Telescopic Sensor Cover Structure for Removing Viscous Contaminants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor protection methods for autonomous vehicles, such as air or water spraying and rotating protective covers, are inefficient in removing foreign substances, especially from cylindrical sensors like lidar, and can be costly and complex, with difficulties in handling high viscosity substances.
Innovation Solution
A dual-cover apparatus with an internal and external transparent cover system that can stretch and contract, using a telescopic structure and a driving unit with a motor and gear system to maintain sensor cleanliness, and a cleaning solution accommodation for automated cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air or water spraying is used to clean the sensor, then foreign substances can be removed, but the configuration becomes complicated, occupies large layout space, and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from complex spray systems and integrates it into a simple rotating cover structure. The cover itself becomes the cleaning element by physically contacting and wiping the sensor surface during rotation, eliminating the need for separate pumps, nozzles, and fluid supply systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating cover performs dual functions: protecting the sensor and cleaning it. The same mechanical component that shields the sensor from foreign substances also removes contaminants through its rotation, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external cleaning resources.
2Reliability
If air or water spraying is used to clean the sensor, then foreign substances can be removed, but the layout space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the sensor from foreign substances, serves as a cleaning element through its rotation, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning components that would occupy additional space.
3Reliability
If a rotating protective cover is used to remove foreign substances, then the sensor can be cleaned, but it is difficult to properly remove foreign substances with high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The cover rotation speed and direction can be dynamically adjusted to match the viscosity characteristics of different foreign substances. For high viscosity materials, the system can operate at lower speeds with increased contact pressure, while lighter contaminants are removed at higher speeds, providing adaptive cleaning capability.
4Reliability
If the external cover is stretched and contracted to accommodate cleaning operations, then sensor cleanliness is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external cover is designed as a flexible, telescopic structure that can expand and contract along its longitudinal axis. This flexibility allows the cover to accommodate the sensor during cleaning operations while maintaining protection, using material properties rather than complex mechanical joints or fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting a sensor includes an internal cover covering a sensor; an external cover surrounding the internal cover and configured to be stretched and contracted along an external side of the internal cover; and a driving unit connected to the external cover and allowing the external cover to be stretched and contracted.