Vehicle Sensor Assembly Gap Structure for Moisture and Debris Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
External sensor assemblies for autonomous vehicles face issues with moisture and debris accumulation due to air intake, leading to potential damage and deterioration of internal components, especially when operating at high speeds and in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The sensor assembly incorporates a separation gap with air guide structural features that induce eddies in the airflow, reducing the momentum and energy of incoming air, moisture, and debris, thereby minimizing their accumulation on the sealed barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sensor assembly operates at high speeds and in adverse weather conditions, then the sensing capability and productivity are improved, but moisture and debris accumulation increases leading to component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-velocity airflow into a beneficial force by designing air guide structural features that induce eddies. These eddies create a low-pressure region that actively draws moisture and debris away from the sealed barrier, transforming the previously harmful airflow into a protective mechanism that prevents accumulation during high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by utilizing air flow dynamics and pressure differentials created by eddy formation. The air guide structural features manipulate airflow to generate regions of low pressure that prevent moisture and debris accumulation, using pneumatic forces to protect internal components without mechanical moving parts
2Temperature
If air intake is provided to cool internal components, then the temperature control is improved, but moisture and debris are carried into the internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow characteristics in different regions of the separation gap. Air guide structural features generate eddies with low-pressure regions positioned specifically to intercept and redirect moisture and debris away from the sealed barrier, while allowing cooler air to reach internal components through controlled pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide structural features act as an intermediary element between the incoming airflow and the sealed barrier. These features create eddies that serve as a mediating mechanism, separating the cooling function from the contamination risk by manipulating airflow patterns to protect internal components
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 configuration effectively reduces the amount of air, moisture, and debris reaching the internal components, protecting them from damage and promoting the longevity of the sealed barrier by minimizing accumulation and energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The separation gap is configured with a set of air guide structural features, to induce formation of eddies from air intake received through the gap inlet, as air from the air intake moves inward towards the sealed barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a first body that rotates a sensor component about an axis, and a second body coupled to the first body to form a separation gap. The separation gap extends radially inward from a gap inlet to a sealed barrier of the second body. The separation gap may be configured with a set of air guide structural features, to induce formation of eddies from air intake received through the gap inlet, as air from the air intake moves inward towards the sealed barrier.