Sensor Assembly Movable Cover Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor assemblies face challenges in maintaining optimal performance due to contamination from dust, water, and snow, which can accumulate on sensor covers and affect the accuracy of sensors used in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a moveable cover is designed, featuring spring elements with varying stiffness attached to the cover and a mount, along with a drive motor that rotates the cover relative to the sensor, facilitating cleaning by tilting and wobbling the cover to remove debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sensor cover is made stationary and fixed, then the manufacturing precision and assembly simplicity are improved, but the sensor performance deteriorates due to contamination accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary sensor cover into a movable one. The cover is equipped with a drive mechanism that enables it to rotate and change its angular position relative to the sensor. This dynamic capability allows the cover to be positioned at different angles during operation, facilitating automatic cleaning functions and preventing contamination accumulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and sensor performance reliability.
2Reliability
If the sensor cover is made movable to enable cleaning, then the sensor reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a simplified drive mechanism that provides just enough movement capability for cleaning purposes. Rather than enabling full rotational freedom or complex multi-axis movement, the system uses a straightforward rotation mechanism that tilts the cover at specific angles sufficient for contaminant removal. This partial movement capability achieves the cleaning function without the complexity of more extensive mechanical systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spring elements with high stiffness are used to secure the cover, then the positional stability is improved, but the cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to reduced movement flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using spring elements with varying stiffness values at different locations around the cover's perimeter. Rather than using uniform high-stiffness springs throughout, the system incorporates springs with different mechanical properties at specific positions. This localized variation in spring characteristics allows certain areas to provide strong positional stability while other areas maintain sufficient flexibility for effective cleaning movement, resolving the contradiction between stability and cleaning effectiveness.
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 moveable cover effectively cleans the exterior surface of the sensor by tilting and wobbling, ensuring the sensor remains free from contaminants and maintains optimal performance, even under aerodynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Spring elements are attached to the sensor cover at a first end and a mount at a second end. At least one of the spring elements includes a first spring stiffness and another one of the spring elements includes a second spring stiffness.
Implementation Method 2
The drive motor is a piezo-electric drive motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a sensor and a sensor cover positioned adjacent to the sensor and within a field of view of the sensor. The sensor cover includes an interior surface facing the sensor and an exterior surface facing away from the sensor. Spring elements are attached to the sensor cover at a first end and a mount at a second end. At least one of the spring elements includes a first spring stiffness and another one of the spring elements includes a second spring stiffness. A drive motor is in mechanical connection with the mount and configured to rotate the sensor cover relative to the sensor.