Vehicle Sensor Airflow Deflector for Contaminant Buildup Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensors, such as sonar, camera, and microwave sensors, face challenges in maintaining cleanliness and functionality due to airflow patterns that can lead to contaminant buildup on their exterior surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an airflow deflector within a sensor pod, which includes a body with a first airflow passageway and a lip extending from the body at an angle, directs airflow to flow parallel to the sensor's exterior surface and towards it, effectively reducing contaminant accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensor is exposed to vehicle airflow, then the sensor can detect rearward areas effectively, but contaminant buildup occurs on the sensor surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidcontaminant buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful airflow that causes contaminant buildup into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. The airflow deflector is designed to redirect vehicle airflow across the sensor surface, using the same airflow that previously caused contamination to now blow contaminants away from the sensor, thereby converting the harmful effect into a beneficial self-cleaning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow deflector serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle body and the sensor. It modifies the airflow pattern by creating a deflected flow that passes over the sensor surface, acting as a mediator that transforms the direct harmful airflow into a controlled cleaning flow while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to contaminant-laden air

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor is positioned to face rearward areas, then it can monitor passenger activity, but it becomes vulnerable to airflow-induced contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcontaminant accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful airflow that causes contaminant buildup into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. The airflow deflector is designed to redirect vehicle airflow across the sensor surface, using the same airflow that previously caused contamination to now blow contaminants away from the sensor, thereby converting the harmful effect into a beneficial self-cleaning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the airflow into different paths: a first portion that flows over the sensor surface for cleaning purposes, and a second portion that flows around the sensor pod. This segmentation allows the sensor to maintain its rearward-facing monitoring capability while protecting it from harmful contamination by creating distinct airflow zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the sensor pod is mounted on the vehicle exterior, then the sensor has unobstructed view of rearward areas, but it is directly exposed to vehicle airflow and contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor field of viewVSAvoidairflow exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow deflector serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle body and the sensor. It modifies the airflow pattern by creating a deflected flow that passes over the sensor surface, acting as a mediator that transforms the direct harmful airflow into a controlled cleaning flow while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to contaminant-laden air

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific airflow deflection zone only around the sensor pod, while the rest of the vehicle exterior remains unaffected. The deflector is positioned and shaped to modify airflow locally at the sensor location, allowing the sensor to maintain its unobstructed field of view while providing targeted protection from harmful airflow exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 airflow deflector enhances the cleanliness and functionality of vehicle sensors by minimizing contaminant buildup through controlled airflow patterns, ensuring optimal sensor performance even during vehicle movement.

Implementation Method 1

the airflow deflector is configured to direct a first layer of airflow through the first airflow passageway such that the first layer of airflow flows generally parallel to the exterior surface of the sensor, and direct a second layer of airflow through the second airflow passageway towards the exterior surface of the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow deflection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250128773A1Airflow deflector for vehicle sensor

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A sensor pod configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The sensor pod including: a housing; a sensor mounted to the housing, the sensor oriented such that when the sensor pod is mounted to the vehicle the sensor faces an area rearward of the sensor pod; and an airflow deflector mounted to the housing adjacent to an exterior surface of the sensor, the airflow deflector including a body spaced apart from the housing, the body defining a first airflow passageway through an interior of the body and a second airflow passageway between the body and the housing. The airflow deflector is configured to direct a first layer of airflow through the first airflow passageway such that the first layer of airflow flows generally parallel to the exterior surface of the sensor, and direct a second layer of airflow through the second airflow passageway towards the exterior surface of the sensor.