Exterior Sensor Module Cleaning Control for Relevant Visor Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior vehicle sensors, such as LiDAR sensors, face challenges in maintaining a clear field of view due to dirt and dust accumulation on their visors, which can interfere with driving assistance systems and are difficult to distinguish from nearby objects, leading to inaccurate operation.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a cleaning assembly on the exterior sensor module that includes assessing contamination based on position, size, and vehicle speed, zoning the visor, and generating release signals to adapt cleaning actions to situational circumstances, preventing unnecessary or excessive cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning actions are performed frequently to maintain clear field of view, then sensor reliability is improved, but sensor operation is interfered with due to cleaning actions blocking the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of cleaning activation by using multiple assessment criteria (contamination level thresholds, field of view blockage thresholds, vehicle speed conditions, weather conditions) instead of a single contamination detection. This allows the cleaning system to operate more selectively, improving reliability while minimizing unnecessary cleaning actions that would interfere with sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives signals from the sensor about contamination levels and field of view conditions, assesses whether cleaning is needed based on multiple criteria, performs cleaning only when necessary, and then monitors to determine when cleaning is complete. This feedback loop ensures cleaning is performed reliably when needed while minimizing interference by stopping cleaning promptly when the field of view is restored.
2Measurement precision
If cleaning actions are performed to remove contamination, then field of view clarity is improved, but nearby objects may be misidentified as contamination requiring false cleaning cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from single-threshold contamination detection to multi-parameter assessment including contamination level thresholds, field of view blockage thresholds, vehicle speed conditions, and weather conditions. This allows the system to distinguish between actual contamination requiring cleaning and nearby objects that should not trigger cleaning, reducing false cleaning cycles and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning activation criteria are dynamic rather than static - the system adjusts its assessment based on current vehicle speed, weather conditions, and sensor readings. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and avoid false cleaning cycles triggered by stationary objects or conditions that would not actually block the sensor.
3Productivity
If multiple cleaning actions are performed to ensure complete cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but excessive repetitive cleaning actions are performed causing unnecessary interference
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the sensor's field of view and contamination signals during and after cleaning actions. When the sensor indicates that the field of view is clear and no contamination remains, the control unit stops the cleaning cycle and generates a release signal. This feedback mechanism ensures complete cleaning effectiveness while preventing excessive repetitive cleaning actions that would cause unnecessary interference with sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs cleaning actions that are sufficient to achieve complete cleaning (potentially exceeding minimum requirements) but stops promptly when effectiveness is achieved. This approach ensures thorough cleaning of the visor while the feedback mechanism prevents excessive repetitive actions by monitoring when the cleaning objective has been met and generating a release signal accordingly.
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 method ensures effective and adaptive cleaning of the sensor visor, minimizing interference with sensor operation by distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant contamination and optimizing cleaning actions based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
sensors for distance measurement of objects and image object recognition
Implementation Method 2
spraying a fluid or wiping
Implementation Method 3
wiping the visor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a cleaning assembly of an exterior sensor module (3) for a roof (1) of a vehicle. The method including receiving (301) a contamination signal; assessing (302) whether a trigger threshold (403, 404, 405) is triggered for initiating a cleaning cycle, and on triggering of the trigger threshold, initiating (303) a cleaning cycle comprising at least one cleaning action by providing an activation signal to a cleaning assembly (11). Herein assessing (302) the trigger threshold includes at least one of assessing a position (305) of the contamination on the visor for satisfying a relevance condition, assessing size (306) of the contamination for satisfying a surface condition; and/or assessing a vehicle speed (307) for satisfying a speed condition. The invention further relates to an exterior sensor module and roof equipped with such a sensor.