Sensor Cover Wiper Timing and Geometry to Minimize Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors, such as those used in autonomous vehicles, face operational impediments due to debris and contaminants accumulating on their covers, which can block signals and require manual cleaning, especially in environments like construction sites or off-road locations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple wipers offset at predetermined angular distances relative to the sensor cover, rotated at specific rates to clear debris without interfering with the field of view of imaging sensors, ensuring continuous operation by maintaining unobstructed signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single wiper is used to clear the sensor cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of clearing the sensor cover is insufficient and cannot maintain continuous operation in debris-prone environments
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system is segmented into multiple wipers (first wiper, second wiper, and optionally third wiper) positioned at different angular locations on the sensor cover. Each wiper independently clears a specific sector, allowing simultaneous cleaning of multiple areas and maintaining continuous operation without requiring a single complex rotating mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The wipers are configured to rotate independently or in coordinated patterns with variable angular positions. The system dynamically adjusts wiper positions and rotation rates to optimize clearing efficiency while avoiding sensor occlusion, enabling adaptive response to different debris conditions and sensor configurations
2Productivity
If wipers rotate at high speed to clear debris quickly, then the productivity improves, but imaging sensors may be occluded by the wipers during their field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The wipers execute periodic rotation cycles with controlled durations and angular velocities. During each cycle, wipers rotate to clear debris then pause or reverse direction to avoid occluding imaging sensors during their active detection phases, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances clearing speed with sensor operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system performs preliminary clearing actions in sectors that will not interfere with upcoming sensor imaging operations. By anticipating sensor detection cycles and pre-clearing appropriate areas, the system maintains both high productivity and reliable sensor function without requiring high-speed rotation that would cause occlusion
3Productivity
If multiple wipers are positioned close together to cover the entire sensor cover, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity and risk of sensor occlusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wipers are merged into a coordinated system where their individual clearing paths overlap or complement each other. The wipers work in unison with synchronized rotation patterns, allowing fewer wipers to achieve complete coverage compared to independent operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Each wiper is positioned and configured to clear specific local sectors of the sensor cover based on the location of imaging sensors. The angular offsets and rotation rates of individual wipers are optimized for their respective zones, allowing targeted clearing that minimizes interference with sensors while collectively covering the entire sensor cover surface
Data Source
AI summary
This technology relates to a system for clearing a sensor cover. The system may be comprised of a first sensor that rotates within a sensor cover, a plurality of second sensors that are fixed relative to the sensor cover, a first wiper that is configured to clear the sensor cover of debris, and a motor. The motor may rotate the first wiper in a first direction at a first predetermined rotation rate defined at least in part by a second predetermined rotation rate of the first sensor.