Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Cleaning via Pulsed Fluid Jet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors are prone to contamination from environmental factors like water, snow, ice, mud, and debris, leading to inaccurate readings and the need for timely and efficient cleaning with minimal washing fluid usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system equipped with a jet that ejects fluid at an alternating pulse speed, controlled by an electronic processor to detect and clean dirty sensors, optimizing fluid usage and adapting to different soil types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous fluid spray is used to clean sensors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but washing fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed spray cycles instead of continuous spray. The control unit activates the spray device in periodic intervals, allowing the sensor to be cleaned effectively while reducing overall fluid consumption. The pulsed pattern maintains cleaning effectiveness by periodically removing contaminants without requiring constant fluid application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by adapting the spray parameters dynamically based on sensor dirtiness detection. The control unit adjusts spray duration, frequency, and intensity according to the detected contamination level, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and fluid consumption. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to use minimal fluid when sensors are relatively clean and increase fluid usage when heavily contaminated.
2Productivity
If high pulse speed is used to clean sensors quickly, then cleaning speed is improved, but washing fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed spray with varying speeds. High pulse speeds are applied during brief intervals to quickly remove heavy contamination, followed by lower speed pulses to finish cleaning. This periodic variation in pulse speed achieves fast cleaning when needed while reducing overall fluid consumption during lighter cleaning phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes spray parameters including pulse speed, duration, and frequency based on the detected soil type and contamination level. For light contamination, lower pulse speeds and shorter durations are used to conserve fluid. For heavy contamination, higher pulse speeds are applied briefly to achieve quick cleaning, then reduced for the remainder of the cleaning cycle.
3Reliability
If washing fluid is applied frequently to prevent contamination, then sensor reliability is improved, but fluid tank refill frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback through the dirtiness detection device that continuously monitors sensor contamination levels. The control unit receives this feedback and activates the spray device only when contamination exceeds a threshold level. This feedback-driven approach maintains sensor reliability by cleaning only when necessary, significantly reducing the frequency of fluid consumption and extending refill intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cleaning system operates autonomously by detecting its own contamination state and initiating cleaning only when needed. The dirtiness detection device enables the system to self-monitor and self-service, eliminating the need for frequent scheduled cleaning or manual intervention. This self-service capability optimizes fluid usage by applying washing fluid only when the sensor actually requires cleaning.
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
Ensures quick and effective cleaning of sensors, reducing disruptions and extending the lifespan of washing fluid supplies by using a pulsated spray that minimizes fluid consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a jet configured to eject or spray a washing fluid at an alternating pulse or stream of fluid at the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A system and method for cleaning a sensor of a vehicle. The system includes a jet configured to eject a fluid at an alternating pulse at the sensor. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to detect that the sensor is dirty and operate the jet such that the fluid is ejected at the sensor at a predetermined pulse speed.