Rotating Sensor Housing with Radial Fins for Liquid Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors, particularly LIDAR devices, face challenges with liquid accumulation on their surfaces during operation, which can obstruct their view and lead to malfunctioning due to lack of effective liquid diversion and heat dissipation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a rotatable housing featuring radially extending sinuous fins for liquid diversion and a gutter system to collect and direct liquid away from sensor windows, combined with a thermal conductivity-enhanced design to manage heat generated by the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor housing is made stationary, then the structure is simpler, but liquid accumulates on the sensor surfaces causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is designed to rotate about a vertical axis, transforming from a stationary structure to a dynamic one. This rotation creates centrifugal forces that prevent liquid accumulation on sensor surfaces, thereby maintaining sensor reliability while the rotational mechanism itself becomes part of the housing design
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid diversion structures are added to the sensor housing, then liquid is effectively diverted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding complex static liquid diversion structures, the patent uses the dynamic rotation of the housing to generate centrifugal force. This naturally diverts liquid outward and away from sensor surfaces, achieving liquid protection through motion rather than complex structural additions
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables scanning operation for sensor coverage, generates centrifugal force for liquid diversion, and maintains sensor accessibility. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate dedicated liquid diversion structures
3Temperature
If heat dissipation mechanisms are added to the sensor assembly, then thermal management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating housing structure serves dual purposes: it enables the scanning function required for sensor operation and simultaneously acts as a heat dissipation mechanism. The rotation exposes different portions of the housing to ambient air, creating natural convection currents that carry heat away from sensor components without requiring separate cooling systems
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
Effectively prevents liquid from reaching sensor windows during rotation, ensuring continuous operation and enhances heat dissipation through the fins, thereby maintaining the sensors' performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fins (24) disposed on the exterior surface (18) and fixed relative to the sensor housing (14). The fins (24) extend radially outward relative to the axis (A)
Implementation Method 2
A sensor assembly (12) for a vehicle (10) includes a base (42) and a sensor housing (14) mounted to the base (42). The sensor housing (14) is rotatable relative to the base (42) about an axis (A)
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a base and a sensor housing mounted to the base. The sensor housing is rotatable relative to the base about an axis. The sensor housing includes a top panel having an exterior surface. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior surface and are fixed relative to the sensor housing. The fins extend radially outward relative to the axis.