Waterproof Lidar Cleaning via Segmented Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical devices with waterproof or airtight casings face challenges in effectively removing foreign matter from light transmission members without damaging the components, and existing air-blowing configurations are not optimized for such structures.

Innovation Solution

An optical device with a waterproof casing that includes a light transmission part, an air blow port, a flow path maintaining the waterproof structure, an air intake port, a blower part to generate airflow, and an observation unit, which uses airflow to remove foreign matter from the light transmission part while maintaining the casing's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wiper is provided to clean the light transmission member, then the light transmission member can be cleaned effectively, but the light transmission member may be damaged or require periodic replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidlight transmission member durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiper system with a pneumatic air blowing system. The blower generates airflow that passes through the light transmission member to remove foreign matter, eliminating direct mechanical contact that causes damage and replacement needs while maintaining effective cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing a blower that generates airflow through the light transmission member. The air flow carries foreign matter away from the light transmission member surface, providing a non-contact cleaning method that preserves the integrity of the optical component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If air is blown to the light transmission member to remove foreign matter, then cleaning is achieved, but the waterproof or airtight structure of the casing is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removalVSAvoidwaterproof structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the airflow path from the internal casing environment by introducing a through-flow path that allows air to pass through the light transmission member without entering the sealed casing interior. The blower is positioned externally, and air flows through dedicated channels that maintain the waterproof barrier while enabling cleaning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light transmission member itself serves as an intermediary element through which air flows. Instead of creating openings in the waterproof casing, the system uses the existing light transmission member as a conduit for airflow, allowing foreign matter removal while preserving the sealed structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the casing is made waterproof or airtight to protect internal components, then component protection is improved, but foreign matter removal from the light transmission member becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidforeign matter removal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light transmission member serves multiple functions: it allows light to pass through for observation while also serving as a conduit for airflow to remove foreign matter. The through-flow path integrated into the light transmission member enables both optical function and cleaning function without compromising the waterproof structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables effective removal of foreign matter from the light transmission part without damaging the optical device, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining the waterproof structure, while also utilizing exhaust air for cooling and cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a blower part to generate an air flow from the air intake port to the air blow port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow generation:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing exhaust air for cooling and cleaning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2983352B1Optical device, lidar device, and image pickup device

Publication Date: 2020.02.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

Provided are an optical device, a lidar device, and an imaging device which are applied easily in a case where a casing has a waterproof structure or an airtight structure. An optical device is provided with: a casing (1) having a waterproof structure; a light transmission part (3) provided in the casing (1); an air blow port (4) for blowing air onto the light transmission part (3); a flow path (2) for causing the air to flow to the air blow port (4), the flow path being provided to maintain the waterproof structure of the casing (1); an air intake port (1in) through which the air flows into the flow path; a blower part (5) generating the flow of the air from the air intake port (1 in) to the air blow port (4); and an observation unit (6) accommodated in the casing (1) to receive light from the outside via the light transmission part (3).