Ultrasonic Sensor Cleaning via Transducer Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors such as LIDAR, radar, and cameras face degradation in performance due to contaminant buildup on sensor surfaces, which can be caused by environmental factors like rain and dirt, leading to impaired object detection and identification.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic cleaning system that includes transducers, a liquid nozzle, and an air nozzle, controlled by processors to generate waves and apply cleaning fluids and gases, effectively removing contaminants by creating standing and traveling waves to achieve a clear sensor input surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing is used to protect sensor components from contaminants, then the sensor components are protected from environmental damage, but the housing itself becomes dirty and blocks signals over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration through transducers mounted on the sensor housing to generate mechanical vibrations that create standing waves and cavitation in liquid cleaning fluid. This mechanical vibration removes contaminants from the sensor input surface without requiring the housing to be mechanically wiped or brushed, thus maintaining protection while eliminating signal blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid cleaning fluid and uses ultrasonic cavitation (a fluid dynamic phenomenon) to remove contaminants. The liquid medium interacts with the vibrating housing surface to lift and remove contaminants, combining the protective housing structure with hydraulic cleaning action.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic transducers are used to generate waves for cleaning, then contaminants are removed from the sensor surface, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing serves multiple functions: it protects the internal sensor components, supports the ultrasonic transducers, and acts as a resonating surface for ultrasonic wave generation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is merged with the sensor housing assembly. The transducers are integrated into the housing structure, and the housing itself becomes part of the ultrasonic cleaning mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If liquid cleaning fluid is applied to the sensor surface, then contaminants are effectively removed, but additional components and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic vibration generated by the transducers creates self-cleaning action through cavitation and mechanical agitation of the liquid fluid. The system uses its own vibrational energy to remove contaminants without requiring external mechanical intervention or complex fluid delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the cleaning fluid through ultrasonic heating and cavitation. The liquid fluid undergoes parameter changes (temperature increase, phase transitions) that enhance its cleaning capability while using minimal fluid quantity.
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 system ensures optimal sensor performance by efficiently removing contaminants, reducing the need for additional devices, and providing a reliable, cost-effective, and maintenance-friendly solution for maintaining sensor clarity.
Implementation Method 1
sending a second signal to cause one or more transducers to generate waves in order to attempt to remove the contaminant from the sensor input surface
Implementation Method 2
generate waves in order to attempt to remove the contaminant
Implementation Method 3
sending a third signal to cause a liquid nozzle to provide a spray of liquid cleaning fluid on the sensor input surface
Implementation Method 4
sending a third signal to cause an air nozzle to provide a puff of gas on the sensor input surface
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to cleaning rotating sensors having a sensor housing with a sensor input surface. For instance, a first signal indicating that there is a contaminant on the sensor input surface may be received. In response to receiving the first signal, a second signal may be sent in order to cause one or more transducers to generate waves in order to attempt to remove the contaminant from the sensor input surface.