LiDAR

The Future of Autonomous Vehicles, Robots & Drones Rides on Evolution & Protection of LiDAR

Developed over four decades ago by NASA and the U.S. Military, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is now considered a viable, safe solution for mass production of autonomous vehicles, robots, cobots, aerial drones, and modes of transportation. LiDAR technology systems have evolved, and the production of affordable, reliable, safe autonomous transportation and even industrial robots is real.

Sensitive Sensors

LiDAR systems and their components - blue chips and sensors - are fragile. Sensors contain microcontrollers and electronics that can be easily damaged by the infiltration of water, saltwater, dust, humidity, oil, and other contaminants. In addition to sensors storing and transmitting critical data, LiDAR systems are exposed to outdoor elements, and must withstand:

• Harsh weather, extreme cold and heat, and environmental pollutants
• Security tampering and cybersecurity risks
• Corrosion and extreme atmospheric pressure (i.e. unmanned underwater vehicles surveying the depths of the ocean floor)
• Rugged roads, potholes, and the shocks and bumps of daily travel

CSFI High-Tech Sealing Screws, Nuts, Bolts and Washers Provide LiDAR Systems & Sensors with 360º Leak-Proof Protection

CSFI sustainable high-tech sealing fasteners (sealing screws, nuts, bolts, and washers) prevent both leakage and seepage of contaminants into and out of sensors and LiDAR-related equipment. They can withstand harsh weather and extreme temperatures, are tamper-proof, vibration and corrosion-resistant and outperform ordinary fasteners in highly pressurized environments.

The Difference

Unlike ordinary fasteners, CSFI high-tech sealing fasteners are configured with a rubber O-ring (or a rubber element) that when squeezed, permanently seals out a wide range of contaminants from entering and damaging LiDAR systems and their respective sensors, while preventing leakage. They can easily be wiped down and will not absorb isopropyl alcohol and other disinfectants.

How They Work

CSFI self-sealing fasteners are engineered with a custom groove under the head of the screw or the face of the nut that when combined with a rubber O-ring or rubber element, and tightened, squeezes outwardly to form a 360º leak-proof hermetic seal. The undercut groove ensures that the O-ring will not break or crack once the screw is torqued, and the metal-to-metal contact prolongs the life of the O-ring or rubber element, which is not compromised under pressure.

Fast Facts

Did you know CSFI:

• High-tech sealing fasteners may be unscrewed and retightened multiple times, are reusable, and made of corrosion-resistant metals, like stainless steel and steel alloys, titanium, brass and monel.
• Offers FDA-approved rubber and rubber O-rings made of silicone, fluoro-silicone, viton, neoprene, buna, teflon, and EPDM.
• Sealing screws and O-rings meet Military Standards NASM 82496 and pressure resistant to 1,500 PSI.
• Provides samples and usually ships product within two days.
• Has a machine shop inhouse.
• Sealing solutions and components are inherently green and made in the U.S.A. at a sustainable facility powered by solar energy.
• Serves thousands of engineers and OEMs worldwide.
• Clients include iRobot, Segway, Boeing, U.S. Airforce, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, General Motors, Teledyne Marine, Ferrari, Punch Powertrain, Apple, GE, HP, and L3 Communications.

CSFI proudly meets these certifications & standards:

Equipment Applications

CSFI sealing fasteners with rubber O-ring technology are used to seal equipment, lasers, and sensors, wherever LiDAR systems are present, including:

• Aerial, Ground and Underwater Drones
• Emergency Medical Delivery Drones
• Subsea Robots and Cobots
• Industrial Robots and Cobots, including Warehouse and Logistics
• Security Cameras / 3-D Cameras
• Surgical Robots
• Hospital Staffing Ward, Disinfecting and Cleaning Robots
• Delivery / Campus Delivery Robots
• Hospitality Robots (i.e. Room Service)