Sensor Housing Cooling Shield for Sun Overheating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor housings in autonomous vehicles are susceptible to overheating due to direct sun exposure, which can damage sensors and disrupt their functionality, and existing solutions do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a protective shield to prevent direct sun exposure and a fluid supply system, such as air or water, delivered through nozzles to cool the sensor housing, with a controller that selectively activates the cooling based on temperature and vehicle velocity data to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective shield is added to block direct sun exposure, then the sensor housing is protected from overheating, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is integrated into the sensor housing structure itself, with the shield forming an outer layer that encloses the sensor components. This nesting approach provides overheating protection while maintaining a compact, unified structure rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is divided into functional zones: an outer protective shield layer that blocks solar radiation, an intermediate cooling fluid channel layer, and an inner sensor housing layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while collectively solving the overheating problem.
2Temperature
If a cooling fluid supply system is added, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid supply is controlled in a periodic manner based on temperature thresholds and vehicle velocity conditions. The controller activates the cooling system only when the sensor housing temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold and the vehicle is moving below a certain speed, otherwise the system remains inactive. This periodic activation reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the temperature of the sensor housing and adjusts the cooling fluid supply accordingly. When temperature rises above the threshold, the controller activates the cooling system; when temperature drops below the threshold, the controller deactivates it. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal temperature control with minimal energy waste.
3Reliability
If cooling fluid is supplied continuously, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid supply operates periodically rather than continuously, activated only when temperature sensors detect that the sensor housing exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold. This periodic operation maintains reliable temperature control by intervening only when necessary, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from a static continuous-operation design to a dynamic conditional-operation design. The controller dynamically adjusts the cooling fluid supply based on real-time temperature measurements and vehicle velocity conditions, enabling the system to adapt its energy consumption to actual thermal needs.
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 reduces the risk of overheating by providing a cooling mechanism that is energy-efficient and adaptable to varying environmental conditions, ensuring continuous sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a second component configured to supply a fluid to a space between the first component and the exterior surface of the sensor housing
Implementation Method 2
supply a cooling fluid to cool an exterior surface of a sensor housing
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are apparatuses and methods for selectively controlling the application of a fluid to a sensor enclosure such as a camera housing to protect the housing from overheating. An apparatus that includes a protective shield and a conduit such as tubing for supplying a fluid is described. The protective shield is provided so as to protect an exterior surface of the camera housing from heat caused by sun exposure. The tubing includes an inlet for supplying a fluid such as water or air, can extend through or around an exterior of the camera housing, and includes an outlet with one or more nozzles for ejecting the fluid into a space between the protective shield and the camera housing. Sensor data is received from various vehicle sensors to assess the temperature of the housing, the velocity of the vehicle, and so forth to determine when the fluid should be supplied.