains dome clarity while minimizing idle time through continuous operational motion
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring the wiper blade is either in the process of cleaning the dome surface or in the process of deploying/retracting, with no idle periods, as the rotational motion itself drives both the cleaning function and the blade position changes
3Ease of operation
If the wiper blade rotates in both directions for deployment and retraction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases due to bidirectional rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the typical motor control approach by using the direction of rotation itself to control blade deployment rather than using separate actuators, where clockwise rotation deploys the blade and counter-clockwise rotation retracts it, simplifying operation while the passive mechanical system minimizes energy consumption
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 wiper system effectively maintains the clarity of dome surfaces, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sensor systems, thereby enhancing the safe operation of autonomous vehicles by preventing occlusions from debris and improving overall vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing ring further comprises a pivotable ramp thereon, the wiper blade assembly being configured to move along a top surface of the pivotable ramp when the wiper blade assembly rotates in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
A passive wiper system that continuously clears optical deterrents from a 360-degree dome surface using rotating wiper blade assemblies
Implementation Method 3
The system further includes one or more spray nozzles adjacent a base of the dome. The spray nozzles are configured to emit wiper fluid on the dome
Data Source
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AI summary
A wiper system (100) for clearing a surface (106) of a dome (102) includes a plurality of wiper blades (110A,110B) that are configured to move around a circumference of the dome (102). Rotation of the wiper blades (110A,110B) in a first direction around the circumference of the dome (102) deploys the wiper blades (110A,110B) into an upright position and rotation of the wiper blades (110A,110B) in a second direction opposite the first direction stows the wiper blades (110A,110B) into a collapsed position.