Sensor Protection Device Using Pneumatic Air Curtain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor protection devices for optical sensor units, such as LIDAR sensors, on vehicles fail to effectively shield these units from environmental contaminants like rain, snow, and debris, which can interfere with their operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor protection device with a housing unit and a sensor blower device that generates a directed fluid flow, forming a fluid curtain to prevent contaminants from entering the sensor receiving area through a passage opening, using multiple nozzle units and compressors to create a continuous air flow parallel to the sensor communication plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a housing unit with passage opening is used to protect the sensor unit, then the sensor unit is shielded from environmental influences, but contaminants can still enter through the passage opening and interfere with sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a blower device to generate a controlled air flow that creates a protective air curtain at the passage opening. This air flow acts as a pneumatic barrier that actively prevents contaminants from entering the housing unit while allowing optical signals to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between providing physical protection and maintaining sensor reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by establishing a positive pressure zone inside the housing unit through the blower device. This pressurized air environment acts as a protective atmosphere that prevents external contaminants from penetrating into the sensor area, while the air is clean and inert relative to the sensor operation, thus protecting the sensor without interfering with its function.
2Illumination intensity
If the passage opening is made larger to improve sensor communication with the environment, then optical signal transmission is enhanced, but more contaminants can enter the housing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow generated by the blower device creates a pneumatic shield at the passage opening that allows larger openings for improved optical signal transmission while preventing contaminant ingress. The controlled air current acts as a selective filter that permits light passage but blocks physical contaminants, resolving the contradiction between signal transmission and contamination protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a fluid flow is generated to protect the sensor receiving area, then contaminants are prevented from entering, but the device complexity increases due to additional blower device and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relatively simple blower device and air flow control mechanism to achieve effective contaminant prevention, avoiding complex mechanical seals or moving parts. The pneumatic solution provides protection through controlled air pressure and flow patterns that can be managed with simple control systems, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired protection level.
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 prevents external interference by creating a protective air curtain that shields the sensor unit from environmental elements, ensuring reliable operation of the sensor even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor blower device provided for supplying a fluid flow; the sensor blower device is designed to generate a fluid flow directed away from the sensor receiving area in the region of the passage opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor protection device for a sensor unit (12a; 12b), in particular an optical sensor unit, with a sensor receiving area (20a; 20b) which is provided for receiving a sensor unit (12a; 12b), with a housing unit (24a; 24b) which at least substantially surrounds the sensor receiving area (20a; 20b), wherein the housing unit (24a; 24b) defines at least one passage opening (34a; 34b) for communication between the sensor unit (12a; 12b) and is arranged in a sensor communication plane (16a; 16b), and with at least one sensor blower device (38a; 38b) which is provided for supplying a fluid flow (40a; 40b). It is proposed that the sensor blower device (38a; 38b) is designed to generate a fluid flow directed away from the sensor receiving area (20a; 20b) in the area of the passage opening (34a; 34b).