Rotating Sensor Protective Assembly for Ice-Blocked ADAS Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Driver assistance systems with sensors/emitters, such as cameras, are prone to operational failures due to dirt and ice accumulation, especially in wet and wintry conditions, which can hinder signal detection and emission, and existing cleaning methods are either costly or ineffective for stubborn deposits.
Innovation Solution
A protective device for sensors/emitters featuring a heating element controlled by a control unit, positioned outside the protective casing, to melt ice and snow, allowing the motor to rotate effectively and maintain system functionality by centrifugal cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spray nozzles with cleaning fluid are used to clean the sensor surface, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operating costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the sensor assembly by using a separate protective casing that can be independently rotated. This separates the cleaning mechanism from the sensor, allowing the sensor to remain protected while the casing handles all cleaning operations through simple centrifugal force generated by rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective casing performs self-cleaning through centrifugal force generated by its own rotation. The motor rotates the casing, and the centrifugal force automatically removes dirt and water from the detection/emission element surface without requiring additional cleaning mechanisms or fluids.
2Reliability
If the protective device is rotated at high speed to remove dirt by centrifugal effect, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ice layers between the protective casing and vehicle body prevent rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated before the rotation cleaning process to pre-melt ice layers on the detection/emission element surface. This preliminary heating action removes ice that would otherwise prevent the protective casing from rotating, ensuring the centrifugal cleaning can proceed effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the detection/emission element surface by applying heat from the heating element. This temperature change melts the ice layer, transforming it from a solid barrier into liquid water that can be easily removed by the subsequent centrifugal rotation.
3Area of stationary object
If spray nozzles are arranged on a telescopic device, then cleaning reach is improved, but operating costs and kinematic complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective casing serves multiple functions: it protects the sensor, provides a mounting surface for the heating element, acts as the cleaning surface itself, and functions as the rotating element for centrifugal cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate telescopic mechanisms and spray nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical telescopic system with a simpler rotational mechanism. Instead of extending and retracting spray nozzles through complex kinematic means, the entire protective casing rotates to perform cleaning, using centrifugal force to achieve the cleaning effect without complex mechanical extensions.
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 solution ensures the operational reliability of driver assistance systems in adverse weather conditions by effectively removing ice and snow, preventing motor overheating and maintaining the system's ability to clean sensors/emitters through centrifugal action.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (12) controlled by a control unit (10) for heating at least one accessory (7) fixed to the body of the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the detection/emission element (9)
Implementation Method 2
the motor (5) is configured to drive the protective casing (6) in rotation at a high enough speed to remove dirt or water that may be present on the detection/emission element (9) by a centrifugal effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle assembly for protecting a sensor/transmitter of a driving assistance system comprising a protection device that partially surrounds the sensor/transmitter where the protection device includes a first subassembly (B) with a detection/transmission element positioned facing a sensor/transmitter's surface via which a signal passes, and a second subassembly (C) that includes a motor configured to rotatably drive the first subassembly (B) about a line of transmission/reception of the sensor/transmitter. According to the invention, the protection assembly includes at least one heating element controlled by a control unit that heats an accessory attached to the motor vehicle's body in the detection/transmission element's vicinity, the heating element being outside the protection device and in the vicinity of the first subassembly (B).