Sensor Cover Cleaning Layout to Prevent LiDAR Residue Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning sensor lenses in autonomous vehicles, such as LiDAR sensors, often leave residual cleaning solution, which is misinterpreted as foreign substances, leading to decreased sensing accuracy and potential damage from scattered cleaning solution and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cleaning device with a moving cover that descends to a separate cleaning space, utilizing a cleaning unit with a wiper and spray nozzle to clean the sensor cover, and then returns, preventing contamination and ensuring accurate sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning solution is sprayed onto the sensor lens surface, then cleaning effect is improved, but cleaning solution remains on the surface causing sensing accuracy degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning process into two distinct stages: a first cleaning space where cleaning solution is sprayed onto the sensor lens, and a second cleaning space where the lens is dried. This spatial segmentation allows the cleaning and drying functions to occur separately without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between achieving thorough cleaning and maintaining sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a intermediate drying space with drying members (such as air blowers or absorbent materials) that act as a mediator between the wet cleaning stage and the sensing stage. This intermediary component removes residual cleaning solution from the lens surface, preventing it from affecting sensor performance while maintaining the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
2Reliability
If a separate wiper is installed in the sensor lens, then cleaning function is improved, but the wiper is recognized as an obstacle affecting sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiper mechanism from the sensor optical path by positioning it in a retracted state during normal operation. The wiper is only activated when needed for cleaning and is then retracted back to its initial position, ensuring that it does not obstruct the sensor's field of view or interfere with sensing operations. This extraction approach allows the cleaning function to be added without permanently affecting sensor performance.
3Reliability
If cleaning solution is sprayed onto the outer surface of the sensor lens, then cleaning effect is improved, but cleaning solution scatters causing collateral contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous cleaning process where the sensor lens is conveyed through a series of cleaning stages (spraying, wiping, drying) in sequence. This continuous action ensures that cleaning solution is immediately processed and removed rather than allowed to scatter, preventing collateral contamination while maintaining effective cleaning throughout the entire lens surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cleaning device includes a sensor cover configured to cover an outer surface of a sensor lens. The sensor cleaning device also includes a moving unit configured to support the sensor cover and move the sensor cover between a first position and a second position. The sensor lens is covered by the sensor cover positioned at the first position and uncovered by the sensor cover positioned at the second position. The sensor cleaning device also includes a cleaning unit configured to clean an outer surface of the sensor cover upon the sensor cover being moved to the second position.