Sensor Cleaner Film Spool Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensors on vehicles, such as LIDAR sensors, can be rendered inoperable due to contaminants like dirt or precipitation blocking their field of view, leading to navigation issues and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a transparent film that extends around the sensor housing, supported by spools and a housing with slots, allows for the film to be moved to clear contaminants and easily replaced, using motors and a washer system to maintain a clear field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transparent film is made movable to clear contaminants, then the field of view is maintained, but the device complexity increases with spools and motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the spool mechanism to serve multiple functions: it stores the transparent film, feeds the film to the sensor area, and enables lateral movement for cleaning. The same spool assembly that provides film replacement also provides the cleaning function, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing the spool inside the sensor housing, with the transparent film nested around the spool and extending outward to cover the sensor. The motor is integrated into the housing structure, and the entire film delivery system is nested within the compact sensor assembly, minimizing space requirements and integrating complexity into the existing housing rather than adding external components.
2Ease of operation
If a washer system is added to clean the film, then contaminants are removed, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the transparent film to clean itself through lateral movement. Instead of using a separate washer system to clean the film, the film is moved across the sensor housing to bring a clean portion into the field of view, effectively self-cleaning by replacing the contaminated area with a fresh area from the spool. This eliminates the need for water, power-washing mechanisms, or additional cleaning agents.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a first housing and a sensor in the first housing. The assembly includes a second housing. The assembly includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably supported in the second housing and spaced from each other. The assembly includes a transparent film extending from the first spool around the first housing and received by the second spool.