Vehicle Sensor Assembly Deflector Airflow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors face interference from debris, rain, snow, and insects, which can obstruct their field of view and compromise their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous navigation sensor assembly with a housing and deflector system that directs air to maintain clarity of the sensor's field of view by deflecting interfering elements and using vents and a blower to keep the sensors clean and free from obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to the external environment for autonomous navigation, then they can detect the external world and generate data, but they become vulnerable to interference from debris, rain, snow, and insects that obstruct their field of view
Solution Approach 1:
A deflector positioned forward of the sensor redirects harmful elements (debris, rain, snow, insects) away from the sensor's field of view. The deflector acts as an intermediary barrier that protects the sensor while allowing it to remain exposed for detection purposes. Airflow generated by vehicle motion or active blowers enhances this protective effect by creating a clean air zone around the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes airflow (pneumatics) to maintain sensor clarity. Either passive airflow from vehicle motion or active blowers create air currents that deflect contaminants away from the sensor. The housing includes vents that facilitate this airflow, creating a protective pneumatic barrier around the sensor field of view.
2Reliability
If a deflector system is added to protect the sensor, then sensor clarity is maintained, but device complexity increases with additional components like housing, vents, and blowers
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it supports the sensor, contains the deflector, provides structural protection, and incorporates vents for airflow management. The deflector simultaneously protects the sensor and can be integrated with the vehicle's existing aerodynamic features. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is positioned forward of the sensor rather than directly covering it, providing protection through partial action. The deflector extends only as far as needed to redirect contaminants away from the critical field of view area, avoiding excessive material and complexity while maintaining effective protection.
3Reliability
If vents are created in the housing for airflow, then debris is deflected away from the sensor, but the housing structure becomes more complex and potentially less protective
Solution Approach 1:
Vents are created only in specific locations on the housing where they serve the protective function - typically areas where airflow naturally occurs or where contaminants are most likely to approach the sensor. The housing maintains full strength and protection in all other areas, creating local openings only where needed for the pneumatic protection mechanism.
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 solution effectively maintains the clarity and functionality of the sensors' field of view by redirecting debris and ensuring proper airflow, enhancing the performance of autonomous vehicle navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector forward of the sensor and having a front surface designed to direct air upward
Implementation Method 2
using vents and a blower to keep the sensors clean and free from obstructions
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a housing defining a chamber. The assembly includes a sensor supported by the housing. The assembly includes a deflector forward of the sensor and having a front surface designed to direct air upward and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The housing has a vent in fluid communication with the chamber and aimed at the rear surface of the deflector.