Remote sensor systems

Abstract

A remote sensor for a vehicle includes a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor. The remote sensor also includes a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to mate with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor also includes a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor also includes a flexible PCB having a first end connected to the sensing device and a second end connected or coupled to a controller of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible PCB is retained by the first and second retaining cups.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 913,805, filed on October 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to vehicles, and in particular to remote sensor systems for vehicles. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles, such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, minivans, or other suitable vehicles, often use remote sensing systems to monitor various aspects of these vehicles. For example, a vehicle may include remote sensors that measure or sense exhaust emissions, remote sensors that measure engine torque, and various other remote sensors for measuring various other characteristics of the vehicle. Remote sensors typically include a connector, a length of wire (e.g., typically multiple wires), and a rigid printed circuit board. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to remote sensors for use in vehicles, such as vehicles.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a remote sensor for a vehicle. The remote sensor may include a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor and a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to mate with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board having: a first end connected to the sensing device; and a second end connected to a controller of the vehicle.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a remote sensor for a vehicle. The remote sensor may include a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor and a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to be fixedly mated with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end connected to a controller of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup, and wherein the sensing device is disposed on the first end of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment includes a remote sensor for a vehicle. The remote sensor may include a first retaining cup and a second retaining cup adapted to be fixedly mated with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board extending from the sensing device at a first end and connected to a controller of the vehicle at a second end, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup.

[0009] These and other aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure can be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, the sizes of the various features are arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the sake of clarity of presentation.

[0011] Figure 1 A vehicle in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0012] Figure 2 A remote sensor system according to the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown.

[0013] Figures 3A to 3D A remote sensor according to the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention are discussed below. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpreted or used to limit the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following description has a wide range of applications, and the discussion of any embodiment only means that the embodiment can be emulated, and is not intended to indicate that the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, is limited to the embodiment.

[0015] As mentioned, vehicles, such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, convertibles, minivans, or other suitable vehicles, often use remote sensing systems to monitor various aspects of these vehicles. For example, a vehicle may include remote sensors that measure or sense exhaust emissions, remote sensors that measure engine torque, and various other remote sensors for measuring various other characteristics of the vehicle. Remote sensors often include a connector, a length of wire (e.g., often multiple wires), and a rigid printed circuit board.

[0016] A typical approach for remote sensing in a vehicle includes a separate rigid printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., such as a fire-resistant (FR-4) PCB or other suitable rigid PCB), a corresponding wiring harness, and three or more mounting screws for securing the PCB to a mounting location within the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, a flexible PCB (flex PCB) torque sensor may be used to measure or sense the torque of the vehicle, such as engine torque. Such a flexible PCB torque sensor may require adhesives, heat-seal welding, or the like for installation and use within the vehicle. Such typical remote sensing technology may be relatively expensive to manufacture and install within the vehicle.

[0017] Therefore, systems and devices such as described herein may be desirable, including remote sensors and / or remote sensor systems that replace typical remote sensing technology devices and include flexible PCBs. In some embodiments, systems and devices described herein may include a top end of a flexible PCB held between two holding plastic cups.

[0018] In some embodiments, the systems and devices described herein may include an end of the flexible PCB opposite the top end described above. The end opposite the top end may be connected or coupled to a controller of the vehicle. The systems and devices described herein may advantageously avoid the existing rigid PCB, wiring harness, and mounting / positioning screws used in conventional remote sensing technologies.

[0019] The systems and devices described herein may reduce geometric stack-up, which may enable tighter (eg, improved) control of the air gap between a remote sensor and a motor shaft of a vehicle.

[0020] The systems and devices described herein may reduce or eliminate the use of adhesives and / or heat-staking to mount, connect, and / or use remote sensors (eg, when compared to conventional remote sensing and flexible PCB techniques).

[0021] The systems and apparatus described herein may utilize existing retention schemes used for bearing retention in vehicle motor housings, which may allow the systems and apparatus described herein to be coupled to and / or operated in a vehicle without additional machined surfaces.

[0022] In some embodiments, the systems and devices disclosed herein may include a remote sensor for a vehicle, which may include a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor and a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to mate with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board having a first end connected to the sensing device and a second end connected to a controller of the vehicle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a radio detection and ranging sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a light detection and ranging sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a sound navigation and ranging sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a torque sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes an emission sensor. In some embodiments, at least one characteristic of the vehicle includes vehicle exhaust emissions of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensing device is configured to communicate a signal indicating at least one characteristic of the vehicle to a controller using a flexible printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to generate an output in response to receiving the above-mentioned at least one characteristic of the vehicle from the sensing device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the controller by a solder connection. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the controller by a mechanical connection.

[0024] In some embodiments, the systems and devices disclosed herein may include a remote sensor for a vehicle, which may include a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor and a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to be fixedly mated with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end connected to a controller of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup, and wherein the sensing device is disposed on the first end of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes an emissions sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one characteristic of the vehicle includes vehicle emissions of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensing device is configured to communicate a signal indicative of the at least one characteristic of the vehicle to the controller using a flexible printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to generate an output in response to receiving the at least one characteristic of the vehicle from the sensing device. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the controller via a solder connection. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the controller via a mechanical connection.

[0026] In some embodiments, the systems and devices disclosed herein may include a remote sensor for a vehicle, the remote sensor may include a first retaining cup and a second retaining cup adapted to be fixedly mated with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board extending from the sensing device at a first end and connected to a controller of the vehicle at a second end, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup.

[0027] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is generally shown in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The vehicle 10 may include any suitable vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a minivan, a modified car, any other passenger vehicle, any suitable commercial vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle. Although the vehicle 10 is shown as a passenger vehicle having wheels and used on roads, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to other vehicles, such as airplanes, ships, trains, drones, or other suitable vehicles.

[0028] The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 and a hood 14. A passenger compartment 18 is at least partially defined by the body 12. Another portion of the body 12 defines an engine compartment 20. The hood 14 is movably attached to a portion of the body 12 such that when the hood 14 is in a first or open position, the hood 14 provides access to the engine compartment 20, and when the hood 14 is in a second or closed position, the hood 14 covers the engine compartment 20. In some embodiments, the engine compartment 20 may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle 10, rather than as generally shown here.

[0029] The passenger compartment 18 may be disposed rearward of the engine compartment 20, but may be disposed forward of the engine compartment 20 in embodiments where the engine compartment 20 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may include any suitable propulsion system including an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors (e.g., an electric vehicle), one or more fuel cells, a hybrid propulsion system including a combination of an internal combustion engine, one or more electric motors (e.g., a hybrid vehicle), and / or any other suitable propulsion system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a gasoline or gasoline fueled engine, such as a spark ignition engine. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include a diesel fueled engine, such as a compression ignition engine. The engine compartment 20 houses and / or surrounds at least some components of the propulsion system of the vehicle 10. Additionally, or alternatively, propulsion controls, such as an accelerator actuator (e.g., an accelerator pedal), a brake actuator (e.g., a brake pedal), a steering wheel, and other such components are disposed in the passenger compartment 18 of the vehicle 10. These propulsion controls may be actuated or controlled by a driver of the vehicle 10 and may be directly connected to respective components of the propulsion system, such as a throttle, brakes, axles, a vehicle transmission, etc. In some embodiments, the propulsion controls may communicate signals to a vehicle computer (e.g., drive-by-wire), which in turn may control respective propulsion components of the propulsion system. Thus, in some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission that communicates with the crankshaft via a flywheel or a clutch or a fluid coupling. In some embodiments, the transmission includes a manual transmission. In some embodiments, the transmission includes an automatic transmission. The vehicle 10 may include one or more pistons that, in the case of an internal combustion engine or a hybrid vehicle, cooperate with the crankshaft to generate force that is transmitted through the transmission to one or more shafts that rotate the wheels 22. When the vehicle 10 includes one or more electric motors, the vehicle battery and / or fuel cell provides energy to the electric motors to rotate the wheels 22.

[0032] The vehicle 10 may include an automatic vehicle propulsion system, such as cruise control, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking control, other automatic vehicle propulsion systems, or combinations thereof. The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, or other suitable type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 may include more or fewer features than those generally illustrated and / or disclosed herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may include an Ethernet component 24, a controller area network (CAN) bus 26, a media oriented system transport component (MOST) 28, a FlexRay component 30 (e.g., a wire control brake system, etc.), and a local interconnect network component (LIN) 32. The vehicle 10 may use the CAN bus 26, the MOST 28, the FlexRay component 30, the LIN 32, other suitable networks or communication systems, or a combination thereof to communicate various information from sensors, such as those within or outside the vehicle, to various processors or controllers, such as those within or outside the vehicle. The vehicle 10 may include more or fewer features than those generally illustrated and / or disclosed herein.

[0034] The vehicle 10 may include Figure 2 1. The remote sensor system 100 generally shown in FIG. The system 100 may include a controller 102, a remote sensor 104, and a memory 106. The controller 102 may include any suitable controller, such as a vehicle electronic control unit, or any other suitable controller. The controller 102 may include a processor. The processor may include any suitable processor, such as those described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to (or different from) the processor described herein, the controller 102 may include any suitable number of processors. The memory 106 may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., a hard disk drive), and include a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, the memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, etc. The memory 106 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 106 may include a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to control at least various functions of the vehicle 10.

[0035] The controller 102 may be configured to receive input from a remote sensor 104. The remote sensor 104 may include any suitable sensor, such as a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a sound navigation and ranging (sonar) sensor, a torque sensor, an emission sensor, or other suitable sensor. The remote sensor 104 is configured to sense or monitor one or more vehicle characteristics of the vehicle 10, which may include vehicle position, vehicle emissions, engine torque, etc. For example, the remote sensor 104 may include an emission sensor disposed at or near the exhaust output of the vehicle 10 (e.g., and / or at or near any suitable mechanism where the remote sensor 104 is configured to measure or sense multiple characteristics). For example, the remote sensor 104 may sense or measure emissions (e.g., one or more of nitrogen oxides, non-methane organic gases, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde). The remote sensor 104 may generate an output signal indicating the emissions sensed or measured. The remote sensor 104 may communicate the output signal to the controller 102. The controller 102 may use the output signal to execute an operation within the vehicle 10, to initiate a function or process within the vehicle 10, to generate an indicator within the vehicle 10, to communicate with a remotely located computing device, etc. It should be understood that although the remote sensor 104 is described as sensing or measuring emissions, the remote sensor 104 may be configured to sensor or measure any suitable characteristic of any suitable mechanism or system of the vehicle 10.

[0036] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D A remote sensor 104 according to the principles of the present disclosure is generally shown. The remote sensor 104 may include a first end 107. A first retaining cup 108 is disposed at or near the first end 107 of the remote sensor 104. The remote sensor 104 includes a second retaining cup 110 disposed proximate to the first retaining cup 108 at or near the first end 107. The second retaining cup 110 may be configured to mate with the first retaining cup 108. The remote sensor 104 includes a sensing device 112 disposed in a hole 114 defined by the first retaining cup 108 and / or the second retaining cup 110. The sensing device 112 may be configured to sense and / or measure at least one vehicle characteristic of the vehicle, such as those described herein. The remote sensor 104 includes a cable 116. The cable 116 may include and / or be referred to as a flat flexible cable, a ribbon cable, a cable, a flexible PCB, a ribbon, etc. (e.g., the cable 116 may include a flexible PCB).

[0037] The cable 116 includes a first end 118 that is connected to the sensing device 112. The cable 116 includes a second end 120 that is electrically connected to a controller of the vehicle 10. The controller of the vehicle may include the controller 102, a motor controller, or other suitable controller. The second end 120 of the cable 116 may be soldered to the controller of the vehicle, or may be electrically connected or coupled to the controller of the vehicle in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end 118 of the flexible PCB 116 is held by the first retaining cup 108 and the second retaining cup 110.

[0038] In some embodiments, a remote sensor for a vehicle may include a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor and a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to mate with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board having a first end connected to the sensing device and a second end connected to a controller of the vehicle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a radio detection and ranging sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a light detection and ranging sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a sound navigation and ranging sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a torque sensor. In some embodiments, the sensing device includes an emissions sensor. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned at least one characteristic of the vehicle includes vehicle emissions of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensing device is configured to communicate a signal indicating at least one characteristic of the vehicle to the controller using a flexible printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to generate an output in response to receiving at least one characteristic of the vehicle from the sensing device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the controller by a solder connection. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the controller via a mechanical connection.

[0040] In some embodiments, a remote sensor for a vehicle may include a first retaining cup disposed on a first end of the remote sensor and a second retaining cup disposed proximate to the first retaining cup, the second retaining cup being configured to be fixedly mated with the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end connected to a controller of the vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup, and wherein the sensing device is disposed on the first end of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes an emissions sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one characteristic of the vehicle includes vehicle emissions of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the sensing device is configured to communicate a signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the vehicle to the controller using a flexible printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to generate an output in response to receiving at least one characteristic of the vehicle from the sensing device. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the controller via a solder connection. In some embodiments, the second end of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the controller via a mechanical connection.

[0042] In some embodiments, a remote sensor for a vehicle may include a first retaining cup and a second retaining cup adapted to be fixedly coupled to the first retaining cup. The remote sensor may also include a sensing device disposed in a hole defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device being configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle. The remote sensor may also include a flexible printed circuit board extending from the sensing device at a first end and connected to a controller of the vehicle at a second end, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup.

[0043] The above discussion is intended to illustrate the principles and various embodiments of the present disclosure. Once the above disclosure is fully understood, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including all such variations and modifications.

[0044] The word "example" is used in this article to mean to be used as an example, illustration or diagram. Any aspect or design described as an "example" herein is not necessarily to be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Instead, the use of the word "example" is intended to present the concept in a specific form. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to express the meaning of an inclusive "or", rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specifically stated, or clearly reflected from the context, "X includes A or B" is intended to express the meaning of any common inclusive arrangement. That is, if X includes A, X includes B, or X includes A and B, "X includes A or B" is satisfied in any of the above cases. In addition, unless specifically stated or clearly shown from the context to refer to a singular form, the indefinite articles "one" and "an" used in this application and the appended claims should generally be interpreted as expressing the meaning of "one or more". In addition, the terms "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" used throughout this article are not intended to express the same embodiment or embodiment (unless there is such a specific description).

[0045] The embodiments of the systems, algorithms, methods, instructions, etc. described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The hardware may include, for example, a computer, an intellectual property (IP) core, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic array, an optical processor, a programmable logic controller, microcode, a microcontroller, a server, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other suitable circuit. In the claims, the term "processor" should be understood to include any of the foregoing hardware, either alone or in combination. The terms "signal" and "data" are used interchangeably.

[0046] As used herein, the term "module" may include a packaged functional hardware unit designed for use with other components, a set of instructions executable by a controller (e.g., a processor executing software or firmware), a processing circuit configured to perform a specific function, and a self-contained hardware or software component that interfaces with a larger system. For example, a module may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a circuit, a digital logic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits, gates, and other types of hardware, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, a module may include a memory that stores instructions that may be executed by a controller to implement the features of the module.

[0047] Furthermore, in one aspect, for example, a general purpose computer or general purpose processor with a computer program can be used to implement the system described herein, which, when executed, performs any of the corresponding methods, algorithms, and / or instructions described herein. In addition, or alternatively, for example, a dedicated computer / processor can be utilized, which may include other hardware for executing any method, algorithm, or instruction described herein.

[0048] In addition, all or part of the embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product accessible from, for example, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any device that, for example, can tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with any processor. This medium may, for example, be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor device. Other suitable media may also be used.

[0049] The above embodiments, implementations and aspects have been described to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Instead, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which should be interpreted in the broadest sense to include all such modifications and equivalent structures permitted by law.

Claims

1. A remote sensor for a vehicle, comprising: a first retaining cup having a first circumferential characteristic and disposed on a first end of the remote sensor; a second retaining cup having a second circumferential characteristic, the second retaining cup being stacked inside the first retaining cup in the same opening direction as the first retaining cup, so that the second circumferential characteristic matches the first circumferential characteristic of the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup is disposed close to the first retaining cup; a sensing device disposed within the aperture defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle; as well as A flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the sensing device and being held by a first circumferential feature of the first retaining cup and a second circumferential feature of the second retaining cup, the second end being connected to a controller of a vehicle, wherein the first circumferential feature includes an arcuate portion configured to mate with the second circumferential feature of the second retaining cup and extending from the first retaining cup to a protrusion of the second retaining cup, and wherein the second circumferential feature includes a hole of the second retaining cup.

2. The remote sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The sensing means comprises a radio detection and ranging sensor.

3. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The sensing device includes a light detection and ranging sensor.

4. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The sensing device includes a sound navigation and ranging sensor.

5. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The sensing device includes a torque sensor.

6. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The sensing device includes an emission sensor.

7. The remote sensor of claim 6, wherein: The at least one characteristic of the vehicle includes vehicle emissions of the vehicle.

8. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The sensing device is configured to communicate a signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the vehicle to the controller using the flexible printed circuit board.

9. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to generate an output in response to receiving at least one characteristic of the vehicle from the sensing device.

10. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The second end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the controller through a solder connection.

11. The remote sensor of claim 1, wherein: The second end of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the controller by a mechanical connection.

12. A remote sensor for a vehicle, comprising: a first retaining cup having a first circumferential characteristic and disposed on a first end of the remote sensor; a second retaining cup having a second circumferential characteristic, the second retaining cup being stacked inside the first retaining cup in the same opening direction as the first retaining cup, so that the second circumferential characteristic matches the first circumferential characteristic of the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup is disposed close to the first retaining cup; a sensing device disposed within the aperture defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle; as well as A flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end connected to a controller of a vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by a first circumferential feature of the first retaining cup and a second circumferential feature of the second retaining cup, and wherein the sensing device is disposed on the first end of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the first circumferential feature includes an arcuate portion configured to mate with the second circumferential feature of the second retaining cup and extend from the first retaining cup to a protrusion of the second retaining cup, and wherein the second circumferential feature includes a hole of the second retaining cup.

13. The remote sensor of claim 12, wherein: The sensing device includes an emission sensor.

14. The remote sensor of claim 13, wherein: The at least one characteristic of the vehicle includes vehicle emissions of the vehicle.

15. The remote sensor of claim 12, wherein: The sensing device is configured to communicate a signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the vehicle to the controller using the flexible printed circuit board.

16. The remote sensor of claim 12, wherein: The controller is configured to generate an output in response to receiving at least one characteristic of the vehicle from the sensing device.

17. The remote sensor of claim 12, wherein: The second end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the controller through a solder connection.

18. The remote sensor of claim 12, wherein: The second end of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the controller by a mechanical connection.

19. A remote sensor for a vehicle, comprising: a first retaining cup having a first circumferential characteristic; a second retaining cup having a second circumferential characteristic, the second retaining cup being stacked inside the first retaining cup in the same opening direction as the first retaining cup, so that the second circumferential characteristic is suitable for fixedly mating with the first circumferential characteristic of the first retaining cup and the second retaining cup is disposed close to the first retaining cup; a sensing device disposed in the aperture defined by the second retaining cup, the sensing device configured to measure at least one characteristic of the vehicle; as well as A flexible printed circuit board having a first end extending from the sensing device and a second end welded to a controller of a vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the first end of the flexible printed circuit board is retained by a first circumferential feature of the first retaining cup and a second circumferential feature of the second retaining cup, wherein the first circumferential feature includes an arcuate portion configured to mate with the second circumferential feature of the second retaining cup and extend from the first retaining cup to a protrusion of the second retaining cup, and wherein the second circumferential feature includes a hole of the second retaining cup.

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