Vehicle Sensor Assembly Airflow Cleaning and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor assemblies face challenges in maintaining sensor integrity due to debris accumulation and inadequate cooling, which can impair data collection and vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor assembly design that utilizes the vehicle's motion to draw air through an inlet, channel, and cavity to cool and clean the sensor, with optional blower assistance, and employs air curtains to deflect debris, ensuring continuous cleaning and cooling during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor assembly is exposed to the environment for data collection, then the sensor can collect data around the vehicle, but debris accumulates on the sensor impairing data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing air flow through an inlet and channel to create an air curtain that deflects debris away from the sensor. The air flow path is specifically designed to move air from the inlet, through the channel, and across the sensor surface to prevent debris accumulation while maintaining the sensor's exposed position for data collection.
2Productivity
If the sensor operates continuously for vehicle operation, then data collection continues, but the sensor requires cooling to maintain integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The same air flow system that protects against debris also provides cooling functionality. Air is directed through a channel that positions it adjacent to the sensor, creating a cooling effect that allows continuous operation without thermal damage. This dual-function approach eliminates the need for separate cooling mechanisms.
3Reliability
If air flow is used to clean and cool the sensor, then sensor integrity is maintained, but additional components are required in the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it deflects debris away from the sensor, cools the sensor during continuous operation, and maintains sensor integrity. By combining these functions into a single air flow path with one inlet and channel, the design reduces complexity compared to having separate systems for debris protection and cooling.
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 maintains sensor integrity by removing debris and providing efficient cooling, thereby ensuring reliable data collection and vehicle performance.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet and the channel may define an air flowpath from the inlet to the cavity... The air received from the inlet flows through the sensor housing into the cavity between the sensor and the cover... The air is used to cool the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The air is used to cool the sensor and to clean the sensor, i.e., to remove debris collection (including, for example, water, insects, dirt, etc.) on the sensor during use of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The second air flowpath may extend adjacent the sensor... The sensor housing may define an air flowpath exterior to the sensor housing along the wedge and adjacent the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a sensor housing defining an inlet. The assembly includes a sensor assembly rotatably supported by the sensor housing. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and a cover surrounding the sensor. The sensor assembly has a cavity between the sensor and the cover. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity.