Sensor Cooling with Heat Pipe and Airflow Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor operation in vehicles is affected by obstructions such as dust, snow, and insects, which can impair the accuracy and reliability of sensors like LIDAR devices used in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a heat pipe and cover design that facilitates airflow to dissipate heat efficiently and prevent external heat absorption, featuring a cylindrical sensor window, elongated heat pipes, and a cover with a vertical gap for airflow, which also shields the sensor from sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensors are exposed to the external environment for detection, then sensor functionality is enabled, but sensor operation is affected by obstructions such as dust, snow, and insects
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is positioned over the sensor window to protect the sensor from obstructions such as dust, snow, and insects. The cover acts as a protective barrier that allows the sensor to remain exposed for detection while shielding it from environmental contaminants that would impair accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If sensors operate in external environments, then detection capability is provided, but sensors absorb external heat and require cooling
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is positioned between the sensor and the external environment to block external heat sources, particularly sunlight, from directly heating the sensor. This intermediary structure prevents external heat absorption while still allowing the sensor to perform its detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling system with airflow passages is implemented to actively remove heat from the sensor. Airflow moves through passages to dissipate heat generated by sensor operation and prevent overheating, maintaining optimal operating temperature.
3Reliability
If a cover is added to protect the sensor, then protection from obstructions is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the sensor from obstructions like dust and snow, blocks external heat sources, and integrates with the cooling system structure. By combining protection and thermal management functions in a single component, overall device complexity is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover and cooling system are merged into an integrated structure where the cover forms part of the cooling apparatus housing and contains the airflow passages. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective and cooling components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Effectively dissipates heat generated by sensors, prevents external heat absorption, and maintains sensor accuracy by using airflow to remove heat and protect the sensor from environmental interference with a minimal number of moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe fixed relative to the sensor, wherein the heat pipe is elongated from a first end to a second end, the first end is contacting the top surface, and the second end is spaced from the top surface
Implementation Method 2
a cover covering the top surface and the heat pipe, wherein the cover is shaped to define a vertical gap between the top surface and the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus includes a sensor, a heat pipe, and a cover. The sensor includes a sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a sensor window oriented generally vertically and a top surface fixed relative to the sensor window above the sensor window and oriented generally horizontally. The heat pipe is fixed relative to the sensor, wherein the heat pipe is elongated from a first end to a second end, the first end is contacting the top surface, and the second end is spaced from the top surface. The cover covers the top surface and the heat pipe, and the cover is shaped to define a vertical gap between the top surface and the cover.