Roof Sensor Viewing Area Cleaning for Autonomous Vehicle Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof modules for vehicles, especially those used in self-driving or partially self-driving cars, face issues with environmental and weather-related contamination affecting the visibility of environment sensors, leading to reduced performance and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A roof module with a viewing area for environment sensors integrated into the roof cladding, equipped with a cleaning element such as a fluid nozzle that maintains transparency by removing dirt, snow, water, and ice, and includes a deflection element to prevent fluid from entering the vehicle interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the environment sensor is exposed on the vehicle roof to maintain clear visibility, then the sensor can detect the vehicle environment effectively, but the viewing area becomes susceptible to dirt, snow, water, and ice accumulation from environmental and weather influences
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent viewing area element is introduced as an intermediary between the environment sensor and the external environment. This mediator allows sensor signals to pass through while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to contaminants like dirt, snow, water, and ice that would otherwise accumulate on an exposed sensor surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a cleaning element that automatically cleans the viewing area without requiring manual intervention. The cleaning element can be integrated into the roof module and operates autonomously to remove contaminants from the viewing area, maintaining sensor performance without human involvement
2Reliability
If a topper sensor module is used on the vehicle roof, then the sensor has an unobstructed view of the environment, but the visual appearance does not meet customer demands and the sensor is exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The environment sensor and its housing are merged into the roof module structure itself. The sensor is integrated within the roof cladding or roof opening system, eliminating the separate topper appearance and creating a unified, aesthetically pleasing design that meets customer demands while maintaining sensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent viewing area (such as a transparent roof cladding section or transparent lid element) is used to enclose the sensor while allowing environmental signals to pass through. This thin transparent film or shell provides both aesthetic integration with the vehicle design and functional transparency for sensor operation
3Shape
If the viewing area is covered by the roof cladding to improve aesthetics and protection, then the visual appearance is enhanced and the sensor is protected, but the cleaning and maintenance of the viewing area becomes necessary to maintain transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is integrated into the roof module system and operates autonomously to clean the viewing area. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cleaning and maintenance interventions, reducing maintenance complexity while preserving the aesthetic appearance provided by the covered viewing area
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
Ensures continuous, clear visibility for environment sensors under harsh conditions, enhancing the vehicle's autonomous driving capabilities while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning element comprises a fluid nozzle, which upon actuation produces a fluid cone striking the viewing area from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A roof module for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, is proposed, the roof module having a roof cladding, which forms an outer visible surface of the roof module, and at least one sensor module having an environment sensor for sensing a vehicle environment during an autonomous or partially autonomous operation of the motor vehicle. A viewing area can be formed in the roof cladding for the environment sensor and the viewing area can be provided with a cleaning element.