In collaboration with Volvo Group Trucks Technology, Construction Equipment and Innovation Hub, Blekinge Institute of Technology, and Stanford University, a joint effort was made to develop a product for the future market using biomimicry. By conducting needfinding and consulting with users and experts worldwide, it was discovered that there was a need to keep sensors operational in all weather conditions and environments, particularly for upcoming autonomous vehicles. As a result, a sensor cleaning system was developed.
The sensor cleaning system, known as Dryve, consists of two components: DryveConsole and DryveUI. DryveConsole serves three main functions. Inspired by the rotating motion of dogs as they shake off excess water, the first function utilizes centripetal force to rotate a cylindrical glass around the protected sensor, effectively removing most, if not all, debris. The second protective function is a continuously rotating fan that blows air at the height of the sensor, ensuring the removal of even the smallest water droplets and debris. The third protective function involves a special omniphobic coating on the glass, which reduces the attachment force of debris and thus decreases the energy required by the
motors.
Since future autonomous vehicles will be monitored from a centralized location, it is crucial that the sensors are easily accessible. Therefore, DryveUI is an integrated user interface that provides an alert system for detecting any malfunction, delivers a live feed from the vision sensors, and allows manual control of the DryveConsole functions.
Unlike more traditional options, Dryve does not require refills throughout its lifespan. Its versatile design can be fitted to any vehicle and accommodate various types of sensors. Quantitative measures have demonstrated that Dryve can withstand even the most severe conditions, resulting in increased uptime and optimized vehicle utilization.
Oscar Claesson and André Jönsson
BTH Innovation Labs 