Vehicle Sensor Compressor Control for Speed-Adaptive Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors are hindered by environmental elements such as rain, heat, wind, and dust, which affect their performance and require effective cleaning mechanisms to maintain functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning system comprising a compressor, nozzles, and a computing system that adjusts the compressor's operation based on vehicle velocity, predicted velocity, traffic conditions, and sensor contamination levels to deliver fluid for cleaning, ensuring optimal pressure and timing for sensor maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor operates continuously at high pressure to ensure effective sensor cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operation is dynamically adjusted based on real-time vehicle velocity and cleaning effectiveness predictions. The system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic variable operation, modifying compressor activation and pressure levels according to current driving conditions to optimize both cleaning effectiveness and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (compressor activation timing, pressure levels, duration) based on predicted cleaning effectiveness and vehicle velocity. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant high-pressure operation, the system achieves effective cleaning while reducing overall energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor operates at variable pressure levels to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but cleaning effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor vehicle velocity, predict cleaning effectiveness, and adjust compressor operation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that variable pressure operation maintains adequate cleaning effectiveness by adapting to real-time conditions rather than using fixed pressure levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of cleaning needs based on predicted effectiveness and vehicle velocity before activating the compressor. By determining in advance whether cleaning is necessary and what pressure level is appropriate, the system avoids unnecessary compression operations while ensuring adequate cleaning when needed
3Reliability
If the system cleans sensors frequently to maintain optimal performance, then sensor performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of cleaning needs by predicting cleaning effectiveness based on vehicle velocity and environmental conditions. This self-service capability allows the system to autonomously determine when cleaning is necessary without requiring complex external monitoring or manual intervention, balancing performance maintenance with system simplicity
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 effectively cleans sensors by adapting to dynamic vehicle conditions, ensuring continuous operation and improved sensor performance by removing foreign substances, thereby enhancing the vehicle's navigation and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to generate compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus on a vehicle comprises one or more sensors, one or more nozzles that output fluid to clean the respective one or more sensors, and a compressor that generates fluid such as compressed air. The compressor is in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles. The apparatus further comprises one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to determine a current velocity of the vehicle and control an operation of the compressor based on the current velocity of the vehicle.