Sensor Window Ramps for Rain Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining the effectiveness of sensors, particularly LIDAR devices, due to water droplets from rain that distort light detection, leading to reduced accuracy and performance.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical sensor window with strategically positioned ramps on its exterior surface, designed to shed water efficiently by creating a path for rain droplets to slide off, preventing them from sticking and distorting light detection, while maintaining transparency and an unobstructed field of view for the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat sensor window is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but water droplets accumulate and distort light detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor window incorporates curved ramps with specific radii of curvature (e.g., 2-5mm) instead of flat surfaces. These curved surfaces guide water droplets along their path and off the sensor window, preventing accumulation and distortion while maintaining optical transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor window surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a flat central detection area for optimal sensor contact and a peripheral ramped drainage area for water shedding. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ramps are added to the sensor window, then water shedding is improved, but air turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramps are designed with specific geometric properties (gradual slope angles of 5-15 degrees, optimized curvature radii) that create smooth airflow transitions. This local optimization of surface geometry reduces turbulence while maintaining effective water drainage functionality.
3Productivity
If the sensor window area is increased, then more sensors can be accommodated, but water accumulation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage solution extends from a two-dimensional flat surface into the third dimension by adding vertically-oriented ramps. This dimensional transition creates a drainage pathway that efficiently channels water away from the sensor window without requiring a larger horizontal area.
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 solution effectively prevents water droplets from distorting light detected by sensors, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of sensor data in rainy conditions without increasing air turbulence or obstructing the sensor's field of view.
Implementation Method 1
water droplets from rain that distort light detection
Implementation Method 2
prevents them from sticking and distorting light detection
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis oriented vertically and a ramp. The sensor window includes an exterior surface facing radially outward relative to the axis. The ramp is on the exterior surface of the sensor window. The ramp includes a leading surface and a trailing surface. The leading surface and the trailing surface are elongated parallel to the axis.