Retractable Vehicle LiDAR With Sliding Door Against Dust Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems for vehicles are prone to contamination by foreign substances like dust when exposed to the outside environment, leading to reduced accuracy in sensor measurements and poor recognition of the surrounding environment.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system for vehicles that includes a housing with a sliding door and a retractable LiDAR unit, which can be selectively exposed to the outside only when needed, such as during autonomous driving mode, using a gear unit and link units to control the movement of the door and LiDAR unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the LiDAR is mounted exposed to the outside of the vehicle, then the LiDAR can detect objects and structures, but foreign substances such as dust may attach to the surface, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between exposed and retracted states. The sliding mechanism enables the LiDAR to move forward to an exposed position for detection and backward to a retracted position for protection, resolving the contradiction between needing exposure for measurement and protection from contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by retracting the LiDAR unit and closing the door before contamination can occur during non-operational periods. The cover is positioned to close the opening in advance, preventing dust and foreign substances from attaching to the LiDAR surface when the vehicle is moving or parked
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the LiDAR is kept enclosed to prevent contamination, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the LiDAR cannot detect objects when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic sliding mechanism that allows the LiDAR unit to move between retracted and exposed positions based on operational needs. The actuator-driven gear system enables controlled movement of the LiDAR unit forward for detection and backward for protection, ensuring both protection and detection capabilities are available at appropriate times
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the cover acts as an intermediary element that can be selectively opened or closed. When the LiDAR unit moves to the exposed position, the opening allows detection while the rest of the cover remains closed to protect other components. This intermediary structure enables selective access without compromising overall protection
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system for vehicles is provided. The LiDAR system includes: a housing having an opening formed in a front and guide grooves formed in each of upper and lower parts; a door to slide along the guide grooves and open and close the opening; a LiDAR unit to slide forward and rearward within the housing to be selectively exposed to the outside through the opening; a first link unit to slide the door; a second link unit to slide the LiDAR unit; and a gear unit to transmit power of an actuator to the first link unit and the second link unit. The door and the LiDAR unit move in conjunction with each other to be alternately disposed at the opening.