Overheating protection for sensor housing

Abstract

Described herein are apparatuses and methods for selectively controlling the application of a fluid to a sensor enclosure such as a camera housing to protect the housing from overheating. An apparatus that includes a protective shield and a conduit such as tubing for supplying a fluid is described. The protective shield is provided so as to protect an exterior surface of the camera housing from heat caused by sun exposure. The tubing includes an inlet for supplying a fluid such as water or air, can extend through or around an exterior of the camera housing, and includes an outlet with one or more nozzles for ejecting the fluid into a space between the protective shield and the camera housing. Sensor data is received from various vehicle sensors to assess the temperature of the housing, the velocity of the vehicle, and so forth to determine when the fluid should be supplied.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.