Vehicle Sensor Cleaning System with Object-Aware Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental conditions such as dirt and dust impair the operation of object detection sensors like LIDAR sensors mounted on vehicles, leading to reduced effectiveness in detecting objects outside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor and memory to detect objects exterior to a vehicle and actuate a fluid dispenser based on the opacity of the sensor window and the location of the detected object, adjusting the dispenser's operation to ensure effective cleaning of the sensor while avoiding splashing objects like pedestrians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid dispenser is actuated to clean the sensor window, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of splashing objects (pedestrians) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects in the splash zone before actuating the fluid dispenser. The processor identifies pedestrians or other objects in the potential fluid spray path and uses this information to modify the cleaning operation, such as delaying activation or adjusting spray direction, thereby preventing harmful splashing before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fluid dispenser operation based on real-time object detection. The spray pattern, timing, and intensity are modified according to the detected object's position and movement, allowing the cleaning function to adapt to changing conditions and avoid splashing objects while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Reliability
If the fluid dispenser operates continuously to maintain clean sensors, then the object detection reliability is improved, but the energy consumption and fluid usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the fluid dispenser is activated periodically based on sensor opacity detection. The system monitors the sensor window condition and triggers cleaning only when dirt or dust accumulation is detected, converting continuous operation into periodic maintenance cycles that reduce energy and fluid consumption while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the object detection sensor to monitor sensor window opacity and triggers fluid dispenser activation only when cleaning is actually needed. This closed-loop control prevents unnecessary continuous operation, optimizing the balance between maintaining sensor reliability and minimizing resource consumption
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 windows to maintain object detection functionality while minimizing the risk of splashing objects, thereby ensuring continuous sensor operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
actuate a fluid dispenser device based on an opacity of a window and a location of the detected object
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to detect an object exterior to a vehicle, and to actuate a fluid dispenser device based on an opacity of a window and a location of the detected object.