Sensor Duct Separates Liquid from Air for LIDAR Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dirty or smudged sensor lenses and covers in vehicles can impair or prevent sensor operation, particularly for sensors like LIDAR that rely on clear paths for accurate distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a duct system that separates liquid from ambient air before exhausting it into a chamber, where a blower can pressurize the air to clean the sensor windows and lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor lens or cover is exposed to the external environment to detect objects, then the sensor can perform its detection function, but the lens or cover becomes susceptible to contamination from liquid and debris
Solution Approach 1:
A duct system with a blower assembly acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the sensor lens. The duct directs a stream of pressurized air onto the lens surface, creating a protective barrier that prevents liquid and debris from contaminating the optical surface while allowing the sensor to remain exposed for detection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The blower assembly generates a controlled pneumatic flow of air through the duct system. This pressurized air stream is directed onto the sensor lens to actively clear liquid contamination and maintain optical clarity, enabling the sensor to operate reliably in adverse weather conditions
2Reliability
If a duct system is added to remove liquid from the air stream, then sensor clarity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system serves multiple functions: it channels pressurized air from the blower assembly, directs the air stream onto the sensor lens, and provides structural support for the cleaning mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining sensor clarity
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 removes liquid from the air stream, ensuring clear sensor operation and maintaining the accuracy of sensors like LIDAR, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The middle portion extends downward from the first portion, and the second portion extends upward to the second end. The middle portion and the second portion separate liquid from ambient air that enters the duct and flows to the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The sensor assembly may include a blower having an intake and an exhaust, the intake connected to the duct at the second end and the exhaust oriented to blow into the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a housing defining a chamber. The sensor assembly includes a sensor supported by the housing. The sensor assembly includes a duct extending from a first end to a second end, the first end of the duct being open to an environment external to the chamber and the second end being fluidly connected to the chamber. The duct includes a first portion at the first end, a second portion at the second end, and a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion. The middle portion extends downward from the first portion, and the second portion extends upward to the second end.