Modular Sensor Pod Cleaning for Wide Vehicle Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor placement in vehicles, whether integrated into the vehicle body or mounted externally, faces challenges such as limited field of view, complex installation processes, and increased risk of damage, particularly in compact and autonomous vehicles, leading to insufficient data coverage and potential delays in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The use of self-contained sensor pods removably coupled to the vehicle, featuring a cast frame with multiple sensors of different types, providing overlapping fields of view for comprehensive coverage, and incorporating a cleaning system and energy management structures for protection and maintenance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If sensors are integrated into the vehicle body, then the vehicle structure is streamlined, but the field of view is limited and sensor replacement is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate sensor pods that can be independently positioned on the vehicle exterior. Each pod contains one or more sensors and can be detached for replacement or repositioning, allowing the vehicle to maintain a streamlined body while achieving enhanced field of view through strategic external placement of modular sensor units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, then the field of view is improved, but the risk of impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pods are designed with impact-absorbing structures and protective housings that cushion against potential impacts before they reach the sensitive sensor components. This pre-positioned protection allows the sensors to be mounted on the vehicle exterior for improved field of view while mitigating the risk of damage from external objects.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional sensors are used in compact vehicles, then the vehicle size is reduced, but sensor coverage and data collection become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pods are positioned at elevated locations on the vehicle exterior, utilizing vertical space above the compact vehicle body. This dimensional placement allows small-footprint sensor units to achieve extended field of view and comprehensive coverage by operating from an elevated vantage point, effectively using the vertical dimension to overcome the limitations of compact vehicle size.
4Shape
If sensors are embedded in the vehicle body, then the vehicle appearance is maintained, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into removable pods that can be quickly detached from the vehicle exterior without requiring disassembly of vehicle body panels. This modular design allows sensors to be positioned on the exterior for maintained appearance while enabling rapid replacement and maintenance of individual sensor pods independently of the vehicle structure.
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
This solution enhances sensor coverage, reduces maintenance time, and ensures continuous operation by providing a redundant and protected sensor system with efficient data collection and reduced risk of damage, while maintaining effective data redundancy and pedestrian safety.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a cleaning system and energy management structures for protection and maintenance efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor pod system includes one or more sensor pods with a plurality of sensors configured to collect data from an environment. The sensor pod system may include a cleaning system to clean sensing surfaces of sensor pods during operation. The sensor pod system may include sensors of different types and modalities. Sensor pods of the sensor pod system may be modularly installed on a vehicle, for example, an autonomous vehicle and collect and provide data of the environment during operation of the vehicle.