Rotating Sensor Housing with Wiper for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors, such as LIDAR, radar, and cameras, face operational impediments due to debris and contaminants accumulating on their housing surfaces, which block signal transmission and reception, leading to reduced functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a rotatable sensor housing with a wiper mechanism, where a motor rotates the internal sensor components and a wiper blade contacts the sensor input surface to clear debris, and optional nozzles for fluid cleaning, ensuring continuous operation in debris-prone environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing is used to protect sensor components from debris and contaminants, then the sensor components are protected, but the housing itself accumulates debris and contaminants that block signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-cleaning through automated mechanisms. A wiper blade is deployed to contact and clean the sensor input surface (lens) when debris accumulation is detected, enabling the system to maintain its own functionality without external intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the housing to remain protective while automatically removing accumulated contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively addresses debris accumulation by implementing preventive cleaning measures. The wiper mechanism is activated based on environmental conditions or scheduled intervals before significant contamination occurs, maintaining signal transmission quality. This preliminary action prevents the worsening effect of debris blockage while preserving the protective housing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning of the sensor housing is performed, then debris is removed, but continuous operation in debris-prone environments requires frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-cleaning through automated mechanisms. A wiper blade is deployed to contact and clean the sensor input surface (lens) when debris accumulation is detected, enabling the system to maintain its own functionality without external intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the housing to remain protective while automatically removing accumulated contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically to maintain sensor functionality. The wiper mechanism can be activated continuously in high-debris environments or on a scheduled basis, ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission. This continuous useful action eliminates the need for frequent manual cleaning interventions while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a wiper mechanism is added to clean the sensor surface, then signal transmission is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is integrated into the existing sensor housing structure. The wiper blade is mounted within the housing and shares the same space and support structures, combining the cleaning function with the protective housing rather than adding a completely separate system. This merging approach maintains signal transmission quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-cleaning through automated mechanisms. A wiper blade is deployed to contact and clean the sensor input surface (lens) when debris accumulation is detected, enabling the system to maintain its own functionality without external intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the housing to remain protective while automatically removing accumulated contaminants.
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 cleans sensor surfaces, maintaining sensor functionality without manual intervention, allowing vehicles to operate continuously in environments with high debris levels, such as construction sites or off-road locations.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to rotate the internal sensor components relative to a mount as well as the mount to which a portion of the motor is fixed
Implementation Method 2
The wiper is attached to the mount such that rotating the housing causes the wiper to contact the sensor input surface in order to clean the sensor
Implementation Method 3
the mount further includes a nozzle arranged within the sensor housing and configured to direct fluid towards the sensor input surface when the sensor input surface is rotated towards the mount
Implementation Method 4
the system also includes an encoder configured to generate a signal identifying a location of one or more of the motor or the internal sensor components
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems for cleaning a sensor. For example, the sensor may include a housing as well as internal sensor components housed within the housing. The housing may include a sensor input surface through which signals may pass. The system may also include a motor configured to rotate the internal sensor components relative to a mount as well as the mount to which the motor is fixed. The system may also include a wiper including a wiper blade. The wiper may be attached to the mount such that rotating the housing causes the wiper to contact the sensor input surface in order to clean the sensor.