Vented Sensor Pod Control for Heat and Weather Occlusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensor pods face issues with heat buildup and weather-related occlusions that affect their operation, such as ice, snow, and fog, which interfere with data collection and navigation.

Innovation Solution

A vented sensor pod system with controlled vents that open and close based on temperature thresholds and weather conditions to manage heat and prevent occlusions, using passive or active actuators to regulate airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor pod is sealed to protect sensors from weather, then protection from ice/snow/fog is improved, but heat buildup from sensor operation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from ice/snow/fogVSAvoidheat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic venting system that adjusts the vent opening degree based on real-time temperature sensing. The vent transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamically controlled state, opening when temperature exceeds a threshold and closing when temperature is within acceptable range, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing for protection and venting for heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of the vent (open/closed state) based on temperature parameters. When the sensor pod temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the vent opens to allow heat escape; when temperature is acceptable, the vent closes to maintain protection. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction adaptively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the vent is opened to release heat, then overheating is prevented, but ice/snow/fog occlusions may form

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat releaseVSAvoidice/snow/fog occlusions

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the sensor pod internal temperature and provide feedback to the vent control system. This closed-loop feedback enables the vent to respond dynamically to temperature changes, opening only when necessary to prevent overheating while closing to prevent occlusion formation, thus resolving the contradiction between heat release and occlusion prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor pod system serves itself by using its own operational heat to prevent occlusions. When occlusions are detected or temperature rises, the system automatically opens the vent to release heat, which then prevents ice/snow/fog formation on the sensors. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the heat that causes the problem also the solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If heating elements are added to clear occlusions, then clearing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion clearingVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by sensor operation into a beneficial force for clearing occlusions. Instead of adding separate heating elements that consume extra energy, the system uses the existing operational heat by controlling the vent to trap heat inside when occlusions are detected. This transforms the waste heat into a useful resource for preventing and clearing ice/snow/fog occlusions, resolving the contradiction without increasing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 maintains or releases heat within the sensor pod, preventing overheating or freezing, thereby ensuring consistent operation and clearing precipitation, enhancing navigation accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A vented sensor pod system with controlled vents that open and close based on temperature thresholds and weather conditions to manage heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 2

generating heat within the sensor pod, trapping the heat within the sensor pod, and clearing the occlusion from the sensor pod with the trapped heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12457704B2Vented sensor pod systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 KODIAK ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A method of regulating a temperature of a sensor pod on an autonomous vehicle includes determining a temperature of the sensor pod, determining an amount a vent should be opened based upon the operational status of the autonomous vehicle, an internal temperature of the sensor pod, and ambient temperature of the environment, opening a vent when the temperature is above a predetermined threshold temperature, and closing the vent when the temperature is below the predetermined threshold temperature.