Retractable Vehicle LiDAR Locking Against Dust and External Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems for vehicles are prone to contamination by foreign substances like dust when deployed outside, leading to reduced accuracy and ineffective environmental recognition.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system for vehicles that includes a housing with an opening, a LiDAR that slides within the housing and can be selectively deployed outside, guide brackets for guiding the LiDAR's movement, and a locking unit to prevent the LiDAR from being pushed back inside when deployed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the LiDAR is mounted exposed to the outside of the vehicle, then the LiDAR can continuously detect objects and structures, but foreign substances such as dust may attach to the surface, reducing measurement accuracy and environmental recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR is designed to dynamically change its position between deployed and retracted states. The sliding mechanism allows the LiDAR to move forward for detection and backward for protection, transforming a static mounting into a dynamic system that adapts between performance and protection modes
Solution Approach 2:
The LiDAR is retracted into the housing before contamination occurs. By preliminarily positioning the LiDAR inside the protected housing when not in use, the system prevents dust attachment before it happens, maintaining measurement accuracy for subsequent deployment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the LiDAR is deployed outside the vehicle, then the LiDAR can perform autonomous driving functions, but external forces may push the LiDAR back into the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the LiDAR from being pushed backward. The spring-loaded locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage and lock the LiDAR in its deployed position, creating a counter-force that opposes external forces before they can displace the LiDAR
3Reliability
If the LiDAR is retracted inside the housing, then the LiDAR is protected from contamination, but the LiDAR cannot detect objects when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between protected and operational states. The sliding mechanism enables the LiDAR to move from the protected retracted position to the operational deployed position, and vice versa, allowing the system to alternate between reliability and productivity modes based on operational needs
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 prevents contamination of the LiDAR by only deploying it outside when necessary, such as during autonomous driving, thereby maintaining accuracy and protecting the sensor from external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a plate spring configured to rotate the stopper by applying an elastic force to the stopper through a free end
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment provides a LiDAR system for vehicles including a housing having an opening, a LiDAR configured to slide in a front-rear direction within the housing and selectively deployed to the outside through the opening, guide brackets disposed on both side surfaces of the LiDAR and configured to guide sliding movement of the LiDAR, and a locking unit configured to prevent the LiDAR from being pushed into the housing by an external force in a state in which the LiDAR is deployed.