Sensor Assembly Cleaning with Deflector-Guided Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor assemblies in autonomous vehicles face issues with airflow dead zones that lead to fluid accumulation on the sensor window, which can diminish data gathering capabilities, particularly in LIDAR devices.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly design featuring a duct and deflector system that directs airflow to prevent dead zones, including a first duct extending around the sensor, a second duct positioned transversely, and a blower to enhance airflow, ensuring effective removal of fluid and heat from the sensor window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple sensor housing is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but airflow dead zones form causing fluid accumulation on the sensor window
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple functional components: a main housing body, a duct structure with inlet and outlet openings, and a deflector element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function in managing airflow, preventing fluid accumulation while maintaining manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct structure acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sensor window. It channels airflow through controlled paths (inlet opening → duct passage → outlet opening) to systematically eliminate dead zones and prevent fluid accumulation on the sensor window.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airflow channels are added to prevent dead zones, then fluid accumulation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides airflow to eliminate dead zones, provides structural support for the sensor assembly, and integrates with the housing as a protective enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while effective fluid prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector element is merged with the duct structure, forming an integrated airflow management system. The deflector's surface is continuous with the duct's interior, creating a unified component that both directs airflow and structurally supports the sensor, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the sensor window is fully exposed, then sensing capability is improved, but fluid accumulation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing provides localized protection around the sensor window while maintaining its exposure. The duct structure strategically positions airflow channels at specific locations (inlet opening above the sensor window, outlet opening below) to create targeted airflow patterns that clear fluid from the sensor window surface without blocking the sensing area.
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 design effectively prevents fluid accumulation and enhances airflow, maintaining sensor performance by ensuring smooth airflow and efficient data collection, even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a blower to enhance airflow
Implementation Method 2
The deflector is shaped to direct airflow toward the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a sensor including a sensor window, a cover fixed relative to the sensor, a bracket supporting the sensor, a duct extending around the sensor from an inlet at the cover adjacent to the sensor to an outlet at the cover adjacent to the sensor on an opposite side of the sensor from the inlet, and a deflector fixed relative to the sensor and spaced downwardly from the sensor. The cover is positioned to expose at least a portion of the sensor window. The duct extends between the sensor and the bracket. The deflector is shaped to direct airflow toward the sensor.