A Study on the Application of an Ultrasonic De-icing System to Plastic Covers Protecting Radar Sensors

This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying ultrasonic de-icing technology to plastic covers protecting radar sensors on autonomous vehicles. Ice accumulation on radar sensor covers can lead to accidents during autonomous driving, highlighting the need for effective de-icing solutions. In this investigation, an ultrasonic de-icing system was applied as a novel de-icing method for radar sensor covers made of plastic. To identify suitable transducers for de-icing, the resonant frequency of the sensor cover sample was analyzed using a test transducer and a laser vibrometer. Based on this analysis, the Altrasonic 3035-4Z transducer, which operates near the resonant frequency of the cover, was selected. The de-icing system was assembled using two transducers affixed to the sensor cover. Ultrasonic de-icing experiments were conducted by forming an ice layer on the cover and applying power to the transducers. During operation, the resonant frequency of the assembly varied, necessitating manual adjustments of the driving frequency to track the resonance. As a result, the ice layer was successfully removed 160 seconds after the transducers were activated.