Sensor Housing Wiper Mechanism for Debris and Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor housings on autonomous vehicles are susceptible to debris and moisture accumulation, which degrade the performance of sensor systems by causing unwanted attenuation, reflection, refraction, absorption, and beam deflection, leading to reduced detection and sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A wiper device is mounted to the sensor housing to wipe away moisture and debris, ensuring continuous operation by applying sufficient pressure to maintain contact with the rotating sensor housing, and optionally using a fluid dispensing system for enhanced cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor housing is exposed to environmental elements, then the sensor system can detect the environment, but debris and moisture accumulate on the sensor housing causing unwanted attenuation, reflection, refraction, and absorption of sensor signals
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade automatically wipes the sensor housing surface using the rotational motion of the sensor housing itself, without requiring an external motor or power source. The wiper blade is biased against the housing surface by a spring mechanism, and the rotation of the housing drives the wiping action, allowing the system to clean itself during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade acts as an intermediary element between the sensor housing and the environmental contaminants. It physically contacts the housing surface to remove debris and moisture, serving as a mediator that protects the sensor signals from harmful interactions with contaminants while allowing the sensor housing to remain exposed to the environment.
2Reliability
If the sensor housing surface is kept clean, then sensor signal transmission is maintained, but the wiper blade may apply excessive pressure causing damage to the housing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism allows the wiper blade pressure to dynamically adjust based on the housing surface conditions. When the housing surface is smooth, the spring maintains optimal contact pressure for effective wiping. When the surface becomes rough or damaged, the spring compresses to reduce pressure, preventing further damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides cushioning before excessive pressure can be applied to the housing surface. The spring absorbs and distributes the contact force, preventing sudden or excessive pressure spikes that could damage the housing surface while still maintaining sufficient pressure for effective wiping of debris and moisture.
3Productivity
If the wiper blade continuously contacts the rotating sensor housing, then effective cleaning is achieved, but the wiper device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing's own rotational motion is utilized to drive the wiper blade, eliminating the need for separate motors, actuators, or control systems. The wiper blade is passively driven by the housing rotation itself, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining continuous cleaning effectiveness throughout the housing's operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing serves dual functions: it protects the sensor components and simultaneously drives the wiper blade for self-cleaning. The rotational motion required for sensor scanning is also used to power the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate drive system and reducing overall device complexity.
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 wiper device effectively clears debris and moisture from sensor housings, maintaining sensor performance and accuracy, enabling reliable operation in various environments, including construction sites and off-road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The wiper blade may be configured to wipe the surface of the sensor housing... applying sufficient pressure or force to the wiper blade so that the wiper blade engages and maintains proper contact with the sensor housing to wipe the surface of the sensor housing
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to wiper devices for cleaning sensor housings. An example embodiment includes a wiper device for cleaning a surface of a rotatable sensor housing. The wiper device may have a driving arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the driving arm is connected to a rotatable shaft. The wiper device may also have a wiper arm pivotally connected to the second end of the driving arm. The pivotal connection is located between a front region and a rear region of the wiper arm. Further, the wiper device may have a wiper blade coupled to the front region of the wiper arm. The wiper blade may be configured to wipe the surface of the rotatable sensor housing. Additionally, the wiper device may have a counterweight coupled to the rear region of the wiper arm.