Vehicle Sensor Assembly With Air Deflector and Cleaning Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining clear sensor fields of view due to obstructions such as dust, snow, insects, and environmental degradation of sensor windows or lenses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor assembly that includes deflectors configured to direct ram air away from object detection sensors, and nozzles aimed at the sensors to provide fluid, such as washer fluid, to maintain clear fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to detect the external environment, then object detection capability is improved, but sensor windows or lenses become obstructed by dust, snow, insects, and environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes obstructions (dust, snow, insects) from the sensor field of view using fluid delivery systems that spray cleaning fluid onto the sensor window or lens, and uses deflectors to direct airflow away from the sensor area, thereby maintaining clear detection capability without compromising sensor exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning fluid between the environment and the sensor window. This fluid acts as a mediator that washes away obstructions (dust, snow, insects) from the sensor surface, allowing the sensor to maintain its detection capability while being exposed to the external environment
2Reliability
If deflectors and nozzles are added to protect sensors, then field of view clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the deflector structure serves both as an aerodynamic element to direct airflow away from sensors and as a mounting structure for the nozzle assembly. The nozzle system is integrated into the sensor housing, allowing a single assembly to provide both protection and cleaning functions without requiring separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is equipped with self-cleaning capabilities through integrated fluid delivery systems that automatically remove obstructions from the sensor window. The system uses the vehicle's own fluid reservoirs and pumping systems to provide cleaning fluid, allowing the sensors to maintain their own clarity without requiring external maintenance intervention
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
This solution effectively maintains clear fields of view for object detection sensors by directing airflow and providing fluid to remove obstructions, thereby enhancing the operational reliability of autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector is configured to direct ram air away from the object detection sensor
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle supported by the deflector and aimed at the object detection sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a base. The assembly includes an object detection sensor. The assembly includes a deflector extending upward from the base in front of the object detection sensor. The deflector is configured to direct ram air away from the object detection sensor. The assembly includes a nozzle supported by the deflector and aimed at the object detection sensor.