Sensor Protection Assembly with Integrated Cleaning Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining accurate and uninterrupted sensor performance due to exposure to environmental factors like rain, snow, dust, and debris, which can lead to tampering and calibration issues, affecting their ability to make safe driving decisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor protection assembly that includes a rectangular prism connected with a truncated tube, embedded within a trapezoid prism with a slanted surface, equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for anti-tampering and an environment-proof sensor housing assembly featuring cleaning mechanisms such as hydrophobic spray, wiper blades, and air blowers to maintain sensor clarity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to the environment for continuous operation, then sensing capability is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to environmental factors like rain, snow, dust, and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing cleaning mechanisms (wiper blades, hydrophobic spray, air blowers) that proactively remove environmental contaminants before they can degrade sensor performance. The system performs cleaning operations in advance to maintain optimal sensor conditions during autonomous vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective assembly that includes a housing structure with cleaning mechanisms positioned between the sensor and the environment. This intermediary system filters and removes harmful environmental factors (rain, snow, dust, debris) before they can directly contact and degrade the sensor surface.
2Reliability
If a protective assembly is added around the sensor, then sensor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protective and cleaning functions into a single integrated assembly structure. The housing assembly combines the protective enclosure with embedded cleaning mechanisms (wiper blades, spray nozzles, air blowers) into one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate protective and cleaning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a physical protective barrier and as a platform for cleaning operations. The same housing structure that protects the sensor also houses and positions the cleaning mechanisms, allowing one component to fulfill multiple functions and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If cleaning mechanisms are integrated into the protective assembly, then sensor clarity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning system into distinct, modular components (wiper blade assembly, hydrophobic spray nozzles, air blower units) that can be manufactured separately and then integrated into the protective housing. This segmentation allows each cleaning component to be fabricated using optimized processes and then assembled into the final protective assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing cleaning mechanisms inside the protective housing assembly. The wiper blades, spray nozzles, and air blowers are nested within the housing structure, allowing the housing to serve as both protection and mounting structure. This nesting reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process.
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 ensures continuous, accurate sensor data by preventing tampering and environmental degradation, enhancing the reliability and safety of autonomous driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
hydrophobic spray
Implementation Method 2
wiper blade configured to contact the slanted surface
Implementation Method 3
air blower configured to blow air toward the slanted surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present teaching relates to method and system for an assembly for protecting a sensor. The assembly includes a first structure having a rectangular prism and connected with a truncated tube, wherein the rectangular prism and the truncated tube have parallel longitudinal axes and the tube is truncated to yield a cross section having a norm that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the truncated tube and a second structure of a trapezoid prism having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axes and with the first structure embedded therein. The second structure has a slanted surface in the front that meets the cross section of the truncated tube and has the norm of the cross section.