Sensor Cleaning Nozzle Angles for LIDAR Lens Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors, particularly LIDAR devices, can be impaired by dirt and smudges on their lenses and covers, leading to impaired or precluded operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system featuring a cylindrical sensor window with a tubular annular member containing alternating first and second nozzles arranged around the axis, providing efficient fluid distribution for cleaning without moving parts, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the sensor window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single set of nozzles is used for cleaning the sensor window, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning coverage and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple nozzle sets (first nozzles and second nozzles) with different discharge angles, where each nozzle set targets specific regions of the sensor window. This segmentation allows comprehensive cleaning coverage without requiring a single complex movable nozzle system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzle sets are configured with different discharge angles (first angle and second angle) to provide localized cleaning effectiveness for different areas of the sensor window. The first nozzles discharge at a first angle to clean certain regions, while the second nozzles discharge at a second angle to clean other regions, optimizing local cleaning quality.
2Reliability
If multiple nozzle sets with different angles are used, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzle sets with different discharge angles are merged into a single integrated annular member structure. The first nozzles and second nozzles are both incorporated into the same annular component, allowing comprehensive cleaning coverage while maintaining structural simplicity and avoiding the need for separate movable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single movable nozzle that changes angles, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple fixed nozzles with different angles simultaneously. This static multi-angle configuration achieves the same cleaning effectiveness without the complexity of movable parts or angle-adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If no air drying system is added, then the device complexity remains low, but the sensor operation continuity is compromised due to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both liquid cleaning nozzles and air drying nozzles into a single system. The same annular member structure houses both first nozzles (for liquid cleaning) and second nozzles (for air drying), allowing the system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system effectively cleans the sensor window, maintaining sensor operation by using fluid nozzles with different angles for thorough coverage and an air system for drying, ensuring continuous sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first nozzles each have a direction of discharge in a radially inward and axial direction forming a first angle with the axis, and the second nozzles each have a direction of discharge in a radially inward and axial direction forming a second angle with the axis
Implementation Method 2
an air system for drying, ensuring continuous sensor functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis, and a tubular annular member fixed relative to the sensor window and substantially centered around the axis. The annular member includes a plurality of first nozzles and second nozzles arranged in an alternating pattern around the annular member. The first nozzles each have a direction of discharge in a radially inward and axial direction forming a first angle with the axis. The second nozzles each have a direction of discharge in a radially inward and axial direction forming a second angle with the axis, and the second angle is different than the first angle.