Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control for Object-Aware Spray Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor cleaning systems for vehicles, particularly in autonomous driving, face challenges in minimizing contamination of surrounding objects when cleaning sensors, as the spraying of cleaning fluids can inadvertently hit people, animals, bicycles, and other vehicles, especially when sensors are positioned high on the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning control device and method that recognizes surrounding objects and adjusts the cleaning operation by performing a cleaning delay or switching to air cleaning when objects are identified in the scattering area, allowing for varying degrees of delay based on the type of object and vehicle location, thereby minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle sprays cleaning fluid at high pressure to effectively remove contaminants from the sensor, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of contaminating surrounding objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of surrounding objects using sensors before initiating the cleaning spray operation. This allows the control unit to identify vulnerable objects (pedestrians, cyclists, animals, other vehicles) in advance and adjust or delay the cleaning operation accordingly, preventing contamination before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time detection of surrounding objects. The control unit can modify spray timing, duration, or intensity depending on the presence and position of detected objects, transforming a static cleaning operation into a dynamic, adaptive process that balances cleaning effectiveness with safety.
2Reliability
If the sensor is positioned at a high location on the vehicle to improve field of view, then the sensing capability is improved, but the scattering of cleaning fluid to surrounding objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from surrounding object detection sensors to control the cleaning operation. The detection results are fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the spray timing and parameters based on the current environmental conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the vehicle's operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor cleaning system and the surrounding environment. It mediates the cleaning operation by introducing a detection and decision-making layer that determines when and how to spray, preventing direct harmful interaction between the cleaning fluid and surrounding objects.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cleaning operation is delayed to avoid contaminating surrounding objects, then the safety is improved, but the sensor remains contaminated longer
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic detection and cleaning cycles. Instead of continuous spraying, the system periodically checks for surrounding objects and performs cleaning operations only when safe to do so. This periodic approach balances the need for sensor cleanliness with the safety of surrounding objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (spray timing, duration, intensity) based on detected conditions. When objects are detected, the parameters are adjusted to delay or modify the cleaning operation. When the area is clear, normal cleaning parameters are restored, allowing flexible adaptation to maintain both safety and cleanliness.
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
This approach effectively reduces the risk of contamination by delaying or modifying the cleaning process to avoid hitting non-vehicle objects, ensuring safer and more controlled sensor cleaning operations, especially on non-highway roads where diverse objects may be present.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle configured to spray a fluid for performing cleaning
Implementation Method 2
sprays a fluid (e.g., washer liquid and/or air) at high pressure onto a surface of a camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cleaning control device and method are based on recognition of surrounding objects around a vehicle. The control device and method are applied to a vehicle and consider an object recognized in scattering areas where contamination occurs due to a fluid sprayed from a nozzle to clean blockages or contamination on sensing portion covers provided at sensors, perform cleaning delay using the washer fluid through nozzle delay spraying by a controller, perform air cleaning not using the washer liquid through nozzle air spraying, and do not perform the cleaning through nozzle non-spraying due to replacement of data of other sensor so that the contamination of the object that is contaminated due to the sensor cleaning is reduced or prevented.