A sensor protection device is configured to protect an environmental sensor of a vehicle. The sensor protection device includes a protector that is disposed to face the environmental sensor and configured to be movable with respect to the environmental sensor and includes a movement mechanism configured to provide power to the protector. The movement mechanism has a structure to move the protector.

A sensor protection apparatus includes a first sensor cover movable between a sensor covering position and a first cover waiting position; a second sensor cover movable between the sensor covering position and a second cover waiting position, wherein each of the first and second sensor covers is located at the sensor covering position for protecting the surface of the sensor from being contaminated by foreign matter; and an actuator configured to move the first and second sensor covers such that the first sensor cover and the second sensor cover are alternately located at the sensor covering positions thereof.

A foreign substance detection system is disclosed to detect whether foreign substances are attached to an environmental sensor of a vehicle. The foreign substance detection system includes a detection loop through which current selectively flows. In particular, the detection loop includes a controller configured to operatively control a sensor cleaning system configured to clean an environmental sensor of a vehicle, and a power supply unit configured to continuously supply electric power to the controller. The environmental sensor includes a detection device configured to open or close the detection loop on the basis of whether a fluid or a foreign substance is attached.

Disclosed is an assisted sensor cleaning system configured to receive support from a cooperative system that assists the sensor cleaning system. The assisted sensor cleaning system includes: an air cleaning system including a compressor to produce compressed air, and an air tank to store the compressed air. In particular, the air cleaning system is configured to clean an environmental sensor of a vehicle by using the compressed air from the compressor or the air tank. The assisted sensor cleaning system further includes: a cooperative system including a cooperative compressor to produce compressed air used for the cooperative system, and a cooperative air tank to store the compressed air. The assisted sensor cleaning system includes: a gate set to selectively supply the compressed air from the cooperative system to the air cleaning system; and an integrated controller configured to at least partially control an operation of the gate set.

A sensor apparatus includes a base, a nozzle positioned in the base and rotatable relative to the base, an extension arm elongated from a first portion to a second portion, and a fluid source fluidly connected to the nozzle. The first portion is fixed to the nozzle, and the second portion is spaced from the nozzle. Pressurizing the fluid source applies force to the second portion of the extension arm.

A sensor cleaning system for a vehicle is disclosed. In particular, the sensor cleaning system has anti-freezing and defrosting functions. The sensor cleaning system includes: an air tank configured to store compressed air; a heating element disposed in the air tank and configured to apply heat to the air tank; and a controller configured to operate the heating element when a preset condition is satisfied.

A detection-system for a vehicle to detect the presence of one or more object relative to the vehicle comprises a module-housing, a radar sensor component located within the module-housing for emitting a radar beam and receiving reflected signals in a detection mode. The radar sensor component comprises means for emitting a defrost beam in a defrost mode; the defrost beam overlapping the radar beam. The detection-system further comprises an absorber material located in the field of view of the defrost beam to absorb the energy of the defrost beam and to warm up in view to provide a defrosting effect.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for enhanced sensor cleaning validation. A device may determine a baseline performance measurement associated with a clean performance baseline of a sensor. The device may actuate a cleaning mechanism to remove at least a portion of an obstruction deposited on the sensor. The device may determine a first post-clean performance measurement associated with the sensor. The device may determine a degradation measurement between the baseline performance measurement and the first post-clean performance measurement, wherein the degradation measurement indicates an effectiveness of the cleaning mechanism.

A vehicle cleaner system includes: a window washer configured to clean a front window of a vehicle; a lamp cleaner configured to clean a headlamp; a sensor cleaner configured to clean a sensor that detects information outside the vehicle; and a cleaner control unit configured to operate at least one of the window washer, the lamp cleaner, and the sensor cleaner in accordance with input of a signal. The cleaner control unit is configured to operate the window washer, the lamp cleaner, and the sensor cleaner such that at least two or more of a number of operations of the window washer, a number of operations of the lamp cleaner, and a number of operations of the sensor cleaner are different in accordance with a predetermined number of signals.

A device for detecting an object conveyed through a measuring region comprises a transmission apparatus configured to emit measuring radiation onto the outer contour of the object. The measuring radiation comprises a frequency in a range of one of gigahertz and terahertz. A protective mesh is positioned between the measuring region and at least one of the transmission apparatus and the receiving apparatus. The protective mesh is transparent for the measuring radiation and permeable to as gas.