Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Rotor for Non-Impact Contaminant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environment sensors on vehicles, such as radar, LiDAR, and cameras, are prone to contamination from rainwater, snow, dust, and other foreign substances, which can impair their performance and hinder autonomous vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning device and system that includes a housing mounted to the environment sensor, a rotor that rotates using compressed air, and a controller to manage the compressed air supply, allowing for effective cleaning of the sensor surfaces without direct spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compressed air is directly sprayed onto the sensor surface for cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but the sensor may be damaged by high-pressure air impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotor as an intermediary component between the compressed air source and the sensor surface. The rotor rotates under compressed air pressure and generates centrifugal force to remove contaminants, mediating the cleaning action to prevent direct high-pressure impact on the sensor while maintaining effective cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by using compressed air to rotate the rotor and generate centrifugal force for contaminant removal. The compressed air flow is converted into rotational mechanical energy, which then produces centrifugal cleaning action without direct high-pressure contact with the sensor
2Reliability
If a rotor is introduced to rotate and generate centrifugal force for cleaning, then sensor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the cleaning element that generates centrifugal force and as a protective barrier between the compressed air source and the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is designed as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that is simple in form but effective in function. The thin-walled design minimizes material usage and structural complexity while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand compressed air pressure and generate the required centrifugal force
3Productivity
If the rotor is positioned close to the sensor surface for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but the risk of rotor collision with the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a support structure with bearing that provides counterbalancing support to the rotor, maintaining a precise gap between the rotor and sensor surface. This support mechanism counteracts the tendency of the rotor to collide with the sensor while allowing the rotor to be positioned close enough for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-walled cylindrical rotor design allows for precise positioning close to the sensor surface while minimizing the mass and inertia of the rotor, reducing the risk of collision. The thin-walled structure also allows for better control and stabilization of the rotor position
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 provides excellent cleaning performance, effectively protecting the environment sensors from contamination and ensuring continuous operation of autonomous vehicles by maintaining clear sensor surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor that rotates using compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cleaning device for a vehicle includes a housing mounted to an environment sensor of the vehicle. A compressed fluid may be selectively supplied into the housing. A rotor may be disposed in the housing and rotatable with respect to the environment sensor by the compressed fluid.