Vehicle Sensor Module Centrifugal Cleaning Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance systems in vehicles face inefficiencies due to dirty sensors, which collect incorrect information leading to adverse decision-making, as they lack effective cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with a high-speed rotating casing and a telescopic spraying device that uses centrifugal force to clean and dry the sensors, ensuring they remain operational by unsticking dirt and drying washing fluid effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are implemented all around the vehicle to collect sufficient environmental information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for dedicated cleaning means for each sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single multi-functional cleaning mechanism that can clean multiple sensors (camera, LIDAR, radar) throughout the vehicle. The cleaning device includes a rotating arm with spray nozzles and wiping elements that can service various sensor types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cleaning means for each sensor while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are kept perfectly clean to avoid incorrect information collection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to continuous maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated cleaning system that operates independently without manual intervention. The cleaning device automatically detects dirty sensors, sprays cleaning solution, and wipes them using motorized mechanisms, allowing the system to maintain itself without requiring continuous manual maintenance while ensuring measurement precision.
3Reliability
If a cleaning mechanism is added to sensors, then reliability is improved by preventing dirty sensor damage, but device complexity increases due to additional cleaning components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the cleaning mechanism with the sensor housing and mounting structure. The cleaning device is combined with the sensor support bracket and vehicle body structures, sharing common components such as motors, power sources, and control systems, thereby improving reliability through protective cleaning while minimizing the increase in overall device 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 solution ensures that sensors are consistently clean and functional, improving the accuracy of environmental information collection and reducing the risk of adverse decision-making by the vehicle's computing programs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor adapted to rotate the casing at high speed. According to the invention, high-speed corresponds to a sufficiently rated speed to clean, at least partially, the casing of the first detection device in part to or benefitted from the centrifugal force generated by such rotation
Implementation Method 2
the centrifugal force generated by such rotation. For instance, such high-speed is a speed of 10,000 revolutions per minute
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor module for a vehicle, the sensor module comprising at least one housing which houses at least one first detection device that is adapted to collect information about the vehicle's environment; the housing comprising one base adapted to be fixed to the vehicle, at least one cover joined to the base and at least one optical face joined to both the cover and the base; characterized in that the first detection device comprises at least one sensor, a casing which receives the sensor and an electric motor adapted to rotate the casing at sufficiently high-speeds.