Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control for Source-Based Contamination Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Environmental sensors on vehicles, such as LiDAR and RADAR, are prone to contamination by foreign substances like dust and liquids, which impairs their ability to detect the surrounding environment accurately, hindering autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system that uses compressed air and washer fluid to efficiently clean environmental sensors by detecting contamination sources and adjusting operation based on the type and severity of contamination, employing a controller to manage the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor cleaning system is provided to clean environmental sensors, then sensor performance is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple independent cleaning units, each equipped with its own nozzle and control logic. This allows the system to clean different sensor surfaces independently using appropriate methods (air blowing or washer fluid) based on contamination type, maintaining sensor performance while managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects cleaning methods based on real-time contamination detection. The controller adjusts cleaning parameters and method selection (air blowing vs. washer fluid) based on detected contamination sources, enabling adaptive cleaning that maintains effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary cleaning operations that would increase system complexity
2Productivity
If air cleaning method is used to remove contaminants, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but effectiveness on certain contaminants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between air blowing and washer fluid cleaning methods based on real-time contamination detection. When light contaminants like dust are detected, air blowing is used for efficient cleaning. When stubborn contaminants are detected, the system transitions to washer fluid cleaning, ensuring both cleaning efficiency and effectiveness are maintained under varying conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cleaning parameters including method selection (air vs. liquid), pressure levels, and flow rates based on contamination type. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize cleaning efficiency for different contaminant types while ensuring effective removal of all contaminants
3Reliability
If washer fluid cleaning is used to remove stubborn contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but residue on sensor surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air blowing as a preliminary action before washer fluid cleaning to remove loose contaminants. This preliminary step reduces the amount of washer fluid needed and minimizes residue. After washer fluid cleaning, another air blowing phase is applied to dry and clean the sensor surface, ensuring effectiveness while eliminating harmful residue
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies continuous cleaning action with multiple phases: initial air blowing, washer fluid cleaning, and final air drying. This continuous sequence ensures complete contaminant removal while the final air drying phase continuously eliminates residue, maintaining both effectiveness and surface cleanliness
4Manufacturing precision
If contamination source is determined and cleaning is adjusted, then cleaning precision is improved, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensors positioned to detect different contamination sources (dust, rain, snow). Each sensor monitors specific contamination types and transmits signals to the controller, enabling precise contamination source identification while managing detection complexity through modular sensor placement and independent monitoring
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 effective removal of contaminants, maintaining sensor performance and enabling accurate environmental detection for safe autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
an air cleaning system configured to clean the environmental sensor by spraying compressed air
Implementation Method 2
a washer fluid cleaning system configured to clean the environmental sensor with washer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling the sensor cleaning system includes detecting contamination of an environmental sensor, determining a contamination source of the contamination when contamination of the environmental sensor is detected, and adjusting operation of an air cleaning system of the sensor cleaning system based on the determined contamination source.