Rotating Air Knife Sensor Cleaning for Debris-Free Vehicle Housings
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors, particularly those in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, face operational impediments due to debris and contaminants accumulating on their housings, which existing wiper systems fail to address effectively, introducing drag, wear, and limited shape compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A sensor clearing system utilizing an air knife attached to a rotating bearing ring, powered by a motor, which directs a pressurized fluid stream to clear debris from the sensor housing without physical contact, thus avoiding drag and wear, and accommodating irregular shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper system is used to clear the sensor housing, then debris can be removed from the surface, but the wiper introduces drag, wear, and limited compatibility with irregular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiper system with a pneumatic air knife system. Instead of using a physical wiper blade that contacts the sensor housing surface, the invention uses a high-velocity stream of pressurized air to remove debris. This substitution eliminates mechanical drag and wear on both the wiper components and the sensor housing, while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a air knife that directs a focused stream of compressed air at the sensor housing surface. The high-velocity air stream generates sufficient force to lift and remove debris particles without physical contact. The system includes a air supply source, air knife component, and positioning mechanism to deliver the pressurized air precisely where needed.
2Productivity
If a contact-based cleaning method is used, then debris can be removed effectively, but the cleaning system cannot accommodate irregularly shaped sensor housings
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical wiper with a pneumatic air knife, the system gains adaptability to irregular shapes. The pressurized air stream can conform to and effectively clean complex geometries, domed surfaces, and irregular contours that a rigid wiper blade cannot access. The air stream naturally follows the surface topology, providing uniform cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and delivery method of the cleaning medium from solid (wiper blade) to gas (pressurized air). This parameter change allows the cleaning agent to adapt to various surface geometries. The air stream's velocity, pressure, and direction can be adjusted to optimize cleaning effectiveness for different shapes and sizes of sensor housings.
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 ensures continuous sensor operation by effectively removing debris and contaminants without manual intervention, maintaining sensor accuracy and reducing wear, suitable for harsh environments and irregularly shaped sensor housings.
Implementation Method 1
an air knife configured to clear a sensor housing of debris; an input for receiving a pressurized fluid; and an output section for providing the pressurized fluid against the sensor housing
Implementation Method 2
The bearing may be an air bearing further comprising a static ring. In some instances the bearing ring is positioned on the static ring
Implementation Method 3
In some aspects the system may include a heater disposed between the air knife and the blower, wherein the heater heats the pressurized fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
This technology relates to a system for clearing sensors. The system may include an air knife (620, 720) configured to clear a sensor housing (115) of debris. The air knife may be attached to a bearing comprising a bearing ring (650, 701, 1001). The system may also include a motor (660, 760), wherein the motor is configured to rotate the bearing ring around the sensor housing.