Vehicle Sensor Assembly Cleaning via Nested Tubular Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor operation in vehicles, particularly LIDAR devices, can be impaired due to dirt and smudges on sensor lenses and covers, leading to reduced effectiveness in detecting external environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a robust design featuring tubular rings and nozzles for efficient fluid distribution to clean sensor windows without moving parts, ensuring stable support and minimal obstruction of the field of view, while allowing for both electrical and cleaning access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust sensor assembly design is implemented with tubular rings and nozzles for fluid distribution, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested tubular rings with nozzles positioned within concentric cylindrical structures. The first tubular ring with first nozzles is nested within the second tubular ring with second nozzles, creating a compact multi-layer cleaning system that delivers fluid to different zones of the sensor window simultaneously without requiring separate external components for each cleaning zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular member serves multiple functions: it supports the sensor assembly, provides structural mounting for both tubular rings, and acts as a common platform for fluid distribution. The shared fluid distribution system delivers cleaning fluid through multiple nozzle arrays from a single fluid source, reducing the need for separate fluid delivery systems for each cleaning zone.
2Reliability
If multiple nozzles are positioned to aim at sensor windows, then cleaning coverage is improved, but obstruction of field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional nested tubular structure. The nozzles are positioned on concentric cylindrical surfaces at different radial distances from the sensor window, allowing cleaning coverage of the entire window surface while maintaining a compact profile that minimizes obstruction of the sensor's field of view in the forward direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple nozzle arrays positioned on different tubular rings, with each nozzle targeted at specific zones of the sensor window. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the window surface while distributing the physical presence of cleaning components across multiple locations rather than concentrating them in a single obstructive position.
3Reliability
If sensor windows are cleaned frequently to maintain functionality, then sensor detection reliability is improved, but loss of time for cleaning operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or near-continuous cleaning capability through the multi-nozzle system that can operate simultaneously across different zones of the sensor window. The nested tubular ring structure allows fluid to be distributed continuously to multiple surfaces at once, maintaining sensor functionality without requiring sequential cleaning operations that would consume time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to prevent dirt and smudge accumulation on sensor windows through continuous fluid distribution from multiple nozzles. By maintaining a constant cleaning action rather than relying on periodic intensive cleaning, the system prevents degradation of sensor windows, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual intervention or repeated cleaning cycles.
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 provides effective cleaning of sensor windows, maintaining sensor functionality and ensuring unobstructed fields of view for detecting external environments, enhancing the reliability of vehicle sensors.
Implementation Method 1
tubular rings and nozzles for efficient fluid distribution to clean sensor windows
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a first sensor including a first cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; an annular member substantially centered around the axis, fixed relative to the first sensor, and supporting the first sensor; a second sensor fixed relative to the annular member and suspended from the annular member, the second sensor including a second cylindrical sensor window defining the axis; a first tubular ring fixed relative to the annular member and substantially centered around the axis, the first tubular ring including a plurality of first nozzles aimed at the first cylindrical sensor window; a second tubular ring fixed relative to the annular member and substantially centered around the axis, the second tubular ring including a plurality of second nozzles aimed at the second cylindrical sensor window; and two legs extending downward from the annular member and supporting the annular member.