Telescoping Sensor Nozzle for Cleaning Without View Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining the cleanliness of external sensors, such as cameras, which can accumulate dust, dirt, or other obscurants, leading to degraded performance and reduced accuracy in environmental detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a telescoping nozzle and a controller that extends and retracts the nozzle to dispense washer fluid on the sensor surface when obscurants are detected, using a fluid conduit routed through the vehicle to ensure effective cleaning without obstructing the sensor's field of view, and actuates the nozzle based on fluid pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed nozzle is used to clean the sensor, then the cleaning function is provided, but the nozzle obstructs the sensor's field of view when retracted and cannot effectively reach the sensor surface when extended
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed to be telescopic rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. When cleaning is needed, the nozzle extends to reach the sensor surface; when not in use, it retracts to eliminate obstruction of the sensor's field of view. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and field of view obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic nozzle structure allows the nozzle to be nested within or behind the mirror assembly when retracted, and extend outward when needed. This nesting arrangement enables the nozzle to occupy minimal space during non-use while providing full cleaning capability when extended, thus preventing field of view obstruction during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the nozzle is constantly extended to clean the sensor, then the sensor surface is continuously cleaned, but the nozzle obstructs the sensor's field of view during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous extension, the telescopic nozzle operates periodically - extending only when cleaning is detected or required, and retracting during normal operation. This periodic action ensures the sensor remains clean when needed while maintaining unobstructed field of view during regular sensing operations, resolving the contradiction between continuous cleanliness and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle transitions from a static, constantly extended state to a dynamic state where it extends and retracts based on cleaning requirements. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize between two states: cleaning effectiveness when extended, and field of view accessibility when retracted, eliminating the need for constant extension.
3Ease of operation
If a telescopic nozzle is used to avoid obstruction, then the field of view is maintained, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic nozzle is actuated using fluid pressure from the washer fluid system itself. The same fluid that cleans the sensor also provides the pressure to extend and retract the nozzle, eliminating the need for separate mechanical actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the telescopic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer fluid system serves multiple functions: it provides the cleaning fluid for the sensor and simultaneously acts as the actuation mechanism for the telescopic nozzle through fluid pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for nozzle actuation, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added telescopic feature.
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 ensures that sensors remain free of obscurants, maintaining precise digitized representations of the environment and enhancing the reliability of autonomous driving operations by intermittently cleaning the sensor surfaces during assisted or autonomous driving modes.
Implementation Method 1
The telescoping nozzle can be aimed at a surface of the sensor responsive to the movable panel being in the closed position and the telescoping nozzle being in the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a sensor mounted to a movable panel of a vehicle and a telescoping nozzle mounted to a fixed panel of the vehicle. The movable panel can be movable relative to the fixed panel between an open position and a closed position. The telescoping nozzle can be extendable between a retracted position behind the fixed panel and an extended position extending from the fixed panel. The telescoping nozzle can be aimed at a surface of the sensor responsive to the movable panel being in the closed position and the telescoping nozzle being in the extended position.