Science

Tesla wants to replace windshield wipers with LASER BEAMS that target and zap debris automatically 


Tesla wants to replace traditional windshield wipers with laser beams.

A new patent from the California company describes a cleaning system that targets and zaps away debris from rear-view mirrors, window panels and windshields automatically.

The technology automatically senses when the driver’s view is obstructed using image processing techniques and sensors in and outside of the vehicle.

This ‘beam optics assembly’ could also be used to clean solar panels, as Tesla rolled out its own panels two years ago.

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A new patent from the California company describes a cleaning system that targets and zaps away debris from rear-view mirrors, window panels and windshields automatically

A new patent from the California company describes a cleaning system that targets and zaps away debris from rear-view mirrors, window panels and windshields automatically

The patent, called ‘Pulsed Laser Cleaning of Debris Accumulated on Glass Articles in Vehicles and Photovoltaic Assemblies’, was applied for earlier this year and published on November 21, as first reported on by electrek.

The document describes ‘a cleaning system for a vehicle includes a beam optics assembly that emits a laser beam to irradiate a region on a glass article of the vehicle, debris detection circuitry that detects debris accumulated over the region, and control circuitry’.

The system is designed to target all areas of the car that are used by the driver to see.

This includes the windshields, in-vehicle camera lenses, side windows, rear-view mirrors.

The same system and process would go into effect for solar panels – the system would detect debris and zap it with laser beams

The same system and process would go into effect for solar panels – the system would detect debris and zap it with laser beams

This 'beam optics assembly' could also be used to clean solar panels, as Tesla rolled out its own panels two years ago

This ‘beam optics assembly’ could also be used to clean solar panels, as Tesla rolled out its own panels two years ago

‘The cleaning apparatus provides a fast, robust, and chemical-free solution to clean different glass articles in vehicles and solar photovoltaic facilities,’ reads the patent.

‘The solution can be integrated with other cleaning solutions that use wipers, water, or air sprays or chemical solutions to clean glass articles.’

Telsa suggest the technology would use image processing techniques, which would work through different image sensors installed in and outside of the vehicle.

In addition to redesigning windshield wipers, Tesla suggests this technology could be used on solar panels, as these areas are constantly exposed to the elements and debris.

The same system and process would go into effect for solar panels – the system would detect debris and zap it with laser beams.

However, the document does not explain how the technology would react during a rain storm or if the laser would affect the drivers vision. 

Tesla has had a few ideas that sounded good on paper, but failed when it became a reality.

The most recent is the Cybertruck, which was unveiled last week in Los Angeles – but it was not the success CEO Elon Musk had hoped for.

Tesla has had a few ideas that sounded good on paper, but failed when it became a reality. The most recent is the Cybertruck, which was unveiled last week in Los Angeles – but it was not the success CEO Elon Musk had hoped for

Tesla has had a few ideas that sounded good on paper, but failed when it became a reality. The most recent is the Cybertruck, which was unveiled last week in Los Angeles – but it was not the success CEO Elon Musk had hoped for

During the announcement of the truck - which looks like a armoured vehicle with angular sides - Tesla design chief Franz von Holshausen tried to prove the glass was 'shatterproof' by throwing a heavy metal ball at close range. Musk was heard muttering 'oh my f***ing God' when the glass smashed.

During the announcement of the truck – which looks like a armoured vehicle with angular sides – Tesla design chief Franz von Holshausen tried to prove the glass was ‘shatterproof’ by throwing a heavy metal ball at close range. Musk was heard muttering ‘oh my f***ing God’ when the glass smashed.

During the announcement of the truck – which looks like a armoured vehicle with angular sides – Tesla design chief Franz von Holshausen tried to prove the glass was ‘shatterproof’ by throwing a heavy metal ball at close range.

Musk was heard muttering ‘oh my f***ing God’ when the glass smashed.

It is the second embarrassing mishap for Musk in as many days, after the first full-size prototype of the SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during pressure testing on

Musk appeared confused and asked Holzhausen to try another window, which also promptly smashed, but Musk pointed out it ‘didn’t go through’ the glass.

‘Ah not bad,’ the CEO added to laughs from the audience. ‘There’s room for improvement.’

‘We threw wrenches, we threw everything, we even literally threw the kitchen sink at the glass and it didn’t break,’ he said about testing the strength of the windows. ‘For some weird reason it broke now, I don’t know why.

‘We’ll fix it in post.’

The ‘Cybertruck’, which looks like an armoured vehicle with a futuristic angular body in gunmetal grey, will go into production in 2021, Musk said at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday.

The pickup, which Musk said will cost $39,900 (£31,000) and up, will have an estimated battery range of up to 500 miles.

 

 



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