Sensor Cleaning Valve Feedback for Autonomous Vehicle Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors, particularly those like cameras with lenses, can be impaired by dirt and smudges, leading to impaired or precluded operation, and existing systems lack effective methods to determine the position of solenoid valves, which are crucial for sensor cleaning and operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pump, solenoid valves, nozzles aimed at sensors, and a computer that monitors and controls fluid flow to clean sensors, determines valve positions without additional sensors, and autonomously operates the vehicle by disregarding sensor data or performing minimal risk maneuvers if sensors are dirty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to control fluid flow for sensor cleaning, then the cleaning function is improved, but the ability to determine valve position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sensor itself to detect fluid on its surface and provides feedback to the control system. When fluid is detected during a cleaning cycle, the system infers that the valve is in the correct open position, creating a feedback loop that confirms valve position without requiring additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor serves dual purposes: it performs its primary detection function and simultaneously detects fluid on its own surface to indicate valve position. The sensor essentially monitors itself during cleaning operations, eliminating the need for separate position sensing components.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to monitor valve position, then valve position detection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing sensor is made multi-functional by utilizing its ability to detect both environmental targets and fluid on its own surface. This single component performs multiple functions: primary sensing and valve position indication, eliminating the need for additional dedicated position sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor monitors its own surface condition during cleaning operations to determine valve position. This self-monitoring capability eliminates the need for separate position sensing components, maintaining system simplicity while achieving accurate valve position detection.
3Reliability
If sensors are cleaned continuously, then sensor reliability is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cleaning operations periodically or on-demand based on detected contamination levels, rather than continuously. The control system activates the pump and valve only when cleaning is necessary, reducing fluid consumption while maintaining sensor reliability through timely cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback about its own contamination state, enabling the control system to initiate cleaning only when necessary. This feedback-driven approach optimizes fluid usage by cleaning sensors based on actual need rather than continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a pump, a valve supplied from the pump, a sensor fixed relative to the pump, a nozzle supplied from the valve and aimed at the sensor, and a computer communicatively coupled to the pump, the valve, and the sensor. The computer is programmed to instruct the pump to operate; while the pump is operating, instruct the valve to close; receive data from the sensor while the pump is operating and the valve is instructed to be closed; and set a flag upon determining, based on the data received from the sensor, that the nozzle is outputting fluid onto the sensor.