Venturi Valve Sensor Cleaner for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Object detection sensors like LIDAR on vehicles are impaired by environmental conditions such as dirt and dust, which block the sensor window and hinder object detection operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a Venturi valve connected to a nozzle and an air source, controlled by a computer, which actuates to direct a stream of air and fluid to clean the sensor window, determining cleaning needs based on data from other sensors and opacity levels, operating in modes such as 'air only' and 'mixing' to effectively remove debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor window is exposed to environmental conditions for continuous operation, then object detection capability is maintained, but dirt and dust accumulate on the window impairing sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by detecting opacity levels and triggering cleaning cycles before dirt and dust completely block the sensor window, maintaining detection capability proactively rather than reactively
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly performs self-cleaning through integrated nozzles that direct air streams and cleaning fluids onto the window surface, eliminating the need for external manual cleaning and maintaining autonomous operation
2Measurement precision
If cleaning operations are performed frequently to maintain sensor window clarity, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses opacity sensors to continuously monitor the sensor window condition and provides feedback to the control system, which activates cleaning operations only when threshold levels are exceeded, optimizing energy usage based on actual contamination levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different cleaning modes (air stream only, fluid injection, combined) based on the severity of contamination detected, using more aggressive cleaning methods only when necessary to minimize energy consumption
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 cleans the sensor window, ensuring continuous object detection by removing dirt and dust, thereby maintaining the vehicle's autonomous operation and preventing sensor blockages.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor cleaner includes a nozzle directed toward a sensor window, a Venturi valve including a discharger that is connected to the nozzle. The Venturi valve is connected to a fluid input valve and an air source.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a nozzle directed toward a sensor window and a Venturi valve including a discharger that is connected to the nozzle. The Venturi valve is connected to a fluid input valve and an air source.