Rotatable Sensor Shell Venting for Pressure-Stable Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor assemblies face challenges in maintaining pressure within the sensor chamber while allowing for rotation and minimizing air flow loss, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of sensors like LIDAR in detecting external objects.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly design featuring a housing with a pressurized chamber, a rotatable shell enclosing a second chamber in fluid communication, and a ring with an exhaust vent to manage air flow and reduce pressure loss, utilizing blowers and ducts to direct air flow and maintain consistent pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shell is made rotatable to improve sensor coverage and scanning capability, then the sensor's ability to detect external objects is improved, but air flow loss through the gap between the shell and housing increases, causing pressure instability
Solution Approach 1:
A deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating shell and the housing. The deflector manages the air flow path, redirecting it to minimize leakage through the gap while allowing the shell to rotate freely for scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air flow management to seal the gap between the rotating shell and housing. The deflector creates a pneumatic barrier that reduces air leakage while maintaining rotational movement capability.
2Loss of energy
If the gap between the shell and housing is reduced to minimize air flow loss, then pressure stability is improved, but the rotational movement of the shell is constrained and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector serves as a mediator that allows the shell to rotate with adequate clearance while simultaneously managing air flow to minimize leakage. It creates an optimal gap distance that balances rotational ease with pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts air flow management based on the rotational position of the shell. The deflector adapts to the rotating shell's position, maintaining effective sealing throughout the rotation range without constraining movement.
3Reliability
If blowers and ducts are added to manage air flow and maintain pressure, then pressure consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the rotation of the shell itself to drive air flow through the deflector and out through exhaust vents. This self-service mechanism maintains pressure consistency without requiring external blowers or complex ducting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shell creates periodic air flow patterns that naturally maintain pressure within the chamber. The cyclic motion of the shell against the deflector generates consistent air movement, eliminating the need for continuous operation of blowers.
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 design enhances the operational efficiency of sensors by reducing pressure loss and maintaining consistent air flow, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
Air flow from the exhaust vent may decrease loss of pressure from the second chamber through the gap between the housing and the shell
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a housing defining a pressurized chamber. The assembly includes a sensor supported by the housing. The assembly includes a shell enclosing the sensor and rotatable relative to the housing, the shell enclosing a second chamber in fluid communication the pressurized chamber, the housing and the shell defining a gap therebetween. The assembly includes a ring supported by the housing, the ring defining an internal passage having an exhaust vent at the gap.