A system includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine a first temperature of a fluid stored by a fluid storage device and then actuate a fluid heating device to add heat energy to the fluid. The instructions include instructions to determine an amount of the heat energy added to the fluid. The instructions include instructions to determine a second temperature of the fluid stored by the fluid storage device after adding the heat energy to the fluid. The instructions include instructions to determine a quantity of the fluid stored by the fluid storage device based on the amount of the heat energy added to the fluid by the fluid heating device and a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

A system includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine a first temperature of a fluid stored by a fluid storage device and then actuate a fluid heating device to add heat energy to the fluid. The instructions include instructions to determine an amount of the heat energy added to the fluid. The instructions include instructions to determine a second temperature of the fluid stored by the fluid storage device after adding the heat energy to the fluid. The instructions include instructions to determine a quantity of the fluid stored by the fluid storage device based on the amount of the heat energy added to the fluid by the fluid heating device and a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.

A sensor assembly includes a first sensor including a first cylindrical sensor window defining an axis; an annular member substantially centered around the axis, fixed relative to the first sensor, and supporting the first sensor; a second sensor fixed relative to the annular member and suspended from the annular member, the second sensor including a second cylindrical sensor window defining the axis; a first tubular ring fixed relative to the annular member and substantially centered around the axis, the first tubular ring including a plurality of first nozzles aimed at the first cylindrical sensor window; a second tubular ring fixed relative to the annular member and substantially centered around the axis, the second tubular ring including a plurality of second nozzles aimed at the second cylindrical sensor window; and two legs extending downward from the annular member and supporting the annular member.

A method for controlling a sensor assembly cleaning apparatus includes receiving sensor data from various vehicle sensors, determining a level of obscurement of the transparent surface, and determining whether the level of obscurement exceeds a threshold level. If the transparent surface is obscured beyond the threshold level, a control signal may be sent to the apparatus to initiate the ejection of pressurized air onto the transparent surface. Optionally, the method may further evaluate other parameters such as the vehicle velocity in relation to a threshold vehicle velocity prior to sending the control signal to ensure that the cleaning operation using pressurized air would not be superfluous in light of the vehicle velocity. In addition, a method for selectively activating the sensor assembly cleaning apparatus includes determining an activation schedule for the apparatus based on an arrangement of transparent surfaces and controlling the apparatus to operate based on the activation schedule.

According to one aspect, a sensor clearing system is arranged to remove precipitation and/or other contamination from a sensor. A sensor clearing system which is suitable for use on an autonomous vehicle includes an axial fan and a duct arrangement. The axial fan is configured to provide air flow that is routed through the duct arrangement. The duct arrangement directs the air flow towards a sensor, e.g., a lidar, at a velocity and/or with a force that is selected to cause any precipitation on a surface of the sensor, e.g., a lens of a lidar, to be removed.

According to one aspect, a sensor clearing system is arranged to remove precipitation and/or other contamination from a sensor. A sensor clearing system which is suitable for use on an autonomous vehicle includes an axial fan and a duct arrangement. The axial fan is configured to provide air flow that is routed through the duct arrangement. The duct arrangement directs the air flow towards a sensor, e.g., a lidar, at a velocity and/or with a force that is selected to cause any precipitation on a surface of the sensor, e.g., a lens of a lidar, to be removed.

A device for cleaning a camera lens (6), by means of a cleaning head, comprises a fixed cleaning head and a camera that is made mobile by means of drive means (10), the head being accommodated in a structural element (2) of the vehicle. The drive means are suitable for generating a relative movement of the camera in relation to the cleaning head, between a passive image capture position in which the camera is disposed accommodated in said structural element of the vehicle facing the cleaning head, and an active position in which the camera is deployed at a distance from the structural element of the vehicle to allow image capture. The device is particularly effective when applied to the cleaning of a reversing camera implanted in motor vehicles.

A device for cleaning a camera lens (6), by means of a cleaning head, comprises a fixed cleaning head and a camera that is made mobile by means of drive means (10), the head being accommodated in a structural element (2) of the vehicle. The drive means are suitable for generating a relative movement of the camera in relation to the cleaning head, between a passive image capture position in which the camera is disposed accommodated in said structural element of the vehicle facing the cleaning head, and an active position in which the camera is deployed at a distance from the structural element of the vehicle to allow image capture. The device is particularly effective when applied to the cleaning of a reversing camera implanted in motor vehicles.

An automotive camera including a camera lens with one or more conductive accumulators and a method of cleaning the camera lens using the conductive accumulators. The automotive camera includes a lens bezel coupled to the camera lens. The lens bezel may be coupled to the conductive accumulators. The conductive accumulators receive electric charge from a power supply of a vehicle and concentrate the electric charge on pointed ends of the conductive accumulators. The charged, pointed ends attract water particles away from the camera lens. The water particles accumulate at the conductive accumulators until gaining sufficient mass. When sufficient mass is gained, the water particles flow across the lens bezel and away from the camera lens.

An automotive camera including a camera lens with one or more conductive accumulators and a method of cleaning the camera lens using the conductive accumulators. The automotive camera includes a lens bezel coupled to the camera lens. The lens bezel may be coupled to the conductive accumulators. The conductive accumulators receive electric charge from a power supply of a vehicle and concentrate the electric charge on pointed ends of the conductive accumulators. The charged, pointed ends attract water particles away from the camera lens. The water particles accumulate at the conductive accumulators until gaining sufficient mass. When sufficient mass is gained, the water particles flow across the lens bezel and away from the camera lens.