Vehicle Wiper Sensor Safety Mode for Autonomous Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wiper systems do not ensure uninterrupted and error-free operation of sensors during autonomous driving, particularly when exposed to precipitation, spray water, or other environmental factors, which can impair sensor functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method includes an autonomous sensor safety mode for the wiper, which automatically activates when the vehicle enters autonomous driving mode, featuring water shielding, deflection elements, sensor test functions, and cleaning functions to protect the sensor field from environmental interference and ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper operates continuously to clean the sensor field, then sensor reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when contamination is detected or at scheduled intervals during autonomous driving mode, thereby maintaining sensor reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor contamination detection feedback to trigger wiper activation only when necessary, creating a closed-loop control system that balances reliability maintenance with energy efficiency
2Reliability
If the sensor safety mode is manually activated, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when autonomous driving mode is activated and self-activates the sensor safety mode without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining high reliability while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor safety mode is automatically activated in advance when autonomous driving mode is engaged, ensuring sensor protection is already in place before potential contamination occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wiper (12) of a vehicle (10) having at least one autonomous driving mode is proposed, wherein the autonomous driving mode is based at least on sensor data of at least one sensor (14) of the vehicle (10), wherein the wiper (12) comprises an automated, in particular autonomous, sensor safety mode, in which an uninterrupted and/or fault-free operation of the sensor (14) is ensured with the aid of the wiper (12), and wherein the sensor safety mode is, in particular automatically, activated when the autonomous driving mode of the vehicle (10) is activated.