Vehicle Sensor Housing With Airflow and Fluid Lens Cleaning
Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors on autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles are susceptible to dust, dirt, and other obscurants that can degrade their performance by accumulating on the sensor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly that includes a housing with a first nozzle for dispensing fluid, a second nozzle for airflow, and a ram air structure to clean the sensor surface using airflow deflected from the windshield, supplemented by a fan to provide cooling and cleaning airflow based on vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor cover or lens is used to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from environmental damage, but dust and dirt accumulate on the surface degrading sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic systems including a blower that directs compressed air onto the sensor lens surface to remove dust and debris. A nozzle delivers high-velocity air flow to blow contaminants off the lens, while a separate air source provides continuous airflow to prevent accumulation. This pneumatic cleaning approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining lens clarity without compromising the protective cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service elements where the vehicle's existing compressed air system is utilized for sensor cleaning, and the airflow path is designed to leverage vehicle motion and aerodynamic forces. The housing structure itself directs airflow from the vehicle's front toward the sensor, creating a self-cleaning effect during vehicle operation without requiring additional power sources.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple nozzles and cleaning mechanisms are added to the sensor assembly, then sensor surface cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the protective enclosure for the sensor and as the structural element that directs airflow onto the lens. The same housing that protects the sensor also incorporates the air directing features and cleaning mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate protective and cleaning structures. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective sensor surface cleaning.
3Temperature
If a fan is used to provide cooling airflow to the sensor, then operating temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the vehicle's existing compressed air system and natural aerodynamic forces during vehicle operation to provide cooling airflow to the sensor. During vehicle motion, the vehicle's forward movement creates airflow that is directed through the housing onto the sensor, providing passive cooling without requiring an active fan. The fan is only activated when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling.
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 maintains sensor performance by continuously removing dust and debris, ensuring clear vision for the sensors and maintaining operating temperature limits.
Implementation Method 1
a first nozzle, positioned on the housing and below the sensor, to dispense a fluid in an upward direction to a surface of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second nozzle, positioned below the sensor, to dispense airflow to the surface of the sensor
Implementation Method 3
a ram air structure positioned to receive airflow during forward travel of the vehicle and to dispense the received airflow to the surface of the sensor
Implementation Method 4
a fan positioned to supply cooling air to the sensor that exits through an outlet air vent of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a housing shaped to be mounted to a vehicle. The sensor assembly includes a first nozzle positioned on the housing and below the sensor and is positioned to dispense a fluid in an upward direction to a surface of the sensor. The sensor assembly includes a second nozzle positioned below the sensor, in which the second nozzle is positioned to dispense airflow to the surface of the sensor. The sensor assembly further includes a ram air structure positioned to receive airflow during forward travel of the vehicle and to dispense airflow to the surface of the sensor.