Vehicle Sensor Housing Drain Channel for Liquid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposure to excess liquid can interfere with the operation of vehicle sensors, such as LIDAR devices, which are critical for autonomous vehicle operations, as existing designs do not effectively manage liquid ingress and drainage.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic lower housing with sloping drain channels and a unique design that includes a top platform, hip, and skirt to direct liquid away from sensors, ensuring effective drainage and protection of the sensor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are exposed to the external environment for autonomous vehicle operations, then sensors can detect external objects and conditions, but sensors are exposed to excess liquid that interferes with operation
Solution Approach 1:
A drain channel structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the sensor chamber and the external environment. The drain channel provides a controlled pathway for liquid to exit the chamber, mediating the interaction between the sensor environment and external liquid exposure while maintaining sensor operational integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful liquid is extracted from the sensor chamber through the drain channel. The channel is specifically designed to remove liquid that enters the chamber, separating the liquid removal function from the sensor detection function and preventing liquid interference with sensor operation
2Reliability
If a drain channel is added to remove liquid from the sensor assembly, then liquid drainage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drain channel is merged with the lower housing structure, integrating the liquid drainage function into the existing housing rather than adding a separate drainage system. The channel is formed as part of the housing geometry, combining structural support and liquid removal functions in a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The drain channel is strategically positioned and oriented with a downward slope toward the perimeter of the lower housing. This local geometric modification creates effective liquid drainage without requiring complex mechanical components, using only localized changes in channel orientation and slope to achieve reliable liquid removal
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 solution effectively removes liquid from the sensor assembly, preventing interference and ensuring continuous operation of sensors, even in wet conditions, thereby enhancing the reliability of autonomous vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor assembly includes a drain channel that slopes downward and outward in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes an upper housing. The sensor assembly includes a monolithic lower housing fixed to the upper housing and defining a chamber therebetween. The monolithic lower housing defines a drain channel that slopes downward and outward in the chamber. The sensor assembly may be mounted to a roof of a vehicle. Specifically, the monolithic lower housing may be fixed to the roof.