公开(公告)号：US20220308305A1

公开(公告)日：2022-09-29

申请号：US17841010

申请日：2022-06-15

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： Matthew Last ,  John Henrie ,  Chandra Kakani ,  Ralph Shepard ,  Drew Ulrich

IPC: G02B7/02

Abstract: The technology relates to lens assemblies for sensor units that provide a low but consistent preload force over the entire operational temperature range of the device. Consistent preloading helps to avoid cracking and plastic deformation. In particular, a compliant structure of a polymeric material is able to expand and contract across temperature extremes. In addition, the polymeric material is arranged in conjunction with a retainer ring to form a discontinuous seal with the lens. This provides in a leak path that is able to reduce condensation or contaminants. As a result, moisture within the sensor unit is permitted to escape, reducing or eliminating impairments on the lens or other parts of the sensor unit that could otherwise impair device operation.

公开(公告)号：US20210096319A1

公开(公告)日：2021-04-01

申请号：US16586144

申请日：2019-09-27

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： Matthew Last ,  John Henrie ,  Chandra Kakani ,  Ralph Shepard ,  Drew Ulrich

IPC: G02B7/02

Abstract: The technology relates to lens assemblies for sensor units that provide a low but consistent preload force over the entire operational temperature range of the device. Consistent preloading helps to avoid cracking and plastic deformation. In particular, a compliant structure of a polymeric material is able to expand and contract across temperature extremes. In addition, the polymeric material is arranged in conjunction with a retainer ring to form a discontinuous seal with the lens. This provides in a leak path that is able to reduce condensation or contaminants. As a result, moisture within the sensor unit is permitted to escape, reducing or eliminating impairments on the lens or other parts of the sensor unit that could otherwise impair device operation.

公开(公告)号：US12210207B2

公开(公告)日：2025-01-28

申请号：US17841010

申请日：2022-06-15

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： Matthew Last ,  John Henrie ,  Chandra Kakani ,  Ralph Shepard ,  Drew Ulrich

IPC: G02B7/02

Abstract: The technology relates to lens assemblies for sensor units that provide a low but consistent preload force over the entire operational temperature range of the device. Consistent preloading helps to avoid cracking and plastic deformation. In particular, a compliant structure of a polymeric material is able to expand and contract across temperature extremes. In addition, the polymeric material is arranged in conjunction with a retainer ring to form a discontinuous seal with the lens. This provides in a leak path that is able to reduce condensation or contaminants. As a result, moisture within the sensor unit is permitted to escape, reducing or eliminating impairments on the lens or other parts of the sensor unit that could otherwise impair device operation.