Rotating Sensor Assembly Heat Dissipation via Curved Vapor Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated by sensors, particularly LIDAR devices, which can lead to performance degradation and increased drag due to inadequate heat management systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly incorporating a vapor chamber and heat pipes that extend from the sensor body to the vapor chamber, allowing for efficient heat transfer and dissipation through rotation, which creates airflow and minimizes drag by using a curved vapor chamber design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heat dissipation systems are used for LIDAR sensors, then heat can be dissipated, but the system complexity increases and drag is increased due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat dissipation function with the existing sensor housing structure by integrating a vapor chamber directly into the housing. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the sensor housing and a heat dissipation device. The curved vapor chamber is positioned to facilitate airflow for cooling while maintaining the aerodynamic profile of the sensor assembly, thus achieving multi-functionality without increasing complexity.
2Temperature
If traditional heat dissipation systems are used for LIDAR sensors, then heat can be dissipated, but drag increases due to additional components and inadequate heat management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved vapor chamber design that follows a circular arc, which streamlines airflow around the sensor assembly. This curved geometry reduces turbulence and drag compared to flat or angular heat dissipation structures, while still providing effective surface area for heat transfer to the surrounding air.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly rotates periodically to provide 360-degree coverage, and the curved vapor chamber is positioned to take advantage of this rotational motion. As the sensor rotates, the curved vapor chamber continuously interacts with passing airflow, enhancing convective heat dissipation without requiring additional active cooling components that would increase drag.
3Temperature
If heat dissipation is prioritized, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is merged with the sensor housing structure through the integration of the vapor chamber. This eliminates the need for separate heat sinks, fans, or cooling ducts, thereby maintaining effective temperature control while avoiding increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor chamber utilizes natural convection and phase change of the working fluid within the sealed chamber to dissipate heat from the LIDAR sensor. This passive heat dissipation mechanism requires no external power source or additional control systems, achieving effective temperature control without adding complexity to the device.
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 effectively dissipates heat generated by sensors, maintaining performance while reducing drag and enhancing heat transfer without the need for additional components, providing a 360° view for the sensing apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe extending from the sensor body to the vapor chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vapor chamber fixed relative to the sensor body and having a curved shape extending circumferentially around the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a base, a sensor body mounted to the base and rotatable around an axis relative to the base, a sensor window fixed relative to the sensor body, a sensing apparatus inside the sensor body and having a field of view through the sensor window, a vapor chamber fixed relative to the sensor body, and a heat pipe extending from the sensor body to the vapor chamber. The vapor chamber is spaced radially outward from the sensor body relative to the axis and has a curved shape extending circumferentially around the axis.