SENSOR SYSTEM

A sensor assembly can include a body defining an aperture and a lens disposed in the aperture. The lens can include an outer surface and an internal surface. The sensor assembly can further include a sensor disposed behind the lens adjacent to the internal surface, an air mover configured to move air across the outer surface, and a vibration mechanism mechanically coupled to the lens and configured to vibrate the lens.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to sensor systems. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a vibration and air fluid mover of a sensor clearing system.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in the electronics industry have enabled products with automated systems that typically include various sensors. Sensors involved in functions for systems such as automated environmental conditioning systems and the like can become dirty or otherwise temporarily impaired due to environmental conditions. Typically, vision-based sensors incorporate a lens through which they receive inputs regarding environments, conditions, and the like, external to the product. As such, many vision-based sensors include at least one component, such as a lens, that is exposed to an external environment of the product. These components tend to come into contact with debris and weather conditions that can obstruct the field of vision and/or line of sight of the vision-based sensors. Thus, sensor clearing systems designed to clean components of sensors actively during use are needed.

SUMMARY

In at least one example of the present disclosure, a vehicle sensor assembly includes a lens disposed in an aperture defined by a body of a vehicle, the lens including an outer surface and an internal surface. The vehicle sensor assembly further includes a sensor disposed behind the lens adjacent to the internal surface and a debris clearing assembly for removing debris from the outer surface. The debris clearing assembly can include an air mover and a vibration mechanism mechanically coupled to the lens.

In one example, an orientation of the sensor defines a line of sight through the lens in a direction substantially aligned with the optical axis of the lens. In one example, the vibration mechanism is configured to oscillate the lens in the direction. In one example, the outer surface defines a portion of an external surface of the vehicle body and the air mover is disposed in an internal volume defined by the vehicle body. In one example, the air mover includes a fan configured to move air from the internal volume to the outer surface. In one example, the vehicle sensor assembly further includes a sensor housing defining a channel configured to direct air moved by the fan. In one example, the air mover includes a vacuum pump configured to move air from beyond the external surface, over the outer surface, and into the internal volume. In one example, the vibration mechanism includes an electromagnetic linear actuator or a rotary mass vibration motor.

In at least one example of the present disclosure, a visual sensor system for a vehicle includes a sensor housing and a lens disposed in an aperture defined by a vehicle body, the body at least partially defining an external surface of the vehicle and the lens including an outer surface at least partially defining the external surface. The visual sensor system further includes a visual sensor disposed in the sensor housing, a channel defined by the sensor housing and configured to direct air tangentially across the outer surface of the lens, an air mover disposed within an internal volume defined by the vehicle body and configured to move air through the channel, and a vibration mechanism connected to the lens.

In one example, the vibration mechanism is configured to oscillate the lens in a plane parallel to a line of sight of the visual sensor. In one example, the vibration mechanism is configured to oscillate the lens in a plane perpendicular to a line of sight of the visual sensor. In one example, the vibration mechanism is configured to translate the lens back and forth about an axis perpendicular to a line of sight of the visual sensor. In one example, the sensor housing includes a sidewall, and the lens is secured to the sidewall. In one example, the vibration mechanism includes a plurality of actuators disposed between the sidewall and the lens. In one example, each of the plurality of actuators are spaced apart around a peripheral portion of the lens.

In at least one example of the present disclosure, a debris clearing assembly for a vehicle sensor assembly includes an air mover in fluid communication with an external surface of a lens, the lens at least partially defining an external surface of a vehicle, and a controller electrically coupled to a sensor and the air mover, the sensor disposed adjacent the lens. The controller configured to detect fluid on the lens in response to a signal received from the sensor and activate the air mover to move the air to remove the fluid from the lens.

In one example, the debris clearing assembly further includes a vibration mechanism mechanically connected to the lens. In one example, the controller is electrically coupled to the vibration mechanism, and the controller is configured to oscillate the lens via the vibration mechanism when the controller detects the fluid on the lens via the sensor. In one example, the sensor includes a visual sensor. In one example, the vehicle includes a body defining the external surface and an internal volume, and the air mover is disposed in the internal volume.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description makes reference to various embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and are not intended to limit the examples to one preferred embodiment. Rather, they are included to describe alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described examples and the appended claims.

The following disclosure relates to sensor systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vibration and an air fluid mover of a sensor clearing system for a vehicle. Typical sensors for vehicles become dirty when exposed to an environment external to the vehicle. For example, vision-based sensors may incorporate a component that defines or is coupled to an external surface of the vehicle such that debris, including dust, water, and mud from various weather conditions contacts the component, which can potentially obstruct a field of vision of the vision-based sensors.

The present disclosure can clean or otherwise clear the sensor of debris. During operation of the vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, the various assemblies and systems described herein can oscillate the sensor or components thereof via vibration excitation to reduce the surface tension cohesion of fluids and the adhesion of fluids and debris to a lens of the sensor. With the reduction in cohesion and adhesion, the debris and/or fluid may fall off the lens, thus clearing the lens. The various assemblies and systems described herein can also move air over the surface of the lens that is exposed to the environment external to the vehicle. The air source can be from the environment external to the vehicle or from an internal compartment of the vehicle. The air flow rate can be sufficiently high to remove debris and/or fluid present on the lens.

In at least one example, a vehicle sensor assembly can include a lens disposed in an aperture of a vehicle with an outer surface of the lens exposed to an external environment. The vehicle sensor assembly can also include a vibration mechanism to vibrate the lens and an air mover to move air across the outer surface of the lens. In this way, the vibration mechanism can reduce the forces holding debris and/or fluid on the lens via oscillating the lens, while the air mover can clear the lens of the debris and/or fluid via moving air across the outer surface of the lens. Clearing the lens of debris and/or fluid can increase the efficiency of the sensor system by allowing the sensor of the system to receive more and/or clearer input data. For example, in a vision-based sensor, with the lens cleared of debris and/or fluid, the field of vision of the sensor may be such that visual input data is more clearly received since there are less or no obstructions.

In some examples, the vehicle can include a controller electrically coupled to the sensor to cause the sensor to detect when fluid, dust, or other debris has accumulated on the lens. Once detected, the vibration and directed air flow onto the lens can be instigated automatically. In this way, sensor assemblies and systems described herein can actively clear debris for enhanced sensor performance in real time and in reaction to variable environmental and operational conditions.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference toFIGS.1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option).

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of an example of a vehicle100including various structural elements. The vehicle100can be electric such that the vehicle100is battery powered. The vehicle100can include a vehicle body105defining an external surface125. The vehicle body105can include a roof or a roof structure130. The roof or roof structure130can refer to a top covering or portion of the vehicle100and can be formed of any number of materials and elements. The vehicle body105can define a front end or portion135, and a rear end or portion140. As used herein, the terms “structural,” “structure,” “structurally,” and related terms refer to load bearing components and elements, or components and elements contributing to the physical form of an object, such as a vehicle. For example, the body of a vehicle can be formed of various structural elements adding to the form and shape of the vehicle, including load bearing elements such as load bearing structural beams, structural roof elements including load bearing or shape forming beams, plates, windows, sheets, and so forth.

The vehicle100can define at least one aperture110. For example, the vehicle body105can define the aperture110. In this example, the aperture110can be defined anywhere on the vehicle body105. For example, the front end135or the rear end140may define the aperture110. In another example, the front end135and the rear end140may each define an aperture110. The aperture110may extend at least partially through the external surface125of the vehicle100.

The vehicle100can include at least one lens115. The lens115can be any shape. For example, the lens115can have a circular face, a square face, a rectangular face, or the like. The lens115can be flat or curved, e.g., the face of the lens115can have a curvature. The lens115can be integrated into the vehicle100such that the lens115is an integral component thereof. For example, the lens115can at least partially define the external surface125of the vehicle100. The lens115can be coupled with the vehicle100or a component thereof. For example, the lens115can be mounted on the roof130. In another example, the lens115can be disposed in the aperture110. In this example, the lens115can be coupled with the aperture110, e.g., magnetically, structurally snaps into the aperture110, or the like. With the lens115disposed in the aperture110, the aperture110may extend at least the thickness of the lens115through the external surface125. In some examples, the lens can include a seal (not shown) that seals the area between the lens115and the external surface125.

The lens115can be at least partially transparent such that light rays can penetrate through the lens115. For example, light rays from an external environment145of the vehicle100can penetrate the lens115and enter a portion of the vehicle100. Another component of the vehicle100, e.g., disposed behind (in an operational orientation) the lens115, can be configured to receive the lights rays from the external environment145. Additionally, a component of the vehicle100, e.g., disposed behind (in an operational orientation) the lens115, can be configured to transmit lights rays to the external environment145. The light rays can penetrate through the lens115and enter the external environment145. In these examples and with the lens115disposed in the aperture110, the aperture110may extend through the external surface125of the vehicle100by the thickness of the lens115plus the thickness of the component of the vehicle100that is configured to receive/transmit the light rays from/to the lens115. The lens115can have a tint to filter a portion of light rays penetrating through the lens115and/or the lens115can have a protective layer that may consequently block a portion of light rays penetrating through the lens115.

The vehicle100can include at least one air mover120. The air mover120can be integrated into the vehicle100or coupled with the vehicle100. For example, the air mover120can be coupled with at least one component of the vehicle100as well as structurally mounted to or within an internal volume of the vehicle100or the vehicle body105. The air mover120can be or can include a fan such as an axial fan, a blower, an air nozzle, or the like.

The air mover120can be configured to move a fluid, such as air. For example, the air mover120can push air, pull air, and/or recirculate air. The air the air mover120moves can have a variable temperature. For example, the temperature of the air can be greater than or equal to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit and less than or equal to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The air mover120can move air at a flow rate of greater than or equal to about 4 meters per second and less than or equal to about 10 meters per second. For example, the air mover120can move air at a flow rate of about 7 meters per second. The air mover120can move air across the lens115. For example, the air mover120can move air at a temperature sufficient to de-ice and/or de-fog the lens115. The air mover120can remove debris and/or fluid on or otherwise in contact with the lens115via the air the air mover120moves. With the debris and/or fluid removed from the lens115, light rays can penetrate through the lens115more efficiently than if the debris and/or fluid were not removed.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a vehicle sensor assembly200for the vehicle100. The vehicle sensor assembly200can include the vehicle body105defining the external surface125and the aperture110, the lens115disposed in the aperture110, and the air mover120can be in fluid communication with the lens115such that the air mover120is configured to move air across the lens115, as described herein. The vehicle body105can further define an internal volume225. For example, the vehicle body105can define the internal volume225. Components of the vehicle100can be disposed in or otherwise in communication with the internal volume225. For example, the air mover120can be disposed in the internal volume225defined by the vehicle body105.

The vehicle100can include a sensor205. For example, the vehicle sensor assembly200can include the sensor205. The sensor205can be a part of a sensor assembly that includes the lens115, e.g., the lens115can be a component of the sensor assembly. The sensor205can be disposed behind (in an operational orientation) the lens115or otherwise in communication with the light rays that penetrate through the lens115. The sensor205can receive input data regarding the vehicle100and/or the external environment145of the vehicle100. The sensor205can be a vision-based or visual sensor205. For example, the sensor205can receive pictures, videos, light rays, or other visual data as the input data. In this example and with the sensor205disposed behind the lens115, the input data can first penetrate through the lens115before the sensor205is configured to receive the input data. The sensor205can output data, e.g., to other components of the vehicle100, as described herein.

The vehicle100can include a vibration mechanism210. For example, the vehicle sensor assembly200can include the vibration mechanism210. The vibration mechanism210can be external the vehicle100or coupled to the external surface125of the vehicle100. For example, the vibration mechanism210can induce vibrations via an electromagnetic field. The vibration mechanism210can be integrated into the vehicle100or otherwise coupled with internal components of the vehicle100. For example, the vibration mechanism210can be coupled to the lens115and/or to another component of the vehicle100. The vibration mechanism210can be directly coupled with the vehicle100or components thereof, e.g., mechanically coupled via at least one screw.

The vibration mechanism210can oscillate or otherwise vibrate. The vibration source and/or oscillations can be variable. For example, the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations can vary. The vibration mechanism210can vibrate at any frequency greater than or equal to about 100 hertz and less than or equal to about 5000 hertz. The vibration mechanism210can vibrate on a 1:1 scale at any amplitude greater than or equal to about 0.1 and less than or equal to about 1. For example, the vibration mechanism210can vibrate at a lower frequency, e.g., about 300 hertz, with a higher amplitude, e.g., about 0.7. The vibration mechanism210can be or can include at least one electromagnetic linear actuator230. Similarly, the vibration mechanism210can be or can include at least one rotary mass vibration motor235.

The vibration mechanism210can induce oscillations and/or vibrations. For example, vibration mechanism210can oscillate or otherwise vibrate components to which the vibration mechanism210is coupled. For example, the vibration mechanism210can be mechanically coupled to the lens115and configured to vibrate the lens115. With the vibration mechanism210configured to vibrate the lens115, the vibrations can reduce the adhesion between the lens115and debris and/or fluid on the lens115as well as reduce cohesion of any fluid on the lens115. With the reduction in forces holding fluid to the lens115, the debris and/or fluid can fall off or otherwise be cleared from the lens115. The vibration frequency and amplitude of the vibration mechanism210can range depending on the tension between the lens115and the debris and/or fluid on the lens115, or on environmental conditions such as sleet that the lens115is exposed to. The vibration frequency and amplitude of the vibration mechanism210can also range depending on other components of the vehicle100. For example, the vibration mechanism210can vibrate at a sufficient frequency and amplitude to clear the lens115from debris and/or fluid without the air mover120moving air over the lens115. Additionally, the vibration mechanism210can vibrate at a lower frequency and amplitude with the air mover120moving air over the lens115than with the air mover120not operating, e.g., not moving air over the lens115.

The vehicle100can include a fluid mover220. More specifically, according to one example, the vehicle sensor assembly200can include the fluid mover220. The fluid mover220can be similar to or the same as the air mover120. For example, the fluid mover220can be coupled with or to components of the vehicle100. The fluid that the fluid mover220moves, however, can be water, cleaning solution, and/or soap instead of air. For example, the fluid mover220can be in communication with a water and/or soap source and can be configured to move water and/or soap over the lens115. The fluid mover220can be configured to clean the lens115via the water and/or soap. For example, the fluid mover220can clear the lens115of debris, such as mud.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a channel350in the vehicle100. For example, the vehicle sensor assembly200can define the channel350. The channel350can be two or more channels350that are not connected or can be one continuous channel350. The channel350can be defined by the vehicle100and/or components of the vehicle100. The channel350can be or can define a pathway for fluid to flow through. For example, air moved by the air mover120can flow through the channel350. For example, fluid moved by the fluid mover220can flow through the channel350. The channel350and the lens115can be in fluid communication. For example, the channel350can direct fluid over and/or to the lens115.

The air mover120can be in fluid communication with an air source. The air source can be from the external environment145of the vehicle100or from an internal environment of the vehicle100. For example, the air mover120can pull air from the external environment145of the vehicle100in and over the lens115. For example, the air mover120can push and/or recirculate air from the internal environment of the vehicle100over the lens115. In another example, the air mover120may not provide air at all, e.g., the lens115can be positioned such that air contacts the lens115with the vehicle100in motion and removes debris and/or fluid present on the lens115. Thus, in this example, with the vehicle100stationary the air mover120can provide an air source, and with the vehicle100in motion the air source may not be provided by the air mover120.

The air mover120can push air, pull air, or push and pull air. The dotted lines connecting the air mover120to the channels350inFIG.3indicate a fluid connection or communication with the air mover120and the channels350. The air mover120can move air in320, e.g., towards the internal volume225through the channel350. For example, the air mover120can move the air in320from outside the vehicle100. For example, the air mover120can pull the air in320from the external environment145of the vehicle100. The air mover120can move air out315, e.g., towards the external environment145through the channel350. For example, the air mover120can push the air out315to the external environment145. The air mover120can recirculate air, e.g., push and pull air. For example, with two channels350in fluid communication, the air mover120can push air out315of one channel350and pull air in320to the other channel350.

The air mover120can be or can include a fan330. The fan330can be configured to move air, e.g., push air through the channel350. For example, the fan330can move the air out315from the internal volume225to the lens115. The air mover120can be or can include a vacuum pump355. The vacuum pump355can be configured to move air, e.g., pull air through the channel350. For example, the vacuum pump355move the air in320from the external environment145and/or the lens115. For example, the air mover120can include the vacuum pump355configured to move the air from beyond the external surface125, over the lens115, and into the internal volume225.

The lens115can include or define an outer surface335and an internal surface340. The outer surface335can define the external surface125of the vehicle body105. For example, in an operational orientation, the external surface125can be defined by the outer surface335of the lens115. The air mover120can be in fluid communication with the lens115at the external surface335such that the air mover120is configured to move air across the outer surface335. For example, the air mover120can push air through the channel350that directs the air over the outer surface335of the lens115. For example, the air mover120can include the vacuum pump355configured to move the air from beyond the external surface125, over the outer surface335, and into the internal volume225. In this way, the outer surface335of the lens115can be cleared of debris and/or fluid. The sensor205can be disposed behind (in an operational orientation) the lens115adjacent to the internal surface340. Thus, with the outer surface335of the lens115at least partially cleared of debris and/or fluid, the input data can penetrate through the lens115from the outer surface335to the internal surface340such that the sensor205can receive the input data.

An orientation of the sensor205can determine or influence a line of sight305in a direction310in a plane. For example, the line of sight305can be a central line of sight305of the sensor205. The line of sight305can be the angle in which the sensor205is positioned. In one example, the line of sight305can be substantially aligned with the optical axis of a lens associated with the sensor204. In some examples, the optical axis of the lens, and therefore the line of sight305, can be centered on a cone angle that defines a field of view of the sensor205. In some examples, the line of sight305can be parallel to the optical axis. The direction310can be parallel to the central line of sight305, or the optical axis of a lens of the sensor205. The vibration mechanism210can vibrate in a direction substantially parallel to or along the line of sight305. For example, the vibration mechanism210is configured to oscillate the lens115back and forth in the direction310. By oscillating the lens115along the direction310or plane, the lens115can be curved, domed, flat, or the like.

The sensor205can be or can include a camera325. For example, the sensor205can receive an image or video as input data, capture the image or video via the camera325, and transmit the image or video to another vehicle component. The sensor205can be a light detection and ranging or laser imaging, detection, and ranging (“LIDAR”) sensor205. Alternatively, the sensor205can include or be in communication with a LIDAR system. In these examples, the sensor205can be configured to transmit light, such as a laser beam, and receive a reflection of the light as the input data.

The vehicle100can include a sensor housing345. The sensor housing345can house the sensor205. For example, the sensor housing345can receive the sensor205. Surfaces of the sensor housing345can define pathways in the vehicle100and/or components of the vehicle100. For example, the sensor housing345can define the channel350configured to direct the air moved by the fan330. For example, the air mover120can include the fan330configured to move the air from the internal volume225to the outer surface335of the lens115, e.g., through the channel350defined by the sensor housing345. Components of the vehicle100can be coupled with or to the sensor housing345. For example, the sensor housing345and/or surfaces thereof can be in fluid communication with the air mover120and/or the fluid mover220. In an additional example, the vibration mechanism210and the lens115can be directly or indirectly coupled to the sensor housing345. In this example, the vibration mechanism210can vibrate the sensor housing345, the sensor205, and the lens115. For example, the sensor housing345can be directly coupled with the lens115. The transition between the lens115and the sensor housing345can be gradual e.g., curved. With a gradually curved transition, the debris and/or fluid can more efficiently (e.g., compared to a blunt transition) be cleared from the lens115since the surface tension is less on a curve than a flat surface.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a visual sensor system400for the vehicle100. The visual sensor system400can include the vehicle body105defining the aperture110and the external surface125of the vehicle100.

The visual sensor system400can include the sensor housing345including the lens115disposed in the aperture110. The lens115can include the outer surface335defining the external surface125of the vehicle100. The sensor housing345can include a sidewall420. At least one surface of the sidewall420can define the channel350. Components of the vehicle100can be coupled with the sidewall420. For example, the lens115can be directly or indirectly secured to the sidewall420. For example, the lens115can be secured to the sidewall420of the sensor housing345with the vibration mechanism210disposed between. The transition between the lens115and the sensor housing345can be gradual e.g., curved. With a gradually curved transition, the debris and/or fluid can more efficiently (e.g., compared to a blunt transition) be cleared from the lens115since the surface tension is less on a curve than a flat surface.

The vibration mechanism210can include a plurality of actuators230, e.g., the electromagnetic linear actuators230, disposed between the sidewall420and the lens115. The plurality of actuators230can be spaced apart around a peripheral portion425of the lens115. For example, the plurality of actuators230can be a ring of actuators230disposed between the lens115and the sensor housing345to move the lens115up and down (in an operational orientation). For example, the vibration mechanism210can oscillate a ring of actuators230to rotate about a center point of the lens115.

The visual sensor system400can include the visual sensor205disposed in the sensor housing345, the channel350defined by the sensor housing345and configured to direct air tangentially across the outer surface335of the lens115, and the air mover120disposed within the internal volume225defined by the vehicle body105and configured to move the air through the channel350.

The visual sensor system400can include the vibration mechanism210coupled to the lens115. The vibration mechanism210can oscillate the lens115in at least one direction, e.g., translate the lens115in various directions, and/or pivot/tip the lens115in at least one direction, e.g., various directions. For example, the vibration mechanism210can be configured to oscillate the lens115back and forth in the direction310in a plane parallel to the central line of sight305of the visual sensor205. For example, the vibration mechanism210can be configured to oscillate the lens115back and forth in a direction405perpendicular to the central line of sight305of the visual sensor205. For example, with the lens115flat, the light rays transmitted/received will not be refracted or otherwise distorted with the lens115oscillated in the direction405. For example, the vibration mechanism210can be configured to translate the lens115in a direction410back and forth about an axis415perpendicular to the central line of sight305of the visual sensor205.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a debris clearing assembly500for the vehicle100. The debris clearing assembly500can include the lens115defining the external surface125of the vehicle100. For example, the lens115can at least partially define the external surface125. The vehicle100can include the vehicle body105defining the external surface125and the internal volume225of the vehicle100. For example, the vehicle body105and the lens115can each define a portion of the external surface125. The debris clearing assembly500can include the sensor205disposed adjacent the lens115. The sensor205can include the camera325.

The debris clearing assembly500can include the air mover120. The air mover120can be disposed in the internal volume225and configured to move air505across the lens115at the external surface125. For example, the air mover120can push the air505out towards the external environment145.

The debris clearing assembly500can include a controller510. The controller510can be electrically coupled with or otherwise in electrical communication with the various components of the vehicle100and sensor assemblies described herein. The dotted lines connecting the controller510various other components indicate the electrical connection or communication. For example, the controller510can be electrically coupled to the sensor205and the air mover120. For example, the controller510can be in wireless communication with the sensor205and the air mover120. The air mover120can be fluidly coupled or fluidly in communication with the channels350defined by the housing345as indicated by the dotted lines connecting the air mover120to the channels350. The controller510can initiate the operation of the various components of the vehicle100described herein. For example, the controller510can receive and process the input data or other information and then initiate the operation of the various components of the vehicle100. For example, the controller510can be configured to receive the input data from the sensor205. Then, the controller510can be configured to detect fluid515on the lens115in response to a signal received from the sensor205and activate the air mover120to move the air505to remove the fluid515from the lens115. In this way, the controller510can initiate the operation of the air mover120to push the fluid515that accumulates, e.g., a water film and/or water droplets, away from a surface of the sensor205, such as the outer surface335of the lens115. The force from the air505can overcome the adhesion forces between the lens115and the fluid515. With the force from the air505greater than the adhesion force, the fluid515can be cleared from the lens115.

The debris clearing assembly500can include the vibration mechanism210mechanically connected to the lens115. The controller510can be electrically coupled to the vibration mechanism210. As such, the controller510can initiate the operation of the vibration mechanism210. For example, the controller510can be configured to oscillate the lens115via the vibration mechanism210when the controller510detects the fluid515on the lens115via the sensor205. The vibrations from the vibration mechanism210can reduce the adhesion between the lens115and the fluid515as well as reduce cohesive forces within the fluid515to break apart the fluid515. With the reduction in adhesion and cohesion forces due to the moving are and vibrating motions, the debris and/or fluid can be cleared from the lens115.

While vibration and the flow of air505over the lens115have shown to be effective in removing fluid515and debris independently of one another, in some examples, the combination of both the vibrations from the vibration mechanism210and the air505from the air mover120applied to the lens115can reduce the amount of time needed to clear fluid515and/or other debris from the lens115by 50% or more compared to only applying vibration or flowing air505alone. For example, the vibrations from the vibration mechanism210reduce the adhesion force between the lens115and the fluid515and the cohesive forces within the fluid515due at least in part to surface tension such that the force from the air505sufficient to overcome the tension force is less than if the tension force was not reduced by the vibration mechanism210. As such, the velocity and the pressure of the air505sufficient to clear the fluid515is reduced, which means the air source can be slower and thus quieter. Additionally, the vibration mechanism210can vibrate at a lower frequency and amplitude with the air mover120moving the air505over the lens115than with the air mover120not operating, e.g., not moving air over the lens115. With a lower frequency and amplitude of vibrations, the vibration mechanism210can be quieter. Reducing noise can reduce the discomfort experienced by an occupant of the vehicle100.

FIG.6illustrates an example of the lens115for the vehicle100. The lens115can include or define the outer surface335, the internal surface340, and the peripheral portion425. For example, the lens115is depicted with the fluid515on the outer surface335. The lens115can be flat, as depicted inFIG.6. The lens115can be curved, as depicted inFIG.3. The outer surface335and the internal surface340can be the same dimensions. For example, the outer surface335and the internal surface340can have the same diameter. Since the lens115can be any shape, the outer surface335and the internal surface340can be any shape. For example, the outer surface335and the internal surface340can squares with the same length. The outer surface335and the internal surface340can be the different dimensions. For example, the outer surface335can have a smaller or larger diameter than the diameter of the internal surface340. Since the lens115can be any shape, the peripheral portion425can be curved, e.g., with the outer surface335and the internal surface340circular. The peripheral portion425can be flat and can include angles, e.g., with the outer surface335and the internal surface340being square.

The lens115can include a material605. The material605can be integrated into the lens115. The material605can be disposed on any surface of the lens115. For example, the material605can be disposed on the outer surface335, the internal surface340, and/or the peripheral portion425of the lens115. The material605can include properties otherwise not included in a material forming a bulk of the lens115. For example, the material605can be a resistive heating material. In this example, the material605can be configured to de-ice the lens115. In at least one example, the material can include heat conductive materials which can be heated to de-ice the lens115. In at least one example, the material650can include a hydrophobic coating to reduce adhesive forces between fluid and other debris on the lens115.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic view700of an example of the vehicle100including a controller510. The controller510can be a vehicle controller510. In at least one example, the controller510can include a housing mounted to a vehicle component such as a structural frame component. The structural frame component of the vehicle100can include a mounting frame to which the housing is secured. The controller510can include a computing module or assembly705having one or more processors710and a cooling mechanism715. In at least one example, the cooling mechanism715is configured to cool the one or more processors710. In at least one example, the cooling mechanism715can include a heat sink and/or a cooling plate through which a fluid can flow to convective cool the processors710or other cooling mechanism or system configured to manage or cool the temperature of the processors710during operation. In at least one example, the controller510can also include one or more memory components720and or one or more transmitter or receiver components, such as an antenna725.

The vehicle100can also include other components or systems electrically connected to, communicating with, and/or controlled by the controller510. For example, the controller510can be in communication with the vehicle sensor assembly200and/or components thereof, the visual sensor system400and/or components thereof, and/or the debris clearing assembly500and/or components thereof.

In at least one example, the controller510can also be electrically coupled to, or in communication with, the sensor205of the vehicle100. The sensor205can be electrically coupled with the controller510such that the controller510can receive input data from the sensor205, such as visual data regarding the vehicle100and/or the external environment145of the vehicle100. The input data from the sensor205can be one of many inputs used by the controller510, for example, by the one or more processors710, to determine control outputs to other vehicle components, for example, the air mover120.

In one example, the vehicle100can include the air mover120electrically coupled with or in communication with the controller510to send and receive inputs to and from the controller510. In at least one example, the controller510can be coupled with components of the air mover120, such as a fan, a blower, an air nozzle, or the like. The controller510can transmit control outputs, e.g., via the antenna725, to the air mover120and/or the components thereof to push air, pull air, and/or recirculate air at a flow rate sufficient to remove debris and/or fluid on or otherwise in contact with the lens115of the sensor205. For example, in response to input data received from the sensor205, the one or more processors710can determine a control output to activate the air mover120and the antenna725can transmit the control output to the air mover120.

In at least one example, the vehicle100can include the vibration mechanism210electrically coupled with or in communication with the controller510to send and receive inputs to and from the controller510. The controller510can transmit control outputs, e.g., via the antenna725, to the vibration mechanism210to induce vibrations and/or oscillations. The controller510, e.g., the one or more processors710, can determine the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations sufficient to remove debris and/or fluid on or otherwise in contact with the lens115of the sensor205.

The controller510can activate the air mover120and the vibration mechanism210separately or together. For example, based on input data received by the sensor205, the one or more processors710can determine the desired air flow rate of the air mover120to remove debris and/or fluid in contact with the lens115, or separately the desired amplitude and frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism210to remove debris and/or fluid in contact with the lens115. In another example, based on input data received by the sensor205, the one or more processors710can determine both the desired air flow rate of the air mover120as applied with the desired amplitude and frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism210to remove debris and/or fluid on or otherwise in contact with the lens115.

The vehicle100can also include one or more sensors730. The one or more sensors730can be or can include an environmental sensor730that is similar to the sensor205. For example, the environmental sensor730can receive input data regarding the vehicle100and/or the external environment145of the vehicle100. The environmental sensor730can be a temperature and/or humidity sensor730. For example, the environmental sensor730can receive temperature data and humidity data related to the vehicle100and/or the external environment145of the vehicle100as the input data. The environmental sensor730can output data and/or signals, e.g., to other components of the vehicle100such as the controller510.

In at least one example, the controller510can also be electrically coupled to, or in communication with, the environmental sensor730of the vehicle100. The environmental sensor730can be electrically coupled with the controller510such that the controller510can receive input data from the environmental sensor730, such as temperature data related to the external environment145of the vehicle100. The input data from the environmental sensor730can be one of many inputs used by the controller510, for example, by the one or more processors710, to determine control outputs to other vehicle components, for example, the air mover120and/or the vibration mechanism210. For example, the controller510can receive input data, e.g., via the antenna725, such as temperature and humidity levels of the lens115from the environmental sensor730. Based on the input data from the environmental sensor730, the controller510can determine, e.g., via the processors710, a temperature sufficient to de-ice and/or de-fog the lens115. Then, the controller510can activate, e.g., by transmitting a control output via the antenna725, the air mover120to move air over the lens115at the determined temperature.

In these examples, the controller510can be electrically coupled with one or more other components and systems to operate the vehicle100. As noted above, one example of the controller510can include a computing assembly705having one or more processors710, and a cooling mechanism715for regulating and reducing the temperature of the processors710. While the schematic view ofFIG.7illustrates some components of the vehicle100, the size and scale of the various components shown inFIG.7are not necessarily representative of actual sizes and scales of the various components and systems. However, the vehicle100can include many components and systems that must be disposed within, and secured to, the vehicle100such that they can be electrically coupled together and structurally sound to withstand wear and tear due to use and varying environmental conditions including varying weather conditions, operational vibrations, and bumpy roads, which can jostle the vehicle100and the components and systems thereof.

In an effort to maximize occupant cabin volume, the various components and systems illustrated in the vehicle100inFIG.7, including the controller510and the computing assembly705thereof, are tightly packed together to minimize space there between. In addition, the various components and system of the vehicle100noted herein, as well as others not included inFIG.7, are designed and manufactured to protect sensitive parts. Using the computing assembly705as an example, as the computing assembly705is installed and removed during manufacturing or repair, or as adjacent components and systems are installed or removed during manufacturing, assembly, or repair, critical components of the computing assembly705can be positioned such that they are less likely to be contacted. Some of these critical components can include the one or more processors710and the cooling mechanism715, which may include fluid hoses, connectors, and seals, which must maintain tight tolerances and proper connections.

The term “about” herein is to be construed as +/−10%, unless stated otherwise. Every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the present system can receive and utilize user personal information or data to provide a customized user experience. In such instances, the collection, storage, use, and/or distribution of the user personal information should be conducted in accordance with recognized and respected procedures and protocols. Additionally, the present description uses specific wording to provide a thorough understanding of the systems and methods, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Rather, many modifications, combinations, and variations of the described elements can be made within the scope of the present teachings.