Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Cleaning by Obstruction Impact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor cleaning methods for autonomous vehicles often use chemicals that pollute the environment, and there is a need for effective, environmentally friendly solutions to maintain sensor clarity and ensure safe vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A system on autonomous vehicles that uses a processor to detect sensor obstructions, select between low-impact and high-impact cleaning solutions based on operational impact, and deploy the appropriate cleaning solution to restore sensor functionality while minimizing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional chemical cleaning solutions are used to clean sensors, then sensor cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of the cleaning solution by offering multiple options (e.g., different chemical compositions, concentrations, or types of cleaners) and selecting the most appropriate one based on the detected obstruction type and operational impact, thereby reducing environmental pollution while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor data to detect obstructions, determines operational impact, and selects cleaning solutions accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that cleaning is performed only when necessary and with the most appropriate solution, minimizing unnecessary chemical use and environmental harm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If frequent sensor cleaning is performed to maintain sensor clarity, then sensor operation reliability is improved, but resource consumption and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoidcleaning solution consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of obstructions using sensor data before initiating cleaning. By detecting obstructions in advance and assessing their operational impact, the system cleans sensors only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary cleaning operations and reducing cleaning solution consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial cleaning action by selecting cleaning solutions and methods appropriate to the specific obstruction type and severity. Instead of always performing full cleaning operations, the system adjusts the cleaning intensity and frequency to match the actual need, thereby reducing resource consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250319847A1Systems and methods for sensor cleaning on autonomous vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 TORC ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A system and method for autonomous vehicle sensor cleaning utilizing at least one sensor, a processing system, and memory with executable instructions. The processor receives sensor data, detects obstructions causing operational impact on the vehicle, selects a sensor cleaning solution based on that impact, deploys it through the cleaning system, and checks for nominal sensor operation. The system supports various sensors (optical, electromagnetic, etc.) and obstruction types (dirt, snow, etc.), while determining impact to autonomous operations of the vehicle. The processor may disengage deployment of the cleaning solutions, monitor data post-deployment, and redeploy if necessary.