Pivotable Shield Panel for Vehicle Sensor Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in protecting sensors from environmental factors such as wind, debris, and water droplets, which can affect sensor performance and increase drag, while existing solutions do not efficiently address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a pivotable shield panel made of shape-memory material, controlled by a computer to adjust based on wind speed and vehicle status, providing protection when necessary and retracting to minimize drag and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed shield panel is used to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from debris and water droplets, but the drag on the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield panel is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a retracted state (minimizing drag) and an extended state (maximizing sensor protection). The panel can pivot between different angles based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between protection and drag reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of shield panel position/angle based on operating conditions. At low speeds, the panel extends to provide protection; at high speeds, it retracts to minimize drag. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize both sensor protection and aerodynamic efficiency under different conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shield panel is extended to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from environmental factors, but the airflow around the sensor is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The shield panel dynamically adjusts its position to balance protection and airflow. Rather than remaining fully extended, the panel can pivot to optimal angles that provide necessary protection while minimizing airflow disruption. The system monitors environmental conditions and adjusts the panel position in real-time to maintain favorable airflow characteristics.
3Loss of energy
If a movable shield panel is used to reduce drag, then the vehicle efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield panel mechanism is segmented into simpler components: a pivot point, the panel itself, and a control system. This segmentation allows the complex function of dynamic adjustment to be achieved through simpler, more manageable parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the drag reduction benefit.
4Loss of energy
If the shield panel is retracted to minimize interference, then the drag is reduced, but the sensor becomes exposed to debris and water droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The shield panel dynamically transitions between retracted and extended positions based on real-time environmental conditions and vehicle speed. Rather than remaining in a fixed retracted state, the system actively monitors conditions and extends the panel when protection is needed, resolving the contradiction between drag minimization and sensor protection.
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 solution effectively reduces sensor exposure to debris and water droplets, improves airflow, and maintains sensor performance by dynamically adjusting the shield panel's position in response to wind speed and vehicle motion, enhancing the vehicle's operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotable shield panel made of shape-memory material, controlled by a computer to adjust based on wind speed and vehicle status
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle sensor, a shield panel that is positioned upstream of the vehicle sensor and that is pivotable, and a computer communicatively coupled to the shield panel. The computer is programmed to pivot the shield panel based on data representing a wind speed.