Sensor Drainage Apparatus Using Air Nozzle and Grooved Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining the integrity of sensors, particularly LIDAR devices, due to liquid accumulation on the sensor window, which can obstruct the field of view and require additional cleaning components like wipers.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with a cylindrical sensor window, an air nozzle, and a circumferential cap featuring grooves and channels that direct liquid away from the sensor window, eliminating the need for separate cleaning components through a low-profile, simple design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional cleaning components like wipers are added to remove liquid from the sensor window, then liquid accumulation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing structure performs the cleaning function automatically through its own geometric features. The circumferential cap with grooves and channels creates a self-draining system that uses gravity and surface tension to remove liquid without requiring external cleaning components like wipers or blowers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted from separate mechanical components and integrated into the housing structure itself. The grooves and channels are built-in features of the circumferential cap that directly channel liquid away from the sensor window, eliminating the need for additional cleaning mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a low-profile simple design is used without additional cleaning components, then device complexity is reduced, but liquid accumulation on the sensor window occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The solution addresses liquid removal by adding a dimensional element - the circumferential cap extends radially outward from the sensor window, creating a three-dimensional drainage structure. The grooves and channels provide pathways in the radial and axial dimensions to channel liquid away from the sensor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential cap acts as an intermediary structure between the sensor window and the external environment. It provides a transition zone with grooves and channels that intercept liquid before it accumulates on the sensor window and directs it away from the sensor area.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor housing is designed with integrated drainage features, then manufacturing steps increase, but separate cleaning components are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage features (grooves and channels) are merged into the circumferential cap as integral features. The cap is designed as a single component that combines structural support, liquid channeling, and sensor protection functions, eliminating the need for separate cleaning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential cap serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the sensor window, creates drainage pathways through integrated grooves and channels, and protects the sensor housing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
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 prevents liquid accumulation on the sensor window, enhancing the operational reliability of sensors by maintaining a clear field of view and reducing the need for additional cleaning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an air nozzle positioned below the sensor window and aimed upward
Implementation Method 2
The underside includes a groove having a cross-section elongated circumferentially around the axis. The cross-section of the groove curves from a lower end upwardly and outwardly to an upper end.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis oriented substantially vertically, an air nozzle positioned below the sensor window and aimed upward, and a sensor-housing-top cap positioned above the sensor window and including a sensor-housing top and a circumferential cap. The sensor-housing-top cap is a single piece. The circumferential cap includes a topside and an underside. The topside and the underside are disposed radially outward from the sensor window. The underside includes a groove having a cross-section elongated circumferentially around the axis. The cross-section of the groove curves from a lower end upwardly and outwardly to an upper end.