Self-Cleaning Sensor Cover Using Rotational Centrifugal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors are impeded by debris and contaminants, which block signals due to the buildup on their covers, requiring a method to clear these obstructions without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor cover with a rotating cover window and motor, optionally with a debris sensor and hydrophobic/hydrophilic coating, utilizing centrifugal force and a cleansing jet to remove debris, allowing continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor cover is used to protect internal sensor components from debris and contaminants, then the internal sensor components are protected, but the cover window becomes dirty and blocks signals
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover with rotating cover window cleans itself by utilizing the rotational motion to generate centrifugal force that ejects debris and contaminants from the cover window surface, eliminating the need for external cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cover window is designed to rotate rather than remain stationary, transforming from a static protective barrier into a dynamic self-cleaning surface that actively removes contaminants through rotational motion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor cover is rotated to clear debris, then debris is removed from the cover window, but the system complexity increases with addition of motor and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cover window serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects internal components during rotation, clears debris through centrifugal force, and maintains signal transmission capability, reducing the need for separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cover window from static to rotating, and controls rotation speed (600-900 RPM for cleaning, 2000-3000 RPM for ejection) to achieve different cleaning stages without requiring multiple mechanical systems
3Productivity
If high rotational speed is used to eject debris, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, rotating at high speed only when debris detection triggers cleaning mode, and returning to idle or low-speed operation between cleaning cycles, reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The debris sensor provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts motor operation accordingly - high-speed rotation is activated only when debris is detected above threshold levels, and deactivated when the cover window is clean, optimizing energy usage based on actual cleaning 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 clears debris from the sensor cover, ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission and reception, even in harsh environments, by using rotational speed and coatings to manage debris and contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating sensor cover and cover window may be configured to clear the cover window of debris
Implementation Method 2
The cover window may be coated in a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating may increase a contact angle between the debris and the sensor cover
Implementation Method 3
The cover window may be coated in a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating may decrease a contact angle between the debris and the sensor cover
Implementation Method 4
a jet may be configured to project a liquid onto the sensor cover and cover window
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to a system for clearing sensors. The system may comprise a sensor. The sensor may comprise a sensor cover and a cover window arranged on the sensor cover. The system may further comprise a sensor motor for rotating the sensor cover and the cover window around an axis of rotation. The sensor cover and cover window may be rotated to clear the cover window of debris. The cover window may have a linear cross section in a plane that passes through and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The sensor motor may be configured to rotate the sensor cover and the cover window.