Vehicle Sensor Guard with Sweeping Blade Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor protection methods, such as air stream generators, are inefficient in preventing contamination and damage from heavy particles like small stones, and are noisy and energy-intensive, while also failing to reliably protect sensors not mounted behind windshields.

Innovation Solution

A sensor guard comprising blades that sweep through the sensor's line-of-sight, controlled by an actuator, with a greater extension parallel to the line-of-sight than in the direction of movement, effectively deflecting debris by physically hitting and throwing it radially, requiring slower movement and thus less energy and noise compared to air stream generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air stream generators are used to protect sensors, then sensors are protected from contamination, but the device becomes noisy and energy-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protection from contaminationVSAvoidenergy consumption of protection device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air stream generators) with a mechanical system (rotating blades). The blades physically intercept and deflect particles through mechanical motion, eliminating the need for continuous air generation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining protection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection mechanism uses periodic rotation of blades rather than continuous air stream generation. The blades sweep through the sensor's field of view in periodic cycles, creating protection only when needed during particle ingress events, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous pneumatic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If air stream generators are used to protect sensors, then sensors are protected from contamination, but the device produces excessive noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protection from contaminationVSAvoidnoise from protection device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air stream generators) with a mechanical system (rotating blades). The blades physically intercept and deflect particles through mechanical motion, eliminating the need for continuous air generation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining protection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection mechanism uses periodic rotation of blades rather than continuous air stream generation. The blades sweep through the sensor's field of view in periodic cycles, creating protection only when needed during particle ingress events, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous pneumatic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If sensors are placed outside the windscreen for better sensing, then sensing capability is improved, but sensors become vulnerable to contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidcontamination and damage to sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating blades act as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the sensor. The blades are positioned in the path of incoming particles but do not obstruct the sensor's view, physically blocking contaminants while allowing optical signals to pass through to the sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection system is segmented into multiple blades rather than a single solid barrier. This segmentation allows the blades to rotate and sweep through the sensor's field of view periodically, providing protection while maintaining optical access for the sensor to detect external objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 sensor guard provides reliable protection against various debris, including heavy particles, with reduced noise and energy consumption, ensuring consistent sensor performance without being affected by particle mass, and is adaptable to different sensor locations and types.

Implementation Method 1

a blade operable to sweep, under the control of an actuator, through a line-of-sight of the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical deflection through sweeping motion: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

effectively deflecting debris by physically hitting and throwing it radially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11643023B2Techniques for providing a sensor guard

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 VOLVO CAR CORP

AI summary

A sensor guard, for protecting a sensor of a vehicle. The sensor guard comprises a blade movable to sweep through a line-of-sight of the sensor when the sensor is arranged to be protected by the sensor guard, an extension of the blade in a direction parallel to the line-of-sight when the blade sweeps through the line-of sight being greater than an extension of the blade in a direction of movement of the blade when the blade sweeps through the line-of sight; and an actuator arranged and configured to move the blade to repeatedly sweep through the line-of-sight of the sensor when the sensor is arranged to be protected by the sensor guard.