Reversible Lidar Sensor With Vertical Cleaning Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive lidar systems for autonomous driving, the integration of multiple lidar sensors requires a symmetrical appearance while maintaining a clear field of view, which is challenging due to the need for different wiper park positions and housing configurations, especially when sensors are installed on either side of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A lidar sensor design with a vertical axis that allows for identical construction on either side, enabling the sensor to be installed upside down, thus eliminating the need for a second park position and maintaining symmetry, with a cleaning unit that can be operated independently of the sensor's orientation, and a holder that ensures symmetrical fastening and aerodynamic exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lidar sensor is installed on the left or right side of the vehicle with a wiper park position, then the field of view is kept clear, but the housing becomes larger and additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing the lidar sensor to be installed in asymmetric positions (left or right side of vehicle) while maintaining a symmetric appearance through the reversible design. The cleaning unit can be positioned asymmetrically relative to the sensor body, and the sensor can be rotated 180 degrees to accommodate different installation sides without requiring different housing configurations for each side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single lidar sensor housing that can serve multiple functions and installation configurations. The same housing design can be used on both left and right sides of the vehicle by rotating the sensor 180 degrees, eliminating the need for separate housing designs for each side. The cleaning unit is designed to work in either orientation, making the entire assembly universal for symmetric vehicle integration.
2Reliability
If different park positions are required for symmetrical installation positions, then the field of view is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by allowing the lidar sensor to be installed upside down (rotated 180 degrees) to accommodate symmetrical installation positions on the vehicle. Instead of designing different cleaning unit configurations for left and right sides, the same sensor is simply rotated, inverting its orientation. This maintains the field of view clearance while eliminating the need for different configurations, as the cleaning unit adapts to the new orientation automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cleaning unit adaptable to different orientations through the reversible sensor design. The cleaning unit is positioned and configured to work effectively whether the sensor is in its original orientation or rotated 180 degrees. This dynamic adaptability allows the same static cleaning unit design to function in multiple orientations, reducing overall system complexity.
3Shape
If identical construction is used on both sides, then the appearance is symmetrical, but the cleaning unit must be reconfigured for different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by separating the cleaning unit from the sensor body in a way that allows independent positioning. The cleaning unit is designed as a distinct component that can be positioned relative to the sensor housing without being permanently fixed in a specific orientation. This extraction allows the cleaning unit to be repositioned or reconfigured easily when the sensor orientation changes, maintaining symmetrical appearance while simplifying manufacturing and installation.
4Ease of operation
If the cleaning unit extends along the vertical axis, then the park position is optimized, but the sensor cannot be installed upside down without reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by designing the cleaning unit and sensor assembly to be reversible. The cleaning unit extends along the vertical axis in the optimized park position, and when the sensor is rotated 180 degrees for upside-down installation, the cleaning unit automatically adapts to the new orientation while maintaining its optimized positioning relative to the viewing window. This inversion capability allows the same design to achieve optimal park position in both upright and inverted orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cleaning unit's position and orientation adaptable to different sensor installations. The cleaning unit is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to maintain its optimized park position whether the sensor is installed upright or upside down. This dynamic design enables the cleaning unit to automatically adjust its effective orientation relative to the viewing window, maintaining optimal operation across different installation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar sensor including a viewing window and a cleaning unit. The lidar sensor has a vertical axis that connects a first side of the lidar sensor to a second side of the lidar sensor opposite the first side. The viewing window is situated on a front side of the lidar sensor, which connects the first side to the second side. The lidar sensor has a rear side, which connects the first side to the second side. The cleaning unit is situated on the front side of the lidar sensor, and extends along a direction of the vertical axis over the front side when the cleaning unit is in a park position. The lidar sensor being suited to be installed and operated on a vehicle in such a way that, optionally, the first side or the second side is an upper side of the lidar sensor.