Sensor Bracket Air Curtain for Debris-Free Vehicle Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining sensor functionality due to the accumulation of debris, insects, and other objects on sensors like LiDAR and cameras, which obstructs their perception and requires manual cleaning after reaching a destination, lacking a viable solution for prevention during operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor bracket equipped with an air curtain machine that generates a high-speed airflow to prevent foreign objects from hitting and adhering to sensors by directing air flow across the sensor's forward-facing direction, effectively protecting LiDAR and camera sensors from debris, insects, and other environmental obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to the environment for autonomous navigation, then sensing capability is improved, but sensors accumulate debris and insects that obstruct perception
Solution Approach 1:
An air curtain is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor and the external environment. The air curtain consists of a stream of air that flows across the sensor surface, creating a protective barrier that prevents debris and insects from directly contacting and adhering to the sensor, thus maintaining sensor functionality without compromising exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by generating a controlled airflow (air curtain) to protect the sensor. The air curtain machine creates a directed stream of air that acts as a protective barrier, utilizing gas flow dynamics to prevent harmful particles from reaching the sensor surface while allowing the sensor to remain exposed for navigation
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning is implemented after reaching destination, then sensor obstruction is removed, but maintenance time and operational interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain performs preliminary protective action continuously during vehicle operation, preventing debris and insects from accumulating on the sensor in the first place. This proactive protection eliminates the need for subsequent manual cleaning operations, saving maintenance time and avoiding operational interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The air curtain system provides self-service protection by automatically maintaining sensor cleanliness during vehicle operation. The system continuously generates the protective air barrier without requiring human intervention, making the sensor maintenance self-sustaining throughout the operational cycle
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 air curtain system effectively prevents foreign objects from impacting and adhering to sensors, ensuring continuous sensor functionality and reducing maintenance needs by keeping sensors clear during operation, enhancing the reliability of autonomous vehicle navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first air curtain machine positioned at the second end of the bracket body, the first air curtain machine having an air outlet that is positioned to cause air to flow from the first air curtain machine through the air outlet across a forward-facing direction of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems that relate to a sensor bracket, a sensor assembly that includes the sensor bracket, as well as movable objects and vehicles equipped with the sensor assembly are described. One example sensor bracket includes a bracket body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the bracket body is configured to connect to an automobile and the second end of the bracket body is configured to connect to a sensor. A first air curtain machine is positioned at the second end of the bracket body, the first air curtain machine having an air outlet that is positioned to cause air to flow from the first air curtain machine through the air outlet across a forward-facing direction of the sensor.