Ultrasonic Sensor Cover for Vehicle De-Icing and Dirt Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems in autonomous vehicles face reliability issues due to weather-induced soiling and icing, which can lead to incorrect sensor readings and compromised safety features.
Innovation Solution
A sensor cover system equipped with a piezoactive actuator and electrode sections that generate ultrasound to remove soiling and icing, ensuring the sensor remains unimpaired and functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wind flow or pressure is used to remove dirt or water from the protective cover, then cleaning effect is achieved, but the method is highly dependent on incident flow and specific weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration through a piezoelectric actuator to the sensor cover surface. The piezoelectric actuator converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations at ultrasonic frequencies, creating surface oscillations that prevent dirt and ice adhesion. This vibration-based cleaning mechanism operates independently of weather conditions and incident flow, providing reliable cleaning performance across all environmental scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wind-flow-based mechanical cleaning system with an ultrasonic vibration system. Instead of relying on external aerodynamic forces that vary with weather, the system uses internally generated ultrasonic vibrations through the piezoelectric actuator to achieve consistent cleaning效果 regardless of external conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surface manipulation is used to make it more difficult for water, ice, or dirt particles to adhere, then adherence is reduced, but it cannot completely prevent or eliminate icing
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic vibrations generated by the piezoelectric actuator create high-frequency surface oscillations that actively disrupt the formation and adhesion of ice and dirt particles. The mechanical energy from the vibrations prevents ice crystals from stabilizing on the surface and continuously removes adhering particles, achieving complete prevention rather than just reduction of icing.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator is activated before icing conditions can fully develop, applying ultrasonic vibrations to the sensor cover surface in advance. This preliminary action creates a vibration field that prevents ice nucleation and particle adhesion before they can occur, rather than merely responding to existing contamination.
3Reliability
If heaters are installed in the protective cover to introduce heat, then de-icing is achieved, but the solution is cost-intensive and may interact with electromagnetic radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal heating system with a mechanical vibration system. Instead of using resistive heaters that convert electrical energy to heat, the system uses a piezoelectric actuator that converts electrical energy directly into mechanical ultrasonic vibrations. This substitution eliminates the cost and electromagnetic interference issues associated with heating elements while achieving the same de-icing function through vibration-based particle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heating function from the system entirely and replaces it with a vibration-based cleaning mechanism. By removing the thermal management components (heaters, temperature sensors, thermal insulation), the system achieves de-icing capability through ultrasonic vibrations alone, reducing both cost and electromagnetic interference.
4Reliability
If an external ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the radome to introduce ultrasonic frequency, then cleaning and de-icing are achieved, but design measures are required to accommodate the transducer and protect the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ultrasonic transducer functionality directly into the sensor cover structure. The piezoelectric actuator is integrated into the base body of the sensor cover, combining the cleaning function with the protective cover structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate transducer mounting and sensor protection mechanisms, reducing design complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover base body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the sensor, acts as the mounting structure for the piezoelectric actuator, and serves as the vibration transmission medium for cleaning and de-icing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity.
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 effectively prevents the adherence of dirt and ice on the sensor cover, ensuring continuous and accurate sensor operation even in adverse weather conditions, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of autonomous vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoactive actuator for generating sound waves in the sensor cover
Implementation Method 2
at least one piezoactive actuator for generating sound waves in the sensor cover
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cover for a sensor system configured to remove weather-induced soiling for the unimpaired use of a sensor within the sensor system is disclosed. The sensor cover includes at least one sensor section and at least one base body extending over the sensor. At least one electrode section is provided on the base body. The sensor cover includes at least one piezoactive actuator for generating sound waves in the sensor cover, with the piezoactive actuator arranged at the electrode section of the base body. Additionally disclosed is a sensor system incorporating the sensor cover and a motor vehicle equipped with the sensor system.