Sensor mounting device for vehicle
By using existing structural components of the vehicle, such as the body structural columns, the problems of increasing aerodynamic drag and manufacturing complexity in the prior art are solved, and the effect of efficiently installing sensors on the vehicle is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411316067.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-21
AI Technical Summary
Prior art When installing sensors on vehicles, specialized structural support is often required to be added, resulting in a weird appearance, increased aerodynamic drag, and increased manufacturing complexity and cost.
By utilizing existing structural components of the vehicle, such as body structural columns, sensors are installed without the need to add additional support structures. The sensor may be mounted in a projection extending outwardly on the outer surface of the structural column, or flush with the surface of the structural column, to reduce the impact on aerodynamic drag.
A structure that installs a large number of sensors on the vehicle without increasing aerodynamic drag and unsightly appearance is realized, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Smart Images
Figure CN119659483A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a sensor mounting arrangement for a vehicle and, more particularly, to an arrangement in which the sensor is mounted in an existing structural component of the vehicle rather than in a structure that is specifically added to support the sensor. Background Art
[0002] An increasing number of sensors are placed on the surface of modern vehicles. Such sensors are distributed around the vehicle and are used to collect data in all directions around the vehicle during vehicle operation for use in critical tasks, such as autonomous driving modes. The current industry trend is to add structures specifically in the vehicle cabin to support a large number of additional sensors. For example, sensors are added to extensions of the vehicle body surface, which may result in a weird and / or cluttered appearance and may add unwanted aerodynamic drag to the vehicle's profile. Additional body extensions also increase manufacturing complexity and cost. Therefore, there is a need for a sensor mounting device that utilizes existing structural components without adding sensor support structures or increasing aerodynamic drag. Summary of the invention
[0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a sensor mounting apparatus for a vehicle includes a vehicle body having a structural pillar disposed adjacent a vehicle windshield, wherein one or more first sensors are supported by the structural pillar.
[0004] In another aspect of the present invention, a sensor mounting device for a vehicle includes a vehicle body having a structural column disposed adjacent to a vehicle windshield, wherein each of a plurality of first sensors supported by the structural column has a field of view, and wherein each of the one or more first sensors is mounted in a protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the structural column.
[0005] In another aspect of the invention, a sensor mounting device for a vehicle includes a vehicle body and one or more sensor support members extending from the vehicle body, the vehicle body having a structural pillar disposed adjacent to a vehicle windshield, wherein each of the one or more sensor support members has a leading surface extending away from a direction of travel of the vehicle. One or more first sensors each having a field of view are supported by the structural pillar, and one or more second sensors each having a field of view are supported by each of the one or more sensor support members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope.
[0007] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle body according to an embodiment;
[0008] Figure 1B is a schematic top view of an exemplary sensor support member according to an embodiment;
[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic elevation view of an exemplary windshield and structural pillars according to an embodiment;
[0010] Figure 3A It is roughly along Figure 2 A schematic side view of a structural column according to an embodiment taken by block arrows 3 and 4 in FIG.
[0011] Figure 3B It is roughly along Figure 2 A schematic side view of a structural column according to another embodiment, taken by block arrows 3 and 4;
[0012] Figure 4 It is roughly along Figure 2 A schematic side view of a structural column according to another embodiment, taken by block arrows 3 and 4;
[0013] Figure 5A is a schematic top view of a sensor support member according to an embodiment;
[0014] Figure 5B is a schematic top view of a sensor support member according to another embodiment; and
[0015] Figure 5C is a schematic top view of a sensor support member according to another embodiment.
[0016] In the following detailed description, various embodiments are described with reference to the attached drawings. The skilled person will appreciate that the drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements or components throughout. Therefore, the same elements or components will not necessarily be described in detail in each drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Reference Figure 1A In one embodiment, an exemplary vehicle body 10, such as a tractor cab 10, is shown having a windshield 20, a hood 25, doors 30, and windows 40. In one embodiment, a structural column 50 is disposed adjacent to and between the vehicle windshield 20 and the door 30. As shown, the vehicle body 10 is viewed from the front and slightly to the left, so the direction of travel would be the direction the front of the vehicle is facing, which is beyond the page and slightly to the left relative to the reader.
[0018] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, an exemplary windshield 20 is shown in front view having structural pillars 50 disposed on both sides of the windshield 20. In one embodiment, one or more first sensors 60 are supported by the structural pillars 50.
[0019] Reference Figure 3A , 3B and 4, showing the Figure 2 One of the columns 50 in the embodiment is observed by the block arrows marked 3 and 4 in FIG. In one embodiment, the one or more first sensors 60 include a plurality of first sensors 60 as shown in the figure, each first sensor 60 having a field of view F, which is bounded by line F and faces a direction, such as D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, etc. It should be noted that although the field of view F is Figures 3A-5C , but is actually three-dimensional, the field of view F extends beyond the plane of the paper to have a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape extending from each first or second sensor 60, 80. In one embodiment, the field of view F of each of the plurality of first sensors 60 faces a common direction, such as Figure 3B In one embodiment, as shown in D4 Figure 3A As shown, the field of view F of at least one of the plurality of first sensors 60 faces a direction, for example, D1, which is different from the directions D2, D3 of the fields of view F of other sensors except the at least one of the plurality of first sensors 60. In one embodiment, the fields of view F of all the plurality of first sensors 60 face different directions (see Figure 3A ).
[0020] In such Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, a surface 62 disposed across the field of view F of each of the one or more first sensors 60 is flush with an outer surface 64 of the structural pillar 50. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that by making these intersecting surfaces flush, the aerodynamic drag of the pillar 50 is not substantially different than the aerodynamic drag of a similar pillar 50 without the first sensors 60 at all; thus, the addition of the first sensors 60 does not increase the aerodynamic drag of the pillar 50 or the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body 10.
[0021] In such Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, each of the one or more first sensors 60 is mounted in a protrusion 68 extending outwardly from an outer surface 64 of the structural pillar 50. In this embodiment, due to the geometry of the protrusion 68 extending away from the surface 64, each sensor 60 has a greater range of possible facing directions for the sensor field of view F, such as shown by D5 and D6. Again, without being bound by theory, it is believed that by moving in the forward direction 74 (see FIG. 7 ) of the vehicle body 10, the sensor 60 can be viewed from a distance. Figure 1A and lower figures), extending the protrusion away from the column 50 can achieve this wider range of directional selection and control of the sensor 60 without significantly increasing the aerodynamic drag of the column 50, thereby not increasing the shape drag (caused by the degree of cross-section); therefore, adding the first sensor 60 in the protrusion 68 will not significantly increase the aerodynamic drag of the column 50 or the vehicle body 10.
[0022] Again briefly refer to Figure 1A In one embodiment, the vehicle body also includes one or more sensor support members 70 extending from the vehicle body 10, which may alternatively be referred to as winglets 70. Many existing vehicle types have a form of winglet 70, for example for mounting running lights or status lights. Figure 1B A top view of a portion of the vehicle body 10 extending from one or more sensor support members 70 is shown, with the forward direction of the vehicle body 10 indicated by an arrow labeled 74. In one embodiment, each of the one or more sensor support members 70 has a leading face 72 extending away from the forward direction 74 of the vehicle body 10. In one embodiment, one or more second sensors 80 are supported by each of the one or more sensor support members 70. Without being bound by theory, the shape of the leading face 72 is believed to minimize the additional aerodynamic drag caused by the sensor support member 70.
[0023] Reference Figures 5A-5C , an exemplary sensor support member 70 in one embodiment is as described above Figure 1A In one embodiment, the one or more second sensors 80 include a plurality of second sensors 80 as shown, each second sensor having a field of view F defined by a line F and facing a direction, such as D7, D8, D9, D10, D11, D12, etc. In one embodiment, the field of view F of each of the plurality of second sensors 80 faces a common direction, such as Figure 5B In one embodiment, as shown in D10 Figure 5AAs shown, the field of view F of at least one of the plurality of second sensors 80 faces a direction, for example, D7, which is different from the directions D8, D9 of the fields of view F of other sensors except the at least one of the plurality of second sensors 80. In one embodiment, the fields of view F of all the plurality of second sensors 80 face different directions (see Figure 5A ).
[0024] In such Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, a surface 82 disposed across the field of view F of each of the one or more second sensors 80 is flush with an outer surface 84 of the sensor support member 70. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that by making these intersecting surfaces flush, the aerodynamic drag of the sensor support member 70 is not substantially different than the aerodynamic drag of a similar sensor support member 70 without the second sensors 80 at all; thus, the addition of the second sensors 80 does not increase the aerodynamic drag of the sensor support member (or winglet) 70 or the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body 10.
[0025] In such Figure 5C In one embodiment shown, each of the one or more second sensors 80 is mounted in a protrusion 88 extending outwardly from an outer surface 84 of the sensor support member 70. In this embodiment, due to the geometry of the protrusion 88 extending away from the surface 84, each sensor 80 has a greater range of possible facing directions for the sensor field of view F, as shown by D11 and D12. Again, without being bound by theory, it is believed that by extending the protrusion 88 away from the sensor support member 70 in the forward direction 74 of the vehicle body 10, this greater range of orientation and control of the sensor 80 can be achieved without significantly increasing the aerodynamic drag of the sensor support member 70, thereby not increasing form drag; therefore, the addition of a second sensor 80 in the protrusion 88 does not significantly increase the aerodynamic drag of the sensor support member (or winglet) 70 or the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body 10.
[0026] In one embodiment, the direction each of the first sensor 60 and the second sensor 80 faces is determined by how each sensor 60, 80 is positioned within the column 50 or the sensor support member 70 during manufacture. In another embodiment, the direction each sensor 60, 80 faces is not fixed but can be adjusted during operation by an actuator (not shown), the first sensor 60 being mounted within the column 50, or the second sensor 80 being mounted within the sensor support member 70.
[0027] In one embodiment, each of the one or more first sensors 60 and each of the one or more second sensors 80 can be the same as or different from all other first sensors 60 and second sensors 80. The differences may be in size, geometry, power consumption, and sensor type, among other differences. In one embodiment, each of the one or more first sensors 60 and each of the one or more second sensors 80 are selected from the group of sensors consisting of optical sensors, light direction and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, infrared sensors, and acoustic wave sensors.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1 , in another embodiment, the structural pillar 50 is identified at other portions of the vehicle body 10 , such as, but not limited to, portion 50A of the vehicle body 10 identified as being directly above the windshield 20 , or portion 50B of the vehicle body 10 identified as being on the side of the engine hood 25 , or portion 50C of the vehicle body 10 identified as being on the side of the vehicle body 10 directly above the door 30 . In all of the embodiments disclosed above, any description regarding the structure or function of the structural pillar 50 also applies to the structural pillars 50A, 50B, or 50C. For example, any one of the structural pillars 50A, 50B, or 50C may have one or more first sensors 60 or second sensors 80 supported thereby, wherein the one or more sensors 60, 80 are flush with the surface of the structural pillar 50A, 50B, or 50C (e.g., Figure 3A and 5A ), or one or more sensors 60, 80 are mounted in a protrusion extending outwardly from the outer surface of the structural column 50A, 50B or 50C (such as Figure 4 and 5C ).
[0029] For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly listed herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the use of the terms "approximately," "about," "roughly," "substantially," etc., means plus or minus 10%.
[0030] Industrial Applicability
[0031] A sensor mounting device includes a sensor mounted within a structural element of a vehicle body. The device provides a method of mounting a large number of sensors on a vehicle body without the undesirable addition of external extension members that are unsightly, expensive to produce, and increase the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle body. The sensor mounting device can be manufactured in the industry and used in vehicles purchased by consumers.
[0032] In view of the previous description, many modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is not desirable to limit the present invention to the exact structure and operation shown and described, and therefore, all appropriate modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the present invention may be adopted. Therefore, this specification is understood to illustrate only the principles of the present invention, and the purpose of the present invention is to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and to teach the best mode of implementing the present invention. The exclusive right to all modifications that will fall within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. All patents, patent publications and patent applications described herein, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims
1. A sensor mounting device for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body having a structural column disposed adjacent to a vehicle windshield; One or more first sensors are supported by the structural column.
2. The sensor mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more first sensors include a plurality of first sensors, each first sensor having a field of view.
3. The sensor mounting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The field of view of each of the plurality of first sensors faces in a common direction.
4. The sensor mounting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The field of view of at least one of the plurality of first sensors faces a direction different from fields of view of other sensors except the at least one of the plurality of first sensors.
5. The sensor mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A surface disposed across a field of view of each of the one or more first sensors is flush with an outer surface of the structural column.
6. The sensor mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the one or more first sensors is mounted in a protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the structural column.
7. The sensor mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes one or more sensor support members extending from the vehicle body, wherein each of the one or more sensor support members has a leading surface extending away from the forward direction of the vehicle, and wherein one or more second sensors are supported by each of the one or more sensor support members.
8. The sensor mounting device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the one or more first sensors and each of the one or more second sensors are selected from a sensor group consisting of an optical sensor, a light direction and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, an infrared sensor, and an acoustic sensor.
9. A sensor mounting device for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body having a structural column disposed adjacent to a vehicle windshield; wherein each of the plurality of first sensors has a field of view supported by the structural column; Wherein, each of the one or more first sensors is mounted in a protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the structural column.
10. The sensor mounting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The field of view of each of the plurality of first sensors faces a common direction.
11. The sensor mounting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A field of view of at least one of the plurality of first sensors faces a direction different from directions of fields of view of other sensors other than the at least one of the plurality of first sensors.
12. The sensor mounting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes one or more sensor support members extending from the vehicle body, wherein each of the one or more sensor support members has a leading surface extending away from the forward direction of the vehicle, and wherein one or more second sensors are supported by each of the one or more sensor support members.
13. The sensor mounting device according to claim 12, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of first sensors and each of the one or more second sensors is selected from the group of sensors consisting of an optical sensor, a light direction and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, an infrared sensor, and an acoustic sensor.
14. A sensor mounting device for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body having a structural column disposed adjacent to a vehicle windshield; one or more sensor support members extending from the vehicle body, wherein each of the one or more sensor support members has a leading surface extending away from a direction of travel of the vehicle; wherein each of the one or more first sensors has a field of view supported by the structural column; and Wherein each of the one or more first sensors has a field of view, and the field of view is supported by each of the one or more sensor support members.
15. The sensor mounting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The field of view of at least one of the one or more first sensors or at least one of the one or more second sensors faces a direction different from a direction of the field of view of other sensors other than the at least one of the one or more first sensors or the at least one of the one or more second sensors.
16. The sensor mounting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: Each of the one or more first sensors is mounted in a protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the structural column.
17. The sensor mounting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: A surface disposed across a field of view of each of the one or more first sensors is flush with an outer surface of the structural column.
18. The sensor mounting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: Each of the one or more second sensors is mounted in a protrusion extending outwardly from the leading surface.
19. The sensor mounting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: A surface disposed across the field of view of each of the one or more second sensors is flush with the leading face.
20. The sensor mounting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: Each of the one or more first sensors and each of the one or more second sensors are selected from a sensor group consisting of an optical sensor, a light direction and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, an infrared sensor, and an acoustic sensor.