Rotating Sensor Enclosure Cover with Fixed Wipers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors mounted externally are exposed to harsh environmental conditions and road debris, leading to premature wear and interference from accumulated moisture, which traditional wiper systems can disrupt sensor operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor enclosure with a domed cover that rotates to remove moisture and debris using fixed wipers, powered by a powertrain within the enclosure, allowing continuous operation without interfering with the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensors are mounted exteriorly to the autonomous vehicle, then sensor accessibility and operational functionality are improved, but the sensors are exposed to harsh environmental conditions and road debris, leading to premature wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor housing into two functional parts: a stationary outer housing that provides environmental protection, and a rotatable domed cover that maintains sensor accessibility. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The domed cover is designed to rotate dynamically between a closed position (providing protection) and an open position (allowing sensor operation). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between protection and accessibility modes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional wiper system is used to remove moisture from the sensor enclosure, then moisture removal is improved, but the wiper system disrupts sensor operations and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a moving wiper to clean the cover, the system inverts the approach by rotating the domed cover itself past stationary wipers. This eliminates the need for a complex moving wiper mechanism while achieving the same moisture removal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper mechanism is extracted from the rotating domed cover and fixed to the stationary housing. This separation removes the complexity of moving wipers while maintaining the moisture removal function through the rotation of the cover.
3Ease of operation
If the domed cover is made transparent to sensor wavelengths, then sensor functionality is improved, but the cover material selection is limited and may reduce structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The domed cover is constructed from composite materials that combine transparency to specific wavelengths (for sensor functionality) with structural reinforcement (for strength). This allows the cover to simultaneously satisfy both optical and mechanical requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor enclosure comprising a domed cover and a base. The base can be encased by the domed cover. The base comprises an inner frame, an outer frame, one or more wipers, and a powertrain. The inner frame can provide surfaces for one or more sensors. The outer frame, disposed underneath the inner frame, the outer frame includes a slewing ring. The slewing ring comprises an inner ring to which the domed cover is attached and an outer ring attached to the outer frame. The one or more wipers extends vertically from the outer frame, each wiper having a first end attached to the outer frame and a second end attached to a support ring, and each wiper making a contact with the dome cover. The powertrain, disposed within the outer frame, configured to rotate the ring and the dome cover attached to the inner ring.