System, assembly and method for coupling a sensor pod to a vehicle

Abstract

A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod to a vehicle. The universal bracket has a first end with a surface for connecting to the vehicle, a second end for connecting to the sensor pod, three fixing points extending perpendicular to and through the surface to prevent lateral, vertical and forward movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, and at least one port extending from the first end to the second end. The three fixing points further prevent rotational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, and the at least one port is configured to allow passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod. A connection assembly includes the universal bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 826,000, filed on May 26, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 826,031, filed on May 26, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 826,039, filed on May 26, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 826,043, filed on May 26, 2022; and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 826,046, filed on May 26, 2022. The entire contents of each of the foregoing documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a universal bracket for a sensor pod.

Background Art

[0003] Vehicles include side mirrors connected to the vehicle. Some side mirrors can be equipped with functions such as collecting data and information, communicating with the vehicle, and assisting in the vehicle's navigation.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod and a vehicle includes a first end having a surface for connecting to the vehicle, a second end for connecting to the sensor pod, three fixing points extending perpendicular to and through the surface to prevent lateral, vertical, and forward movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, and at least one port extending from the first end through an arm. The three fixing points further prevent rotational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, and the at least one port is configured to allow the passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod and a vehicle has a first end having a surface for connecting to the vehicle, a second end for connecting to the sensor pod, three fixing points extending perpendicular to the surface for preventing lateral movement, vertical movement, and rotational movement of the universal bracket with respect to the vehicle, a bracket arm protrusion extending from the second end, and a bracket pin extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the bracket arm protrusion, and the bracket pin and the upper surface are configured to receive a sensor pod arm of the sensor pod.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connection assembly for coupling a sensor pod to a vehicle includes a universal bracket having a bracket port extending from a side of the bracket facing the track of the vehicle to a side of the bracket facing the sensor pod, a sensor pod arm having a sensor pod arm port extending from a side of the sensor pod facing the bracket to a cavity of the sensor pod arm, and a conduit connector disposed within the cavity, wherein the bracket port and the sensor pod arm port are aligned and a conduit is configured to extend from the vehicle through the aligned bracket port and sensor pod port and connect to the conduit connector.

[0007] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described or will become apparent by considering the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the present disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the claimed present disclosure.

[0008] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, will become apparent from the following description of various illustrative embodiments, which are more specific and are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

[0010]

Figure 2

[0011]

Figure 3

[0012]

Figure 4

[0013]

Figure 5

[0014]

Figure 6

[0015]

Figure 7

[0016]

Figure 8

[0017]

Figure 9

[0018]

Figure 10

[0019]

Figure 11

[0020]

Figure 12

[0021]

Figure 13

[0022]

Figure 14

[0023]

Figure 15

[0024]

Figure 16

[0025]

Figure 17

[0026]

Figure 18

[0027]

Figure 19

[0028]

Figure 20

[0029]

Figure 21

[0030]

Figure 22

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Various embodiments are described in detail below. Specific embodiments are described, but this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of individual components.

[0033] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the relative positions of the vehicle. For example, "front" refers to a position closer to the vehicle's front hood, front bumper, or front fender, and "rear" refers to a position closer to the vehicle's rear bumper, rear trunk, or trailer.

[0034] The terms "coupled", "fixed", "attached", and "connected", unless otherwise specified herein, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attachment, or connection and indirect coupling, fixing, attachment, or connection through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0035] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] The language of approximation (approximate expression) used throughout this specification and the claims is applied to modify any quantitative expression and indicates that it may vary tolerably without causing a change in the basic function to which it relates. Accordingly, a value modified by terms such as "about", "approximately", and "substantially" is not limited to the specified exact value. In at least some instances, the language of approximation may correspond to the accuracy of the instrument for measuring the value or the accuracy of the method or machine for constructing or manufacturing the component and / or system. For example, the language of approximation may refer to being within a margin of 1 percent, 2 percent, 4 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, or 20 percent of any of an individual value, a range of values, and / or an endpoint defining a range of values.

[0037] The vehicle includes a sensor pod connected to the vehicle. The sensor pod can collect data and information, communicate with the vehicle, and assist with vehicle navigation. The sensor pod is connected to the vehicle by a connection assembly. There is a need for improved assemblies, systems, and methods for connecting the sensor pod to the vehicle. As described and illustrated herein, these can include, for example, a connection assembly that reduces damage and debris during a collision, a quick-swap sensor pod, and / or a universal bracket or attachment.

[0038] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor pod can flex (bend) rearward after impact to reduce damage and debris after a collision. The connection assembly can allow rotation during impact but is rigidly held by shear bolts to prevent vibration. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a quick-swap sensor pod can be quickly exchanged, for example, in a few minutes. The connection assembly allows for quick removal and / or installation. No bolts are required to initially attach the sensor pod to the vehicle. In another aspect, the connection assembly provides a universal attachment for multiple mirror pod types and a universal attachment for multiple vehicle styles. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor pod can be exchanged by one individual without the need for an additional support structure to manage the weight and position of the sensor pod.

[0039] In one aspect, the connection assembly may include features for providing alignment control and positioning control of the sensor pod. For example, in a connection assembly having a bracket and a sensor pod arm, as will be described in more detail below, the sensor pod arm and the bracket may be configured to provide alignment control and positioning control of the sensor pod when assembling the bracket and the sensor pod arm. These features may reliably position the bracket and the sensor pod arm such that they communicate and / or contact each other, as will be described in more detail below. Various contact configurations of the bracket and the sensor pod arm including one or more features for facilitating alignment and / or contact are conceivable. For example, in some embodiments, the side surface of the bracket and the side surface of the sensor pod arm may be aligned with each other and contact each other. In some embodiments, the protrusion of the bracket and the protrusion of the sensor pod arm may be aligned with each other and contact each other. A form compatible with manufacturing may be beneficial. The features or configurations may be constructed, designed, and / or manufactured to provide a highly reliable alignment and, in some embodiments, contact between the bracket and the sensor pod arm. The features may be able to control the position of the sensor pod arm relative to the bracket and may help align the connection between the sensor pod arm and the bracket. Details of the alignment, control, and, in some embodiments, contact will be described in more detail below.

[0040] Figures 1 and 2 show a vehicle 10 equipped with a sensor pod 12. In Figure 1, a single sensor pod 12 is shown, and in Figure 2, two sensor pods 12 are shown, although more or fewer sensor pods 12 may be provided. The vehicle 10 can be any motor vehicle such as, for example, an automobile, a truck, a commercial truck, a bus, a ship (boat, vessel, underwater vehicle, etc.), a motorcycle, an aircraft (airplane, helicopter, etc.), or a spacecraft, etc., but is not limited thereto. For simplicity of explanation, in this specification, the vehicle 10 may be referred to as a truck 10.

[0041] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor pod 12 can be a side mirror assembly attached to the vehicle 10. The sensor pod 12 can assist in the navigation of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the sensor pod 12 can assist in navigation in such a manner that the vehicle 10 becomes an autonomous or self-driving vehicle. In this regard, the sensor pod 12 can include, for example, one or more cameras, one or more lidars, one or more radars, one or more inertial measurement units, one or more mirrors, one or more any sensor types that can be useful for the operation of the vehicle, or any combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. The vehicle 10 can use the data collected by the sensor pod 12 (via a processor or a controller) to navigate the vehicle 10 and control the speed, direction, braking, and other functions of the vehicle 10. As an example, the sensor pod 12 can be the sensor pod described in International Patent Application No. WO2020 / 180707, and the entire content of this document is incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrated example, the sensor pod 12 is attached to the A-pillar 11 of the frame of the vehicle 10 near the driver's side door and the passenger's side door, but can be attached to other positions of the vehicle 10, for example, the driver's side door and / or the passenger's side door, or other positions of the frame of the vehicle 10, but is not limited thereto. The attachment position of the sensor pod 12 can preferably use an existing attachment point of the truck 10 or can be attached to the truck structure using appropriate hardware.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the sensor pod 12 and the connection assembly 100. The vehicle 10 is omitted for clarity. The connection assembly 100 can attach or couple the sensor pod 12 to the vehicle 10 (Figure 1). The connection assembly 100 can generally include a sensor pod arm 200 and a bracket 300. The sensor pod arm 200 can connect to the sensor pod 12 and the bracket. The bracket 300 can connect to the vehicle 10. The bracket 300 can connect to the sensor pod arm 200 in the manner described herein. The bracket 300 can connect the vehicle 10 (Figure 1) to the sensor pod arm 200 and further to the sensor pod 12.

[0043] As described above, the sensor pod 12 can take many forms and can include, for example, a lidar 16 as described in International Patent Application No. WO2020 / 180707. The sensor pod 12 is shown blank for illustrative purposes, but as described above, the sensor pod 12 can include a mirror, a sensor, etc. For example, Figures 13 and 14 show an exemplary front view of a sensor pod 12 having a mirror 13.

[0044] Details of the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300 are described in detail with reference to Figures 4 through 10. Figures 4 through 7 show the sensor pod arm 200 with the bracket 300 removed for illustrative purposes. Figures 8 through 10 show only the bracket 300 for illustrative purposes.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, sensor pod 12 with sensor pod arm 200 is shown. Sensor pod arm 200 includes a sensor pod arm body 202. Sensor pod arm body 202 has one end 203 connected to a bracket 300 (FIG. 3). Bracket 300 is not shown in these figures so as to illustrate and describe the details of sensor pod arm 200. Sensor pod arm body 202 has the other end 205 connected to sensor pod 12 in sensor pod housing 14. In some examples, the connection between housing 14 of sensor pod 12 and sensor pod arm body 202 can be a permanent connection. For example, sensor pod arm body 202 and housing 14 of sensor pod 12 can be of one piece, can be a single entity, or can be formed as a single unit. In some examples, the connection between housing 14 and sensor pod arm body 202 can be removable. In some examples, housing 14 and sensor pod arm body 202 are connected using an adhesive, welding, fasteners, or are integrally formed by casting or molding, etc.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, different perspective views of sensor pod arm 200 are shown and described herein. Sensor pod arm 200 can generally be configured to include a housing or sensor pod arm body 202 as shown in the figures. At one end 203, sensor pod arm body 202 includes a side surface 212, a sensor pod arm protrusion 224 having an opening 228, and a sensor pod arm flange 234. These are all for connecting to bracket 300 (FIG. 3). The interaction of each of side surface 212, sensor pod arm protrusion 224, opening 228, and sensor pod arm flange 234 with bracket 300 can couple sensor pod arm 200 to bracket 300 in the manner described herein.

[0047] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sensor pod arm 200 may include an upper surface 204, a lower surface 206, a first side surface 208, and a second side surface 210. The sensor pod arm body 202 includes a side surface 212, which may be aligned and contacted with the side surface 314 (FIG. 9) of the bracket 300 when coupled to the bracket 300. The side surface 212 may be planar. The side surface 212 may include one or more openings 214 (also referred to as one or more ports 214) for allowing the passage of one or more conduits between the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). As can be seen by briefly referring to FIGS. 6 and 12, the one or more openings 214 extend from the side surface 212 of the bracket arm to the opposite side surface 213. The side surface 213 defines the inner wall of a cavity 220 in which one or more conduits are received. The first side surface 208 of the sensor pod arm 200 may include a cover 216 removably coupled to the sensor pod arm body 202. The cover 216 may allow access to one or more conduits (invisible in FIG. 4) passing through the one or more openings 214. The cover 216 may be coupled to the sensor pod arm body 202 using one or more fasteners 218. However, other removable fixing means are also conceivable.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor pod arm 200 is shown with the cover 216 (FIG. 4) omitted for clarity. The sensor pod arm body 202 may include a cavity 220. As described above, one or more conduits (omitted for clarity) may extend within the cavity 220. The one or more conduits may supply power, water, air, data, electricity, other fluids, etc. from the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) to the sensor pod 12 via the connection assembly 100 (e.g., the bracket 300 and the sensor pod arm 200). The one or more conduits may allow the sensor pod 12 to receive and transmit data, power, information, signals (e.g., control signals) to and from the vehicle 10 (e.g., may have a bi-directional communication function). Cleaning fluid such as water or air may be provided to the sensor pod 12 for cleaning the sensors housed therein.

[0049] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 6 and 7, one or more conduits (omitted for clarity) may extend from the side surface 212 through one or more openings 214 into the cavity 220 and may be coupled to one or more conduit connectors (herein shown as the first conduit connector 222a, the second conduit connector 222b, and the third conduit connector 222c). Although three conduit connectors are shown, more or fewer conduit connectors may be provided. The one or more conduits and the one or more conduit connectors may, for the reasons described above, allow power or electrical conduits, signal conduits, water conduits, air conduits, and other fluid conduits to be coupled between the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) and the sensor pod 12. In some examples, the first conduit connector 222a may couple an air conduit to the sensor pod 12, the second conduit connector 222b may couple a power and / or signal conduit to the sensor pod 12, and the third conduit connector 222c may couple a water conduit to the sensor pod 12. The air and water conduits may allow for the cleaning of sensors within the sensor pod 12. The power and signal conduits may allow power to be supplied to the sensor pod 12 and may allow for two-way communication between one or more computers or processors on the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) and the sensor pod 12. That is, the sensor pod 12 may transmit and receive data, control signals, power, etc. from the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) and vice versa.

[0050] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor pod arm body 202 may include a sensor pod arm protrusion 224 that extends downwardly from the upper surface 204. As shown, the sensor pod arm protrusion 224, and the opening 228 therethrough, extend approximately halfway along the sensor pod arm height H A between the upper surface 204 and the lower surface 206 and terminate at approximately the mid-region at the lower surface 228. The protrusion 224 and the opening 22 are shown and described as having a height H A of approximately 50% of the height H P of the sensor pod arm, although other heights H P are contemplated. For example, the height H P may be the height HA It can be between about 30% and about 70%. The opening 226 of the sensor pod arm protrusion 224 receives the bracket pin 318 (FIG. 9). The bracket pin 318 may be referred to herein as a pin or a post. Although the opening 226 is illustrated and described as a cylindrical component, it can take any shape configured to mate with the respective shape of the bracket pin 318 and allow its relative rotation. The opening 226 may also be referred to as a pin receiving opening 226. The opening 226 may extend through the sensor pod arm protrusion 224 from the upper surface 204 to the lower surface 228 of the sensor pod arm protrusion 224. A fastener 230 and a thrust bearing 232 are provided to fix the bracket pin 318 (FIG. 9) and thus fix the bracket 300 (FIG. 3) to the sensor pod arm 200. The thrust bearing 232 is intended to allow relative rotation between the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300 while supporting the axial load generated by the weight of the sensor pod 12, as will be described in more detail below.

[0051] The sensor pod arm body 202 may include a sensor pod arm flange 234 that extends laterally beyond the side surface 212 and has a side surface 209 (FIG. 5) that coincides with the second side surface 210 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, a flange axis A F extends in the same direction as the second side surface 210 and is the longitudinal axis A of the sensor pod 12 SPIt can be perpendicular to. Referring back to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor pod arm flange 234 can include one or more ridges 233 that extend laterally from the flange surface 231 toward one or more openings 214 and / or protrusions 224. Each of the one or more ridges 233 can have a plane configured to contact the surface of the bracket 300. Each of the one or more ridges 233 can include an opening 236 for receiving a respective fastener 238. When assembled, the ridge 233 can contact the ridge 333 (FIG. 9) of the bracket 300. One or more fasteners 238 can extend through the one or more openings 236 and, in the manner described herein, can fix the sensor pod arm flange 234 to the bracket 300 (FIG. 3) at one or more openings 330 (FIG. 9).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection assembly 100, of which the sensor pod arm 200 is a component, includes a first connection portion 102 along a first axis A 1 The first axis A 1 can be parallel to and offset from the vertical axis A of the sensor pod 12 SP The connection assembly 100 includes a second connection portion 104 along a second axis A 2 The second axis A 2 is perpendicular to the vertical axis A SP The connection assembly 100 includes a third connection portion 106 along a third axis A 3 The third axis A 3 is perpendicular to the vertical axis A SP and parallel to the second axis A 2 The flange axis A F can be perpendicular to each of the first axis A 1 the second axis A 2 and the third axis A 3

[0053] ​The first connection portion 102, the second connection portion 104, and the third connection portion 106 provide a vibration isolation system for the sensor pod 12. That is, the first connection portion 102, the second connection portion 104, and the third connection portion 106 connect the sensor pod 12 to the vehicle 10 in a manner that prevents or limits relative movement between the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10. As used herein, terms such as "fix", "fixing", "fixed", "rigid", "rigidly", etc. refer to a connection such that relative movement between two parts is prevented or limited.

[0054] Accordingly, the first connection portion 102 fixes the sensor pod 12 around the first axis A 1 to provide a first fixing point. The first fixing point limits the movement between the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300 in both the vertical direction V (due to the fixing of the fastener 230 to the bracket pin 318) and the lateral direction L (due to the interaction between the bracket pin 318 and the opening 226). The second connection portion 104 fixes the sensor pod 12 around the second axis A 2 to provide a second fixing point, and the third connection portion 10 fixes the sensor pod 12 around the third axis A 3 to provide a third fixing point. Each of the second connection portion 104 and the third connection portion 106 limits the movement between the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300 in the rotational direction R around the first axis A 1 Accordingly, the first fixing point, the second fixing point, and the third fixing point provide a rigid connection between the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300, preventing or limiting relative movement in all directions between the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300. Although three fixing points are illustrated and described, only two fixing points are required, that is, the first fixing point and a second fixing point spaced from the first axis A 1 (for example, the second connection portion 104 or the third connection portion 106). Accordingly, the second fixing point may occur at either the fastener 238 passing through the opening 236 and the opening 330, or at another location spaced from the first axis A 1 As a result, the second fixing point, due to the fastening force between the arm 200 and the bracket 300, is relative to the first axis A 1It can provide a moment that resists any rotation of the surrounding sensor pod 12. The arrangement of the second fixed point is preferably perpendicular to the axis A 1 and in this case, a predetermined load against shear (described below) will be along the axis of the second fixed point. The second fixed point may be along an axis having a component perpendicular to the first axis A 1 . In this case, the second connection part 104 or the third connection part 106 may be optional and may be omitted. In some examples, a single fastener 238, a single opening 236, and a single opening 330 may be provided. In some examples, more than two fasteners 238, more than two openings 236, and more than two openings 330 may be provided so that more than two fixed points are provided around the rotation direction R.

[0055] The first fixed point, the second fixed point, and the third fixed point refer to fixed positions, but do not limit the fixation to a single finite point. As described above, these fixed points are based on the axis. The fixed points described above are for the sensor pod 12 to be firmly connected to the vehicle 10 (for example, the relative movement between the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10 is so small that there is almost no, minimal, or no relative movement) to prevent, limit, and / or reduce the vibration of the sensor pod 12. The rigidity resulting from the limitation or prevention of relative movement provides a vibration isolation system for the sensor pod 12, and the system can reduce, limit, or prevent the adverse effects that vibration may bring to the sensor and / or the calibration of the sensor.

[0056] Figures 8 to 10 show the bracket 300. The bracket 300 is part of the connection assembly 100 as described above. One end 303 of the bracket 300 can be connected to the sensor pod arm 200 of the connection assembly 100 (for example, at one end 203), thereby enabling connection to the housing 14. The other end 305 of the bracket 300 can be connected to the vehicle 10 (Figure 1). The bracket 300 includes a bracket body 302 having a bracket protrusion 304 as shown in Figure 8. The bracket 300 includes an upper surface 306, a lower surface 308, a first side surface 310, and a second side surface 312 (Figure 9). Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the bracket body 302 includes a side surface 314 that can be aligned and contacted with the side surface 212 (Figure 4) when assembled. As described above, the bracket body 302 includes one or more raised portions 333. Each of the one or more raised portions 333 can contact each corresponding raised portion 233 of the sensor pod arm 200. The bracket protrusion 304 extends from the side surface 314.

[0057] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a bracket pin 318 extends vertically upward from the upper surface 320 of the bracket protrusion 304. The bracket pin 318 supports the loads of the sensor pod arm 200 and the sensor pod 12 and is formed of a material having strength and durability to avoid or reduce pitting (hole formation) and scratching (scratches) on the bracket pin 318 (otherwise, it can suppress the rotation of the assembly around the bracket pin 318). Thus, in some examples, the bracket pin 318 can be formed of a material different from that of the bracket 300, and the material of the bracket pin 318 is harder than the material of the bracket 300. In some examples, the bracket pin 318 can be integrally or uniformly formed with the bracket protrusion 304. In some examples, for ease of manufacturing the bracket pin 318 of a different material, the bracket pin 318 can be separately formed and coupled to the bracket 300, as illustrated and described, for example, in Figure 11.

[0058] The opening 322 (also referred to as port 322) passes through the bracket. The opening 322 may extend from the side surface 314 through the bracket body 302 to the opposite surface 324, which is also referred to as the bracket surface 324 (FIG. 10). The opening 322 may be aligned with one or more openings 214 on the sensor pod arm 200 and may permit the passage of one or more conduits from the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) to the sensor pod 12 (FIG. 1) as described above.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the bracket body 302 includes one or more flanges 326 for coupling the bracket 300 to the outer surface of the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1), whereby an operator can use the sensor pod 12 as a mirror, and the sensor pod 12 can sense or detect appropriate conditions (e.g., weather, road, driving, etc.) to assist in autonomous or assisted driving. Each of the one or more flanges 326 includes a surface 340 for contacting the outer surface of the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). The outer surface of the vehicle 10 can be, for example, but not limited to, the frame, door, or other surface of the vehicle 10. One or more mounting holes 328 can receive a fastener (not shown) for fixing the bracket 300 to the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). The side surface 316 on the second side surface 312 of the bracket 300 can include one or more openings 330 for aligning with one or more openings 236 on the sensor pod arm flange 234 (FIG. 7). One or more fasteners 238 (FIG. 7) extend through the one or more openings 236 and then through the one or more openings 330 to fix the sensor pod arm 200 to the bracket 300. The one or more fasteners 238 can be threaded and screwed or tightened into the one or more openings 330 in a known manner. As described above, the one or more fasteners 238 passing through the one or more openings 236 and the one or more openings 330 fix the bracket 300 to the sensor pod arm 200 as the second connection portion 104 (FIG. 7) and the third connection portion 106 (FIG. 7). The bracket pin 318 is received in the opening 226 of the sensor pod arm 200. A threaded opening 332 is provided on the upper surface 334 of the bracket pin 318. The fastener 230 (FIG. 7) is received in the threaded opening 332 to fix the sensor pod arm 200 to the bracket 300 and is the first connection portion 102 (FIG. 7).

[0060] The bracket pin 318 provides a support axle extending from the bracket 300. The length of the support axle (e.g., the length of the bracket pin 318) and the depth of each opening 226 are sized (e.g., sized in terms of length and diameter) to counter the moment caused by the weight of the sensor pod 12. This may allow the sensor pod 12 to be installed and removed easily, quickly, and efficiently. In some examples, this may be possible by a single operator. This is due to the load support hook provided by the bracket pin 318, which allows a single person to lower the sensor pod 12 onto the bracket pin 318 already fixed to the vehicle 10.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, bracket 300 has four fixed points shown, one at each of the fasteners passing through respective openings 328. That is, each fixed point extends perpendicular to plane 340. However, when attaching plane 340 of bracket 300 to vehicle 10, only three fixed points are required to prevent lateral movement, vertical movement, and forward movement and to further fix all three rotational axes. That is, three fixed points are required (necessary) to limit or prevent the movement of the bracket relative to the truck. The three fixed points are not on the same straight line. At least two of the three fixed points are on the same plane. Thus, although four openings 328 are shown, only three are required. For example, the first fixed point at the upper left opening 328 in FIG. 9 will fix bracket 300 to vehicle 10 and limit or prevent lateral and vertical movement. Without the provision of other fixed points, the bracket would be allowed to rotate about the first fixed point. Thus, a second fixed point at the upper right opening may be provided. As can be understood, this prevents bracket 300 from rotating about the first fixed point, but bracket 300 can flex (bend) or rotate about an axis extending through the first two fixed points. Thus, to prevent such relative movement, a third fixed point at one of the lower openings is added. These three fixed points are exemplary, and it can be understood that two lower fixed points and one upper fixed point may be provided, or any other combination of three points such that the three points are not on the same straight line may be provided. The fourth fixed point through the fourth opening 328 may be redundant and may provide additional fixation of bracket 300 to vehicle 10.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows an alternative bracket 300a for an alternative connection assembly 100a. Bracket 300a may be identical or similar to bracket 300, and thus, like-illustrated components are understood to be identical to those described with respect to bracket 300 and will not be described again here. In the example of bracket 300a, bracket pin 318a is removably or detachably connected to bracket projection 304a. Such a removable connection may be a threaded pin 336 on bracket pin 318a received within threaded opening 338 of bracket projection 304a, although other removable connections are contemplated.

[0063] FIG. 12 shows an alternative connection assembly 100b. Connection assembly 100b may be identical or similar to connection assembly 100. In the example of connection assembly 100b, pin 318b may be arranged reversely compared to the examples of FIGS. 4 through 11, and pin 318b may extend from sensor pod arm 200b (unlike the brackets of FIGS. 4 through 11) and may be received within opening 226b on bracket 300b. A fastener (not shown but similar or identical to fastener 230) may be inserted into opening 226b and threaded into pin 318b in the same manner as described above to fix sensor pod arm 200b to bracket 300b.

[0064] FIG. 13 shows an alternative connection assembly 100c. The connection assembly 100c may be similar to the connection assembly 100. That is, a weaker material or structure as described herein may be used in combination with any of the embodiments described and illustrated in this application. In an example of the connection assembly 100c, the sensor pod arm 200c is connected to the bracket 300c by, for example, one or more fasteners 238c passing through the upper surface 202c of the sensor pod arm 200c. In one example, the plate of the sensor pod arm may slide over the plate of the bracket. Next, one or more fasteners 238c may be fixed within respective openings in both plates, securing the sensor pod arm plate to the bracket plate, and thus securing the sensor pod arm to the bracket. Although not visible in FIG. 13, the connection assembly 100c may include a quick swap connection, similar to the support axle of the foregoing embodiments. That is, the bracket may include a feature extending therefrom that is capable of supporting the weight of the sensor pod 12 during its installation on the vehicle and prior to being fixed with the fasteners 238c. Thus, a single operator may install the sensor pod 12 and the sensor pod arm 200c onto the bracket 300c.

[0065] The sensor pod arm 200c may have an upper surface 202c and a lower surface 204c formed to be weaker than the first side surface 206c and the second side surface 208c. The weaker side surfaces form shock-absorbing regions that allow the upper surface 202c and the lower surface 204c to fail, break, deteriorate, or bend, or combinations thereof, before the front side surface 206c and the second side surface 208c. The weaker upper surface 202c and lower surface 204c may be realized, for example, but not limited to, by manufacturing with a weaker material, a machined or manufactured weak point, a machined or manufactured shock-absorbing region, or combinations thereof. A weaker material as described herein may be used in combination with any of the embodiments described and illustrated in this application.

[0066] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative connection assembly 100d. The connection assembly 100d may be the same as or similar to the connection assembly 100. In the example connection assembly 100d, a sensor pod arm 200d is rotatably coupled to a bracket 300d. For example, a rotation joint 250 may couple the sensor pod arm 200d to the bracket 300d. The rotation joint 250 may be any known rotation connection, such as, for example, a rotation connection employed in a conventional side mirror. For example, friction and a spring (not shown) may prevent the rotation joint 250 from rotating, preventing the connection assembly 100d from rotating relatively between the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) until a force is applied that counteracts the spring to allow the relative movement. The rotation joint 250 may be provided in addition to a quick-swap feature as described with respect to any of the previous embodiments. As previously described, the quick-swap feature may allow the bracket to support the weight of the sensor pod 12 during its installation on the vehicle.

[0067] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, sensor pod 12 may also include a mirror. Similarly, any of the embodiments of sensor pod 12 described with respect to Figures 1-12 may include a mirror. When sensor pod 12 replaces a traditional side mirror, a mirror, such as mirror 13, may be installed on sensor pod 12 to provide the driver with a traditional side view mirror. Sensor pod 12 may also provide a video feed from a camera sensor (not shown) and may project a rear view onto a surface of the sensor pod (e.g., surface 15 of housing 14) or onto the cab of the truck to provide the driver with a similar rear view field of view.

[0068] Any of the aforementioned connection assemblies, or portions thereof, may be combined with other connection assemblies without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] After understanding the structure of the connection assembly 100, the installation (attachment), operation, and removal of the connection assembly 100 are described in FIGS. 15 to 20. Although alternative examples of the connection assembly 100 have been described, for the sake of facilitating disclosure, the connection assembly 100 described in FIGS. 1 to 10 is referred to in FIGS. 15 to 20. However, as described above, all or part of the alternative connection assembly may be adopted within the connection assembly 100. The installation (attachment) and removal processes described with respect to FIGS. 15 to 20 are repeatable. That is, the same sensor pod or different sensor pods can be installed (attached) and removed multiple times using the same process.

[0070] Installing (attaching) the sensor pod 12 to the vehicle 10 refers to a method or process of physically connecting the sensor pod 12 to the vehicle 10 via the connection assembly 100 and physically connecting one or more conduits extending from the vehicle 10 to the sensor pod 12. Removing or uninstalling the sensor pod 12 from the vehicle 10 refers to a method or process of physically removing the sensor pod 12 from the vehicle 10 and physically disconnecting one or more conduits from the sensor pod 12.

[0071] Briefly stated, to install (attach) the sensor pod 12 to the vehicle 10, the sensor pod arm 200 is positioned on a support axle (e.g., bracket pin 318) such that the opening 226 is aligned with the support axle. Next, the sensor pod 12 and the sensor pod arm 200 are lowered onto the support axle. Once lowered, the support axle supports the weight of the sensor pod 12 and the sensor pod arm 200, preventing the sensor pod 12 from falling due to its weight when the operator is no longer supporting the sensor pod 12. A conduit is passed through the openings 322 and 214 of the connection assembly 100 and connected to a connection point (connection point). Once the conduit is connected, the sensor pod 12 can be fixed to the bracket 300 using fasteners 230 and 238. The connection assembly 100, particularly the support axle, allows a single operator to install the sensor pod 12 even considering the weight of the sensor pod 12 (e.g., the sensor pod 12 has a significant weight, heavier than a conventional side view mirror, due to its internal sensors and components).

[0072] More specifically, to install the sensor pod 12 to the vehicle 10 (see FIG. 15, omitted for clarity in FIGS. 16 - 20), referring to FIGS. 15 - 20, the bracket 300 is connected to the vehicle 10. Referring first to FIG. 15, the flange 326 of the bracket 300 is aligned on the vehicle 10 and connected to the vehicle 10 via one or more fasteners extending through one or more mounting holes 328 on the flange 326. A conduit 500 or cable 500 is routed from the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) through the opening 322. At this point in the assembly, since the conduit 500 is not yet coupled to the sensor pod 12, it can simply be extended through the opening 322 and may just be hanging down or suspended from the bracket 300.

[0073] Continuing to refer to FIG. 15, the opening 226 of the sensor pod arm body 202 of the sensor pod arm 200 is aligned with the bracket pin 318 of the bracket 300, and their respective central axes are coaxial. The sensor pod 12, and thus the sensor pod arm body 202, is moved in the direction 400 toward the bracket 300 so that the opening 226 receives the bracket pin 318, reaching the position shown in FIG. 16 (shown in a rotated state in FIG. 16, but the sensor pod arm 200 can be axially aligned with the bracket 300 after being lowered onto the bracket 300 as shown in FIG. 17).

[0074] At this point in the installation (attachment) process, referring to FIG. 16, the sensor pod 12 is allowed to rotate about axis A passing through the bracket pin 318. 1 This is because the fastener 238 (FIG. 17) has not yet been installed and is not fixed. In this way, the sensor pod arm 200 and the sensor pod 12 are allowed to rotate about axis A with respect to the bracket 300 and with respect to the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). 1 At this position, the central longitudinal axis AB of the bracket 300 and the central longitudinal axis As of the sensor pod arm 200 can be angled with respect to each other about axis A. 1 Until the fastener 238 is installed, the sensor pod 12 is allowed to rotate between the position of FIG. 16 and the position of FIG. 17, and between any position therebetween.

[0075] After the bracket pin 318 is received within the opening 226, the conduit 500 is routed from the opening 322 toward the opening 214 of the sensor pod arm 200. The end of the conduit 500 (invisible in FIG. 16) is inserted into each opening of the opening 214 and routed within the cavity 220 (FIG. 18) of the sensor pod arm 200. When the conduit 500 passes through one or more openings 214, the distal end of the conduit may be loose within the cavity 220 of the sensor pod arm 200 (e.g., not connected to a connection point). At this point, the sensor pod 12 and the sensor pod arm are about axis A 1It is rotated along, and the side surface 212 of the sensor pod arm 200 and the side surface 314 of the bracket 300 come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 17 (both side surfaces are invisible). When the sensor pod arm 200 is rotated toward the position in FIG. 17, the distal end of the conduit 500 can be simultaneously pulled out of the cavity 220 and enter a tensioned state. Thereby, when the side surfaces are in contact with each other, it is prevented that the conduit 500 is pinched or caught between the side surface 212 and the side surface 314.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 17, the side surface 212 and the side surface 314 are in contact, and the central longitudinal axis AB of the bracket 300 and the central longitudinal axis AS of the sensor pod arm 200 are on the same straight line. The surface 235 of the sensor pod arm flange 234 (see FIG. 7, invisible in FIG. 17) contacts the side surface 316 (FIG. 9) of the bracket 300 at the position in FIG. 17. Accordingly, one or more openings 236 on the sensor pod arm flange 234 are aligned with one or more openings 330 on the side surface 316. To fix the connection assembly 100 against relative rotation between the bracket 300 and the sensor pod arm 200, one or more fasteners 238 are inserted into one or more openings 236 and one or more openings 330 (invisible in FIG. 17, shown in FIG. 9) and fixed to the opening 330. The fixing can be made via the threaded outer surface of one or more fasteners 238 and the threaded inner surface of one or more openings 330.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 18, the thrust bearing 232 and the fastener 230 are inserted in direction 404 into the opening 226 of the sensor pod arm 200. When the thrust bearing 232 is inserted into the opening 226, it contacts the upper surface 320 (FIG. 9) of the bracket 300 and extends around the outer surface of the bracket pin 318 (invisible in FIG. 18, shown in FIG. 9). The fastener 230 is inserted into the threaded opening 332 (FIG. 9) of the bracket pin 318. The fastener 230 is threaded into the threaded opening 332 to fix both the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300 together. The fastener 230 fixes the sensor pod arm 200 so that it does not move in the vertical direction 406 away from the bracket 300. The conduit 500 can be extended into the cavity 220, but may not yet be connected to the conduit connectors 222a, 222b, 222c.

[0078] At this point in the assembly, the connection assembly 100 is fixed in three directions. That is, the bracket 300 is fixed to the sensor pod arm 200 and to the vehicle 10. By this connection, relative movement of the sensor pod 12 with respect to the bracket 300 and the vehicle 10 is prevented or restricted. First, the connection assembly 100 is fixed against relative rotation in the direction 408 about the axis A 1 and the sensor pod 12 is fixed against relative rotation with respect to the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). The connection assembly 100 is fixed against relative rotation by the fastener 238 (FIG. 17).

[0079] Second, the connection assembly 100 is fixed against vertical movement in the direction 406 away from the bracket 300, and the sensor pod 12 is fixed against vertical movement with respect to the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). The connection assembly 100 is fixed against relative upward movement in the direction 406 by the fastener 230, and also against relative downward movement in the direction 404 (opposite to the direction 406) by the lower surface 228 of the sensor pod arm projection 224 of the sensor pod arm 200 contacting the upper surface 320 of the bracket projection 304 of the bracket 300.

[0080] Thirdly, the connection assembly 100 is fixed against lateral movement in the direction 410, and the sensor pod 12 is fixed against lateral movement relative to the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1). The connection assembly 100 is fixed against relative lateral movement by the interaction between the opening 226 and the bracket pin 318.

[0081] Continuing with the assembly, referring to FIG. 19, the conduit 500 can be connected to the respective one or more conduit connectors 222a, 222b, 222c. In this manner, the necessary fluids (e.g., water and air) and signals (e.g., power, communication, and data transmission) can be provided from the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) to the sensor pod 12. Referring to FIG. 20, the cover 216 can be disposed over the cavity 220 and can secure the conduit 500 therein. One or more fasteners 218 can be installed to secure the cover 216 to the sensor pod arm body 202. Three conduits 500 and six fasteners 218 are shown, but more or fewer can be provided.

[0082] To remove the sensor pod 12 from the vehicle 10, the reverse procedure can be performed. That is, referring to FIG. 20, one or more fasteners 218 can be removed to release the cover 216 from the sensor pod arm body 202. When the cover 216 is removed, the cavity 220 and the conduit 500 therein are exposed as shown in FIG. 19. The conduit 500 can be disconnected from the respective one or more conduit connectors 222a, 222b, 222c. At this point, the conduit still extends within the cavity 220, but as shown in FIG. 18, it may hang freely without connection to the sensor pod 12.

[0083] Referring again to FIG. 18, the fastener 230 is removed (e.g., unscrewed and moved in a direction 406 away from the sensor pod arm 200), and the thrust bearing 232 is removed from the opening 226 (e.g., moved in a direction 406 away from the sensor pod arm 200). Referring to FIG. 17, one or more fasteners 238 are unscrewed and removed from one or more openings 236 and one or more openings 330 (not visible in FIG. 17, shown in FIG. 9). The sensor pod 12 can be rotated about axis A 1 to the position of FIG. 16. The conduit 500 can be removed from the opening 214, and as a result, the conduit no longer extends into the cavity 220 (FIG. 19) and instead extends from the end of the opening 322 as shown in FIG. 15. The sensor pod 12 can be lifted in the vertical direction (direction 400 away from the bracket 300), and as shown in FIG. 15, the sensor pod arm body 202 (and thus the opening 226) can be disconnected from the bracket pin 318.

[0084] If desired, the bracket 300 can be removed from the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) by removing the fasteners of the flange 326 (FIG. 9). Alternatively, the bracket 300 can be maintained on the vehicle 10, and another sensor pod 12 or other assembly can be installed on the bracket 300.

[0085] A method 600 of installing the sensor pod 12 is shown in FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, in step 610, a bracket is installed on the vehicle. In step 620, the sensor pod is installed on the bracket such that the bracket supports the sensor pod on the support axle. In step 630, the conduit is extended through the connection assembly. In step 640, the sensor pod arm is rotated to align with the bracket. In step 650, the sensor pod arm is fixed to the bracket using one or more fasteners. In step 660, the sensor pod arm is fixed to the support axle. In step 670, the conduit is connected to the sensor pod, and a cover is installed over the cavity of the sensor pod arm and the conduit is fixed therein.

[0086] Figure 22 shows a method 700 for uninstalling the sensor pod 12. First, in step 710, the cover is removed from the sensor pod arm to expose the conduit. Next, in step 720, the conduit is disconnected from the sensor pod. In step 730, the sensor pod arm is released from the support axle. In step 740, the sensor pod arm is released from the bracket by removing one or more fasteners. In step 750, the sensor pod arm is rotated so as to be disengaged from the axial alignment with the bracket. In step 760, the conduit is removed from the support arm. In step 770, the sensor pod is removed from the bracket and the sensor pod is disconnected from the support axle of the bracket. Step 780 is optional, i.e., it is optional to remove the bracket from the vehicle.

[0087] Accordingly, the aforementioned connection assembly 100 provides a rigid (robust) and stable connection between the vehicle 10 and the sensor pod 12. The terms "rigid" and "stable" indicate that there is no relative movement between the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10 when the sensor pod 12 is fixed to the vehicle 10 by the connection assembly 100. Accordingly, during operation of the vehicle 10, the sensor pod 12 moves in the same direction of movement as the vehicle 10. Such a rigid (robust) and stable connection allows the sensor pod 12 to collect data and assist in the navigation of the vehicle 10 while reducing or eliminating noise associated with relative movement of the sensor pod 12 with respect to the vehicle 10. As described above, the rigid connection provided by the connection assembly 100 provides a vibration isolation system, which reduces or eliminates noise because resonant vibrations by the sensor pod 12 moving with the vehicle 10 are minimized or do not occur at all. That is, the connection assembly prevents or limits the vibration of the sensor pod 12 with respect to the vehicle by the robust connection of the connection assembly 100, particularly the connection by the aforementioned fixed points. Reducing or preventing the vibration of the sensor pod 12 is important for the proper functioning of the sensor pod 12 and the sensors therein, and thus for the proper operation of the vehicle 10. Vibration of the sensor pod 12 caused by an inappropriately or non-robustly fixed sensor pod 12 can affect the accuracy and precision of the sensors, which has an adverse effect on the operation of the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10.

[0088] With such a robust connection, it is desirable for the connection assembly 100 to provide a design that minimizes damage to the sensor pod 12, the vehicle 10, or other structures and vehicles that the vehicle 10 can contact, collide with, or impart / receive an impact to. That is, when the vehicle 10 collides with another object, the object can be inanimate or living, for example, another vehicle, another structure (building, street lamp post, mailbox, etc.), or a living being (human or animal), but is not limited thereto. The collision can be, for example, a frontal collision, a side collision (side scrape), etc. The collision can be caused by the vehicle 10 or another object. In such a collision, the sensor pod 12 can be damaged itself, can damage other objects involved in the collision, or can damage the vehicle 10, or can cause a combination thereof. If the connection assembly 100 maintains rigidity throughout the entire period of the collision, the full force of the sensor pod can collide with other objects. Considering the weight and size of the sensor pod 12, this can provide significant damage as described above.

[0089] To prevent, reduce, limit, eliminate, or otherwise mitigate damage to the sensor pod, the vehicle 10, and / or other objects, the connection assembly 100 is designed to be rigid during normal operating conditions as described above (e.g., to prevent relative movement between the sensor pod 12 and the vehicle 10), but is designed to become weak, fail, or bend at one or more predetermined points of the connection assembly 100 to permit relative movement of the sensor pod 12 with respect to the vehicle 10. In this state, the sensor pod 12 can fold or bend inwardly and rearwardly towards the vehicle 10 (e.g., towards the vehicle door) when receiving a predetermined force.

[0090] The relative inward and rearward movement of the sensor pod 12 with respect to the vehicle 10 is achieved by the connection assembly 100. The connection assembly 100 is configured to have a break point of a predetermined force, and due to this break point, the connection assembly 100 can transition from the aforementioned rigid structure to a flexible structure that allows relative rotation of the sensor pod arm 200 with respect to the bracket 300 and the vehicle 10. The predetermined force is the force at which the connection assembly transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible structure. In some examples, the predetermined force is the force at which the fastener 238 (FIG. 7) shears or breaks. In some examples, the predetermined force is the force at which the shock absorption region is activated (e.g., the sides 202c, 204c in FIG. 3 are broken). In some examples, the predetermined force is the force at which friction and the spring are overcome to allow rotation (FIG. 14). In some examples, the predetermined force is a collision force or a predetermined collision force. In some examples, the predetermined force is not a force caused by the normal operation of the vehicle, for example, the force when the vehicle travels over a pothole in the road or the force of a rock or road debris lifted from the road during vehicle travel. In some examples, the predetermined force is generated by a frontal collision, a rear collision, or a side collision of the vehicle with another object (which may be a living or non-living object). In some examples, the predetermined force is the force received on the sensor pod 12. In some examples, the predetermined force is a force of about 550 LBF (pounds of force) or more acting on the sensor pod 12.

[0091] Therefore, when the sensor pod 12 is impacted by a predetermined force, the fastener 238 (FIG. 17) is sheared or otherwise destroyed, and the axis A in FIG. 16 of the sensor pod arm 200 with respect to the bracket 300 1Relative rotation therearound is permitted (e.g., by bracket pin 318 of FIG. 15). Such relative rotation permits the sensor pod arm 200 and the sensor pod 12 to move in a rearward and inward direction toward the vehicle 10 from the rigid operating position of FIG. 3, as indicated by the relative positions of FIG. 16. Accordingly, such relative rotation moves the sensor pod 12 out of the line of impact, preventing or limiting the full weight and force of the sensor pod 12 from causing further damage to the sensor pod 12, further damage to other objects involved in the collision, and / or adding additional debris (e.g., from the sensor pod 12 or associated components) to the road. The reduction or limitation of damage and debris is achieved by the sensor pod moving inward to avoid the possibility of further collisions. Accordingly, damage can be minimized. The conduit 500 provided within the cavity 220 is arranged such that there is slack or extra length in the conduit. Such extra length of the conduit 500 can reduce or prevent the cutting of the conduit 500. When the sensor pod 12 rotates inward toward the vehicle 10, the conduit 500 will have sufficient slack or extra length to move with the sensor pod 12 without being cut or damaged along the length of the conduit 500.

[0092] Accordingly, the fastener 238 (FIG. 17) can be a shear screw, a breakable (fragile) fastener, or other fasteners pre-designed to fail, break, or cut under a predetermined force. The fastener 238 can be designed to fail or break at a force lower than the force that would damage the sensor pod 12, the sensor pod arm 200, the bracket 300, or the fastener that couples the bracket 300 to the vehicle 10. If the fastener 238 breaks before other components due to a lower breaking force, further collisions of the sensor pod 12 can be avoided by the aforementioned rotation, thus limiting the amount of debris on the road. If the sensor pod 12 is rotated to deviate from the path of the collision before the sensor pod 12, the sensor pod arm 200, the bracket 300, or the fastener of the bracket 300 is damaged, the possibility that the entire assembly shown in FIG. 3 scatters as debris on the road is reduced. This also reduces the possibility of catastrophic damage to the sensor pod 12 that would render the sensor pod 12 irreparable.

[0093] To provide a transition from a rigid connection assembly to a flexible connection assembly, alternative means of shear screws are also conceivable. For example, a detent mechanism may be used. In some examples, a shear fastener 238 may be preferred. The sensor pod 12 having sensors and hardware required to assist in the automatic or semi-automatic operation of a vehicle is heavy. In fact, the sensor pod 12 having additional sensors and hardware that may not be included in a conventional side view mirror is heavier compared to a conventional side view mirror. A conventional side view mirror refers to a side view mirror that may include only the mirror and the housing and / or may include some sensors or cameras to assist in a side view or a rear view, but does not include additional sensors and hardware (such as lidar, etc.) required to assist in automatic driving. Providing the shear fastener 238 helps support the load of the sensor pod 12, reduces the vibration received by the sensor pod 12, and helps provide a rigid connection of the connection assembly 100. Accordingly, the fastener 238 is selected and / or designed to withstand a predetermined vibration force of the sensor pod 12 while being selected and / or designed to fail (break) with a predetermined impact force that may act on the sensor pod 12.

[0094] Furthermore, due to the removable connection between the sensor pod arm 200 and the bracket 300, the sensor pod 12 can be removed for replacement, repair, evaluation, etc. (regardless of whether it is involved in a collision or requires updating, evaluation, repair, etc.). A new and different sensor pod 12 can be installed on the bracket 300, and / or the original sensor pod 12 can also be installed on the bracket 300 after selective repair, update, or verification of operation. Accordingly, the connection assembly 100 provides a rigid connection, a flexible connection, and a removable connection. As long as the sensor pod 12 includes a sensor pod arm 200 that cooperates and couples with the bracket 300 (such as the side 314 and the bracket pin 318), any sensor pod 12 or other structure can be installed on the bracket 300.

[0095] As previously described with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14, the change from a rigid connection to a flexible connection of the connection assembly 100 can be provided by, or combined with, other structures such as the weakened upper surface side 202c and the weakened lower surface side 204c of FIG. 13, for example. In this example, when a predetermined force acts on the sensor pod 12, the connection assembly 100c can be crushed or bent in the vertical direction (since the side surfaces 202c, 204c are weaker compared to the side surfaces 206c, 208c), moving the sensor pod 12 relatively upward or downward toward the vehicle 10 and removing the sensor pod 12 from the line of further collisions again. In this regard, the connection assembly 100c is provided with a shock absorption region that provides a weakened or reduced strength condition compared to the rest of the connection assembly 100c. Although not shown in the drawings, a removable connection or a quick swap connection can be further provided between the sensor pod arm 200c and the bracket 300c, and a new sensor pod arm 200c with a new sensor pod 12 can be installed on the bracket 300c.

[0096] Similarly, with respect to FIG. 14, a predetermined force acting on the sensor pod 12 can oppose friction, act against the spring of the connection assembly 100d, and cause the relative movement described above.

[0097] Accordingly, the connection assembly of the present disclosure provides a rigid connection between the sensor pod and the vehicle during normal operating conditions of the vehicle. Such a rigid connection prohibits, limits, reduces, or prevents relative movement between the sensor pod and the vehicle. The connection assembly of the present disclosure further allows relative movement of the sensor pod when a predetermined force acts on the sensor pod. Further, the connection assembly of the present disclosure provides a removable or detachable connection between the sensor pod and the vehicle 10, and the sensor pod 12 can be easily and quickly removed, repaired, replaced, exchanged, or otherwise uninstalled and installed (attached) at any position on the vehicle 10. That is, it is not required to move to a repair shop or a manufacturing facility to attach or remove the sensor pod.

[0098] Accordingly, the sensor pod of the present disclosure can be a quick swap sensor pod. That is, by the connection assembly, the sensor pod can be quickly removed from the vehicle and installed by one operator. In some examples, the sensor pod as a quick swap sensor pod includes a support axle. The support axle is formed to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod before the installation is completed (e.g., in the installation process before the sensor pod is coupled to the bracket but before a rigid connection is formed by the fastener). The support axle can be formed with a depth, length, diameter, width, material, or a combination thereof such that the weight of the sensor pod can be supported. The support axle can also counteract the moment (torque) generated by the weight of the sensor pod acting on the connection assembly. That is, the weight of the sensor pod provides a vertically downward force that acts to rotate or bend the connection assembly vertically downward. The support axle can counteract this bending moment and further achieve the aforementioned rigid connection that limits or prevents relative movement between the sensor pod and the vehicle.

[0099] In some examples, the support axle can be formed by a pin receiving opening and a pin. As described above, the pin receiving opening can extend from one of the sensor pod arm or the bracket, and the pin can extend from the other of the sensor pod arm or the bracket. The pin receiving opening can have a depth correlated to the length of the pin. The depth of the pin receiving opening and the length of the pin are predetermined to counteract the bending moment and support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod.

[0100] During the installation (mounting) of the quick swap sensor pod, the quick swap sensor pod is moved between an initial position (e.g., FIG. 16) and a final position (e.g., FIG. 20). In the initial position, the quick swap sensor pod is supported by the support axle, but the horizontal axis (A s ) of the quick swap sensor pod is the horizontal axis (AB ) is angled (as shown and described in FIG. 16). In this state, the quick swap sensor pod is resting on the bracket and is thereby fully supported. In the final position (e.g., FIG. 20), the sensor pod is rotated so that the horizontal axes of the sensor pod arm (A s ) and the bracket (A B ) are aligned (as shown and described in FIG. 17), and fasteners (e.g., 238, 232 in FIGS. 17 and 18) are fixed thereto to form the aforementioned rigid connection. In both the initial and final positions, the length of the support axle (e.g., the depth of the pin receiving opening and / or the length of the pin) is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod, and the lower surface of the sensor pod arm is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod.

[0101] In some examples of the quick swap sensor pod, the depth of the pin receiving opening and / or the length of the pin are further selected to allow for installation by a single operator of the quick swap sensor pod. Further, the lower surface of the protrusion extending from the sensor pod arm rests on the upper surface of the protrusion of the bracket to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod. Additionally, the length of the pin is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod, and the upper surface of the protrusion extending from the bracket is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod.

[0102] With the foregoing configuration, the quick swap sensor pod can be attached and detached multiple times. The quick swap sensor pod can have a common arm that interacts with the bracket arm, but can have a housing with different configurations such as a mirror, a sensor, etc. In this way, the quick swap sensor pod can be interchangeable with other quick swap sensor pods of the same configuration or different configurations. Further, if the quick swap sensor pod needs to be removed for damage, repair, calibration, software update, hardware update, etc., the quick swap sensor pod can be removed and reinstalled, or removed and replaced with another quick swap sensor pod.

[0103] In some examples of the quick swap sensor pod, the support axle extends vertically between the sensor pod and the bracket. The quick swap sensor pod and the sensor pod arm rotate about the support axle between an initial position and a final position with respect to the bracket in the foregoing manner. At both the initial position and the final position, the length of the support axle is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod and support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod. The support axle can extend from the sensor pod arm, the bracket, or both the sensor pod arm and the bracket. The support axle can include a pin receiving opening and a pin attached to the pin receiving opening. As described above, the pin receiving opening can extend from the sensor pod arm and the pin can extend from the bracket. In another example, the pin receiving opening can extend from the bracket and the pin can extend from the sensor pod arm. Further, the length of the support axle is selected to allow installation by a single operator of the quick swap sensor pod and / or to allow multiple installations and removals.

[0104] The connection assembly of the present disclosure enables sensors within a sensor pod to be connected to a vehicle via one or more conduits. The conduits are connected to conduit connectors (e.g., 222 of FIG. 7) disposed on the housing of the sensor pod and within the cavity of the sensor pod arm. A removable cover may be disposed over the cavity and may permit selective access to the cavity and the conduit connectors. The conduits extend from the conduit connectors to the vehicle. The conduits are connected to the conduit connectors and form conduit connector points. The conduit connector points have a shear strength. That is, it is the point at which the conduits will be disconnected from the conduit connectors. This shear strength is lower than the shear strength of the conduits. In such a manner, even if the sensor pod is involved in a collision, the conduits will be disconnected from the conduit connectors rather than being cut. This allows the conduits to be reused with a repaired or replacement sensor pod. The conduits are configured to be disconnected from the conduit connector points with a force lower than the force that would cut the conduits.

[0105] In some examples, the conduits may extend from the vehicle with a length that is longer than that required to reach the conduit connectors from the vehicle. This extra length is the slack length of the conduits. This extra length permits the conduits to be connected to the connection points at the rotational position of FIG. 16 and the aligned position of FIG. 17 and to maintain the connection state when moved from the aligned position to the rotational position. This slack length is the length of the conduits extending from the vehicle to the conduit connectors, and further, the slack length is longer than the internal length of the arm such that when the arm is moved from the first position to the second position, the conduits maintain their connection at the conduit connector points. Further, as described above, the arm has a first lateral distance at the first position and a second lateral distance at the second position, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance. The length of the conduits is at least equal to the second lateral distance. The slack length is at least equal to the difference between the second lateral distance and the first lateral distance.

[0106] As described above, there may be a plurality of conduits and conduit connectors. Each connection of a conduit to a conduit connector forms a conduit connector point. The conduit can be a fluid conduit such as a water conduit or an air conduit, or alternatively, an electrical conduit that permits the transmission of power and data signals.

[0107] The conduit can have a connection for coupling to a conduit connector within a sensor pod, designed to interact with any number of sensor pods. In this manner, the sensor pods can be replaced on the vehicle without the need to remove and replace the conduit.

[0108] As described above, the application of a predetermined force (also referred to as a predetermined impact force) to the sensor pod causes the connection assembly to change from a rigid connection to a flexible connection. The predetermined force can be selected based on a force simulation. The predetermined force can be a force that directly impacts the sensor pod. A small force acting on the sensor pod (e.g., a force less than the predetermined force), such as a force caused by normal operating conditions (e.g., a rock that bounces up during road travel, but not limited thereto), may not affect the rigidity of the connection assembly. That is, these forces can be less than the predetermined force that shears the fastener (or causes crushing (breakage) or spring compression).

[0109] The connection assembly, any part (component) thereof, or any combination of a plurality of parts (components) thereof can be formed of a metal such as aluminum, a composite material such as glass fiber or carbon fiber, other known materials, or a combination thereof. The connection assembly, any part (component) thereof, or any combination of a plurality of parts (components) thereof can be formed by casting, machining, molding (molding), other known manufacturing methods, or a combination thereof. The bracket arm pin can be formed of chromium-plated hardened steel or other known materials for providing a bearing surface.

[0110] The connection assembly of the present disclosure provides both a rigid connection and a flexible connection between the sensor pod and the vehicle. The connection assembly provides a rigid assembly between components during normal operation of the vehicle, in which case there is little or no relative movement between the sensor pod and the vehicle. When the sensor pod receives a predetermined impact force, the connection assembly becomes a flexible connection, allowing the sensor pod to move relative to the vehicle and move out of the path of further collisions, reducing damage or harm to the sensor pod, the vehicle, or other colliding objects, and also reducing the amount of debris on the road generated by the collision. The connection assembly of the present disclosure also provides a universal connection point that allows multiple types of sensor pods to be attached to, removed from, or replaced on the vehicle, etc., in a quick and efficient process, anywhere, including outside manufacturing facilities and repair shops.

[0111] The connection assembly of the present disclosure further allows for quick-swap sensor pods and universal brackets, whereby multiple sensor pods can be quickly and efficiently exchanged on the vehicle. The connection assembly can allow for a rigid connection during operation (while driving), which can function as a vibration isolation system and reduce external vibrations and noise to the sensor pod. The structure of the connection assembly can support the weight of the sensor pod and counter the moment acting on the connection assembly due to the weight of the sensor pod.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor pod is connected to the truck frame by a universal bracket. The universal bracket has a plane having at least three fixed points that are substantially perpendicular to the plane. Ports for passing lead wires extend through the plane. The universal bracket includes a connection mechanism to the sensor pod. The sensor pod has an arm extending from the bracket, a housing supporting a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of lead connectors within the arm. The plane is configured to connect to any one of a plurality of truck frames, and the connection mechanism is configured to connect to any one of a plurality of sensor pods.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a quick-swap sensor pod for a truck includes an arm and a surface on the arm having a post receiving hole that is vertically aligned (aligned) with a depth. The post receiving hole has a depth sufficient to counteract the moment due to the weight of the sensor pod at a certain distance position of the arm, and has a depth sufficient to easily rotate the sensor pod around the post receiving hole. The surface on the arm is a surface sufficient to support the weight of the sensor pod and includes a surface sufficient to easily rotate the sensor pod around the post receiving hole. The quick-swap sensor pod includes a connection mechanism for connecting a lead wire while the arm is at a first rotation angle within the arm. The quick-swap sensor pod includes a fixing hole that is aligned to fix the connection mechanism.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for reducing damage and debris caused by a collision to a sensor pod includes a bracket having a post for rotating the sensor pod around the post, an axle bolt for fixing the sensor pod so as not to come off the post, and a second breakable fixing point provided at a position away from the post and configured to break when the sensor pod is collided with a force that can damage the sensor pod. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for reducing damage includes a fixing step of stopping the retreat from the post, a rotating step of performing a second fixing alignment, and a tightening step of tightening the second fixing with a load smaller than the tensile strength.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for connecting a sensor in a sensor pod to a truck includes a connector disposed on a sensor housing and a lead wire extending from the connector to the truck. The connector has a first shear strength when the connector is subjected to tension, the lead wire has a second shear strength when the lead wire is subjected to tension, and the lead wire additionally has slack in their length. The first shear strength is smaller than the second shear strength.

[0116] Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0117] 1. A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod to a vehicle, a first end having a surface for connection to the vehicle, a second end for connection to the sensor pod, three fixing points extending perpendicular to and through the surface to prevent lateral, vertical and forward movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, at least one port extending from the first end through an arm (to the second end), comprising the three fixing (points) further preventing rotational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, the at least one port being configured to allow passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod characterized by a universal bracket.

[0118] 2. The three fixing points are not in a straight line characterized by the universal bracket according to the preceding clause.

[0119] 3. The surface is configured to couple to the A-pillar of the vehicle characterized by the universal bracket according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0120] 4. The surface is planar characterized by the universal bracket according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0121] 5. The three fixing points are provided by fasteners extending through a plurality of openings in the universal bracket characterized by the universal bracket according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0122] 6. An arm extending between the first end and the second end The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0123] 7. Further comprising a protrusion extending from the arm, The protrusion includes a support axle extending from the upper surface of the protrusion The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0124] 8. Further comprising a side surface on the arm, The side surface includes an opening configured to receive a fastener The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0125] 9. The opening includes two openings configured to receive two fasteners The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0126] 10. A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod to a vehicle, A first end having a surface for connecting to the vehicle, A second end for connecting to the sensor pod, Three fixing points extending perpendicular to the surface to prevent lateral movement, vertical movement and rotational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle, A bracket arm protrusion extending from the second end, A bracket pin extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the bracket arm protrusion, Comprising The bracket pin and the upper surface are configured to receive a sensor pod arm of the sensor pod The universal bracket, characterized in that

[0127] 11. Further comprising at least one port extending through each of the bracket and the sensor pod arm, The at least one port is configured to allow passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod. The universal bracket according to the preceding claim, characterized in that.

[0128] 12. The three fixing points are not on the same straight line. The universal bracket according to claim 10, characterized in that. The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0129] 13. The bracket is removably coupled to the sensor pod arm. The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0130] 14. The bracket includes a bracket ridge that contacts a sensor pod arm ridge of the sensor pod arm. The universal bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0131] 15. A connection assembly for coupling a sensor pod to a vehicle, A universal bracket having a bracket port extending from the side of the (universal) bracket facing the track to the side of the (universal) bracket facing the sensor pod, A sensor pod arm having a sensor pod arm port extending from the side of the sensor pod facing the bracket to the cavity of the sensor pod arm, A conduit connector disposed within the cavity, Comprising, The bracket port and the sensor pod arm port are aligned. The conduit is configured to extend from the vehicle through the aligned bracket ports and sensor pod ports and connect to the conduit connector. A connection assembly, characterized in that.

[0132] 16. The sensor pod port includes three sensor pod ports, The conduit connector includes three conduit connectors, Each of the three sensor pod ports is aligned with one of the three conduit connectors so that three conduits can be coupled to the three conduit connectors. The connection assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that.

[0133] 17. A cover removably coupled to the sensor pod arm to provide selective access to the cavity The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising.

[0134] 18. The side of the (universal) bracket facing the sensor pod fits with the side of the sensor pod facing the bracket. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0135] 19. Three fixed points configured to prevent translational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising.

[0136] 20. The three fixed points are not on the same straight line. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0137] 21. A quick swap sensor pod for a truck, An arm having a protrusion with a bottom surface, A pin receiving opening extending through the protrusion to the lower surface, having a depth and being vertically aligned A conduit connector within the arm for coupling a conduit to the quick swap sensor pod Comprising The arm is configured to rotate about the axis of the pin receiving opening between an initial position and a final position At both the initial position and the final position, the depth of the pin receiving opening is configured to counteract a moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod The lower surface is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod A quick swap sensor pod characterized by the above

[0138] 22. The depth of the pin receiving opening is further selected to allow installation of the quick swap sensor pod by one operator A quick swap sensor pod according to the preceding claim, characterized by the above

[0139] 23. One or more openings for receiving one or more fasteners configured to fix the arm in the final position A quick swap sensor pod according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the above

[0140] 24. Further comprising a cavity within the arm The conduit connector is disposed within the cavity A quick swap sensor pod according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the above

[0141] 25. The conduit connector includes a water connection, a power connection, and an air connection A quick swap sensor pod according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the above

[0142] 26. The projection further has an upper surface, and the pin receiving opening extends through the projection from the upper surface to the lower surface. The quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0143] 27. The lower surface of the projection is configured to rest on the upper surface of the fitting bracket to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod. The quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0144] 28. The arm is configured to be assembled and disassembled multiple times on the bracket. The quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0145] 29. A bracket for a quick swap sensor pod, comprising an arm having a projection with an upper surface and a lower surface, a pin extending vertically from the upper surface of the projection, and. The pin has a length, the pin is configured to allow rotation of the quick swap sensor pod relative to the arm, the length of the pin is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod, the upper surface is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod. The bracket, characterized in that.

[0146] 30. The arm further comprises a planar fitting surface, and the planar fitting surface is configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The bracket according to the preceding claim, characterized in that.

[0147] 31. The length of the pin is further selected to allow installation by one operator of the quick swap sensor pod. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0148] 32. One or more openings for receiving one or more fasteners configured to secure the bracket to the arm of the quick swap sensor pod. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising.

[0149] 33. The upper surface of the protrusion is configured to receive the lower surface of the arm of the quick swap sensor pod and support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0150] 34. The arm is configured to be assembled and disassembled multiple times on the pin. The bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0151] 35. A quick swap sensor pod for a truck, A sensor pod arm, A bracket coupled to the sensor pod arm, A support axle, Comprising, The quick swap sensor pod and the sensor pod arm are configured to rotate about the support axle between an initial position and a final position with respect to the bracket, At both the initial position and the final position, the depth of the support axle is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod and to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod. The quick swap sensor pod, characterized in that.

[0152] 36. The support axle extends in the vertical direction and is configured to couple the sensor pod arm and the bracket. The quick - swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0153] 37. The support axle has a pin - receiving opening having a depth and a pin for installation within the pin - receiving opening. The quick - swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0154] 38. The pin - receiving opening extends from the sensor pod arm, and the pin extends from the bracket. The quick - swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0155] 39. The pin - receiving opening extends from the bracket, and the pin extends from the sensor pod arm. The quick - swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0156] 40. A conduit connector within the sensor pod arm for coupling a conduit to the quick - swap sensor pod The quick - swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising.

[0157] 41. The length of the support axle is further selected to allow installation of the quick - swap sensor pod by a single operator. The quick - swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0158] 42. The quick - swap sensor pod further comprises one or more openings on the bracket aligned with one or more openings on the sensor pod arm. The aligned one or more openings are configured to receive one or more fasteners for fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket at the final position. The quick-swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0159] 43. The sensor pod arm is configured to be assembled and disassembled multiple times on the bracket via the support axle. The quick-swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0160] 44. A quick-swap sensor pod for a track, A sensor pod arm having a sensor pod arm protrusion with a lower surface, A bracket having a bracket arm protrusion with an upper surface, Comprising, The bracket arm protrusion is configured to support the weight of the sensor pod when the lower surface is placed on the upper surface. The quick-swap sensor pod, characterized in that.

[0161] 45. Further comprising a bracket pin extending from the upper surface and a pin receiving opening extending through the lower surface, The bracket pin is received within the pin receiving opening. The quick-swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0162] 46. Further comprising one or more fasteners extending perpendicular to the bracket pin, The one or more fasteners prevent rotational movement around the bracket pin. The quick-swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0163] 47. The depth of the pin receiving opening is further selected to allow installation by one operator of the quick swap sensor pod. A quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0164] 48. The quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises a sensor pod arm plate extending from the sensor pod arm and a bracket plate extending from the bracket, The sensor pod arm plate is coupled to the bracket plate by one or more fasteners to rigidly fix the sensor pod arm to the bracket and prevent relative movement therebetween. A quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0165] 49. A rotational joint between the sensor pod arm and the bracket A quick swap sensor pod according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0166] 50. An apparatus for reducing damage and debris in the event of a collision of a sensor pod, A bracket having a post configured to couple the sensor pod to a vehicle, A sensor pod arm rotatable about the post, Fasteners for fixing the sensor pod arm to the post, A breakable fixing point spaced from the post and configured to break under a predetermined force, An apparatus characterized by comprising.

[0167] 51. The sensor pod is supported on the post An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0168] 52. The breakable fixing point is configured to break under the predetermined force such that the sensor pod arm is rotatable relative to the bracket. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0169] 53. The sensor pod arm has an opening for receiving the post, and the fastener is screwed into the post so as to prevent the sensor pod arm from detaching from the bracket. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0170] 54. The breakable fixing point includes one or more fasteners configured to shear under the predetermined force. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0171] 55. The one or more fasteners include two fasteners arranged in parallel with a space therebetween. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0172] 56. The longitudinal axis of the breakable fixing point is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0173] 57. The predetermined force is a collision force on the sensor pod. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0174] 58. A first moment arm acts on the breakable fixing point, a second moment arm acts on the sensor pod arm, and the first moment arm is shorter than the second moment arm. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0175] 59. The first moment arm and the second moment arm are acted on by the weight of the sensor pod acting on the sensor pod arm. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that...

[0176] 60. A method for reducing damage in the collision of a sensor pod, comprising: Fixing a post on a bracket to the sensor pod to generate a first fixing point; Rotating the sensor pod to be aligned with the bracket to align a second fixing point; Tightening the second fixing point to fix the sensor pod to the bracket; comprising: The second fixing point is tightened with a load smaller than the tension required to release the second fixing point, and the second fixing point is configured to break under a predetermined force. A method characterized by the above.

[0177] 61. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising breaking the second fixing point by applying the predetermined force to the sensor pod.

[0178] 62. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising rotating the sensor pod from the aligned position towards a non-aligned position due to the predetermined force applied to the sensor pod and the broken second fixing point.

[0179] 63. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined force is sufficient to break the second fixing point but not sufficient to break the first fixing point.

[0180] 64. An assembly for reducing damage and debris in the collision of a sensor pod, comprising: a bracket; a sensor pod arm rotatable relative to the bracket; a breakable fixing point configured to break under a predetermined force; comprising the assembly a first state in which a horizontal axis of the bracket and a horizontal axis of the sensor pod arm are on the same straight line; a second state in which the horizontal axis of the bracket makes an angle with the horizontal axis of the sensor pod arm; and having the breakable fixing point is fixed in the first state and not fixed in the second state An assembly characterized by this.

[0181] 65. The sensor pod arm is supported on the bracket The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by this.

[0182] 66. The assembly is moved from the first state to the second state due to the predetermined force The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by this.

[0183] 67. The predetermined force is a collision force on the sensor pod The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by this.

[0184] 68. Further comprising a sensor pod, The sensor pod is rotatable relative to the bracket by a support axle The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by this.

[0185] 69. The sensor pod is configured to rotate from the first state to the second state around the support axle The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by this.

[0186] 70. The support axle is formed by a post extending from the bracket and an opening of the sensor pod arm, The post is located within the opening An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0187] 71. A fastener configured to fix the support axle to the sensor pod arm An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0188] 72. The longitudinal axis of the breakable fixing point is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support axle An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0189] 73. The breakable fixing point includes one or more fasteners configured to shear at the predetermined force An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0190] 74. The one or more fasteners include two fasteners arranged in parallel with a space therebetween An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0191] 75. A first moment arm acts on the breakable fixing point A second moment arm acts on the sensor pod arm The first moment arm is shorter than the second moment arm An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0192] 76. The first moment arm and the second moment arm are acted on by the weight of the sensor pod acting on the sensor pod arm An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0193] 77. A device for reducing damage and fragments in the collision of a sensor pod A bracket configured to couple a sensor pod to a vehicle, a sensor pod arm coupled to the bracket, a breakable fixing point extending through the sensor pod arm and configured to break under a predetermined force, and a device characterized by comprising the above.

[0194] 78. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a support axle extending between the sensor pod arm and the bracket.

[0195] 79. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the breakable fixing point is configured to break under the predetermined force such that the sensor pod arm is rotatable relative to the bracket.

[0196] 80. The breakable fixing point includes one or more fasteners configured to shear under the predetermined force, and the one or more fasteners extend perpendicular to the support axle. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the above.

[0197] 81. The predetermined force is a collision force on the sensor pod. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the above.

[0198] 82. The breakable fixing point is an impact absorption area. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the above.

[0199] 83. The impact absorption area has at least one side of the sensor pod arm formed of a material weaker than at least one other side of the sensor pod arm. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the above.

[0200] ​​84. The sensor pod arm further includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first lateral surface, and a second lateral surface, The shock absorption region has the upper surface and the lower surface The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0201] 85. The upper surface and the lower surface are formed of a material weaker than the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0202] 86. The shock absorption region allows the sensor pod arm to bend in the vertical direction The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0203] 87. The predetermined force is a force that bends or breaks one or more sides of the sensor pod arm The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0204] 88. The breakable fixing point includes a rotary joint The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0205] 89. The predetermined force is a force that opposes the spring of the rotary joint The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0206] 90. A connection assembly for connecting a sensor in a sensor pod to a vehicle, A conduit connector disposed on the housing of the sensor pod, A conduit configured to connect to the conduit connector and extending from the conduit connector to the vehicle, A conduit connector point located at a connection between the conduit connector and the conduit, Comprising The conduit connector point has a first shear strength when the conduit is subjected to tension, The conduit has a second shear strength when the conduit is subjected to tension, wherein the first shear strength is less than the second shear strength A connection assembly characterized by the above.

[0207] 91. The conduit connector is a plurality of conduit connectors, The conduit is a plurality of conduits, Each of the plurality of conduits is connected to each conduit connector of the plurality of conduit connectors at a respective conduit connector point A connection assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0208] 92. Each of the plurality of conduits has the second shear strength, Each of the plurality of conduit connector points has a shear strength less than the second shear strength A connection assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0209] 93. The conduit has a slack of such a length that the conduit maintains its connection state to the conduit connector point when the sensor pod is rotated between a first position and a second position A connection assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0210] 94. A cavity in which the conduit connector, the conduit, and the conduit connector point are disposed inside A connection assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the above.

[0211] 95. A removable cover configured to allow selective access to the cavity A connection assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the above.

[0212] 96. The conduit is a water conduit, an air conduit, or an electrical conduit. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0213] 97. The conduit is configured to interact with the sensor pod and to interact with a different sensor pod that is attached to the connection assembly after the sensor pod has been removed. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0214] 98. The conduit is configured to disconnect from the conduit connector point when the first shear strength is exceeded. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0215] 99. A connection assembly for connecting a sensor within a sensor pod to a vehicle, comprising: an arm; a conduit connector disposed on the housing of the sensor pod; a conduit configured to connect to the conduit connector and extending from the conduit connector through the arm to the vehicle; a conduit connector point within the arm and located at the connection between the conduit connector and the conduit; and the arm is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position; the conduit has a length slack such that when the arm is pivoted between the first position and the second position, the conduit remains connected to the conduit connector at the conduit connector point. The connection assembly, characterized in that

[0216] 100. The conduit connector is a plurality of conduit connectors, the conduit is a plurality of conduits, each of the plurality of conduits is connected to a respective conduit connector of the plurality of conduit connectors at a respective conduit connector point. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0217] 101. The cavity in which the conduit connector, the conduit, and the conduit connector point are disposed therein The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

[0218] 102. A removable cover configured to permit selective access to the cavity The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

[0219] 103. The conduit is a water conduit, an air conduit, or an electrical conduit. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

[0220] 104. The conduit is configured to interact with the sensor pod and to interact with a different sensor pod that is attached to the connection assembly after the sensor pod has been removed The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

[0221] 105. The slack length includes the length of the conduit extending from the vehicle to the conduit connector, The slack length is longer than the internal length of the arm so as to allow the conduit to maintain the connection at the conduit connector point when the arm is moved from the first position to the second position The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

[0222] 106. The arm has a first lateral distance in the first position and a second lateral distance in the second position, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

[0223] 107. The length of the conduit is at least equal to the second lateral distance. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0224] 108. The length of the slack is at least equal to at least the difference between the second lateral distance and the first lateral distance. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0225] 109. The conduit is configured to be disconnected from the conduit connector point with a force lower than the force for cutting the conduit. The connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that.

[0226] 110. A method for installing a sensor pod on a vehicle, comprising: Aligning the sensor pod arm with a bracket attached to the vehicle; Lowering the sensor pod arm onto the bracket; Supporting the weight of the sensor pod on a support axle between the bracket and the sensor pod arm before firmly coupling the sensor pod arm to the bracket; Rotating the sensor pod arm to align it with the bracket; Fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket. A method characterized by comprising the above steps.

[0227] 111. Extending one or more conduits through the bracket and the sensor pod arm and coupling the one or more conduits to the sensor pod. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized by comprising the above step.

[0228] 112. Fixing a cover to the sensor pod arm so as to surround the one or more conduits therein. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0229] 113. A step of connecting the one or more conduits to the sensor pod before rotating the sensor pod arm to align with the bracket The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0230] 114. A step of fixing the sensor pod arm to the support axle The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0231] 115. The step of aligning the sensor pod arm with the bracket includes a step of aligning an opening of the sensor pod arm with the support axle on the bracket The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

[0232] 116. A step of receiving the support axle in the opening The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0233] 117. A step of fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket by one or more breakable fasteners The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0234] 118. A step of fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket at the aligned position The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0235] 119. A step of fixing the bracket to the vehicle before lowering the sensor pod arm onto the bracket The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

[0236] 120. A method for removing a sensor pod from a vehicle, comprising: releasing the sensor pod arm from being fixed to the bracket; rotating the sensor pod arm from the aligned state with the bracket; disconnecting one or more conduits from the sensor pod; raising the sensor pod arm from the bracket to disconnect the support axle between the bracket and the sensor pod arm; A method characterized by comprising the above steps.

[0237] 121. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising removing the one or more conduits from the sensor pod arm. A method characterized by further comprising the above step.

[0238] 122. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising releasing the cover from the sensor pod arm before disconnecting the one or more conduits from the sensor pod arm. A method characterized by further comprising the above step.

[0239] 123. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising disconnecting the one or more conduits from the sensor pod after rotating the sensor pod arm from the aligned state with the bracket. A method characterized by further comprising the above step.

[0240] 124. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising releasing the sensor pod arm from being fixed to the support axle by removing the fastener. A method characterized by further comprising the above step.

[0241] 125. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising removing one or more breakable fasteners from the bracket before raising the sensor pod arm from the bracket. A method characterized by further comprising the above step.

[0242] Step of allowing the bracket to remain fixed to the vehicle The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the above step.

[0243] 127. Step of installing another sensor pod on the bracket The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the above step.

[0244] 128. Step of disconnecting the bracket from the vehicle The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the above step.

[0245] 129. Before releasing the fixing of the sensor pod arm from the bracket, the sensor pod arm and the bracket are aligned The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the above.

[0246] The foregoing description is directed to preferred embodiments, but other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, features described in connection with one embodiment can be used in combination with other embodiments even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod to a vehicle, comprising: a first end having a surface for connection to the vehicle; a second end for connection to the sensor pod; three fixing points extending perpendicular to and through the surface to prevent lateral, vertical and forward movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle; at least one port extending from the first end to the second end; wherein: the three fixing points further prevent rotational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle; the at least one port is configured to allow passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod. A universal bracket characterized by the above.

2. The three fixing points are not on the same straight line. The universal bracket according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The surface is configured to be coupled to the A-pillar of the vehicle. The universal bracket according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The surface is planar. The universal bracket according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The three fixing points are provided by fasteners extending through a plurality of openings in the universal bracket. The universal bracket according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. An arm extending between the first end and the second end. The universal bracket according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

7. A protrusion extending from the arm. further comprising: the protrusion includes a support axle extending from the upper surface of the protrusion. The universal bracket according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. A side surface on the arm. further comprising: the side surface includes an opening configured to receive a fastener. The universal bracket according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

9. The opening includes two openings configured to receive two fasteners. The universal bracket according to claim 8, characterized by the above.

10. A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod to a vehicle, comprising: a first end having a surface for connection to the vehicle; a second end for connection to the sensor pod; To prevent lateral movement, vertical movement, and rotational movement of the universal bracket with respect to the vehicle, three fixing points extending perpendicular to the surface, and a bracket arm protrusion extending from the second end, a bracket pin extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the bracket arm protrusion, are provided, the bracket pin and the upper surface are configured to receive the sensor pod arm of the sensor pod A universal bracket characterized by that.

11. At least one port extending through each of the universal bracket and the sensor pod arm is further provided, the at least one port is configured to allow the passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod The universal bracket according to claim 10, characterized by that.

12. The three fixing points are not on the same straight line The universal bracket according to claim 10, characterized by that.

13. The universal bracket is removably coupled to the sensor pod arm The universal bracket according to claim 10, characterized by that.

14. The universal bracket includes a bracket protrusion that contacts a sensor pod arm protrusion of the sensor pod arm The universal bracket according to claim 10, characterized by that.

15. A connection assembly for coupling a sensor pod to a vehicle, comprising a universal bracket having a bracket port extending from the side facing the track of the universal bracket to the side facing the sensor pod of the universal bracket, a sensor pod arm having a sensor pod arm port extending from the side facing the bracket of the sensor pod to the cavity of the sensor pod arm, a conduit connector disposed within the cavity, are provided, the bracket port and the sensor pod arm port are aligned, a conduit is configured to extend from the vehicle through the aligned bracket port and sensor pod port and connect to the conduit connector A connection assembly characterized by that.

16. The sensor pod port includes three sensor pod ports, The catheter connector includes three catheter connectors, each of the three sensor pod ports is aligned with one of the three catheter connectors, such that three catheters can be coupled to the three catheter connectors The connection assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that.

17. A cover removably coupled to the sensor pod arm to provide selective access to the cavity The connection assembly according to claim 15, further comprising.

18. The side of the universal bracket facing the sensor pod fits with the side of the sensor pod facing the bracket The connection assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that.

19. Three fixing points configured to prevent translational movement of the universal bracket relative to the vehicle The connection assembly according to claim 15, further comprising.

20. The three fixing points are not on the same straight line The connection assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that.

21. A quick-swap sensor pod for a truck, An arm having a protrusion with a lower surface, A pin receiving opening extending through the protrusion to the lower surface, the pin receiving opening having a depth and being vertically aligned, A catheter connector within the arm for coupling a catheter to the quick-swap sensor pod, Comprising, The arm is configured to rotate about the axis of the pin receiving opening between an initial position and a final position, At both the initial position and the final position, the depth of the pin receiving opening is configured to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick-swap sensor pod, The lower surface is configured to support the weight of the quick-swap sensor pod A quick-swap sensor pod, characterized in that.

22. The depth of the pin receiving opening is further selected to allow installation of the quick-swap sensor pod by one operator The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 21, characterized in that.

23. One or more openings for receiving one or more fasteners configured to fix the arm to the final position The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 21, further comprising.

24. A cavity within the arm Comprising, The conduit connector is disposed within the cavity The quick swap sensor pod according to claim 21, characterized in that **Claim 25** The conduit connector includes a water connection, a power connection, and an air connection The quick swap sensor pod according to claim 21, characterized in that **Claim 26** The protrusion further has an upper surface The pin receiving opening extends through the protrusion from the upper surface to the lower surface The quick swap sensor pod according to claim 21, characterized in that **Claim 27** The lower surface of the protrusion is configured to rest on the upper surface of the fitting bracket to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod The quick swap sensor pod according to claim 26, characterized in that **Claim 28** The arm is configured to be assembled and disassembled multiple times on the bracket The quick swap sensor pod according to claim 21, characterized in that **Claim 29** A bracket for a quick swap sensor pod, comprising An arm having a protrusion with an upper surface and a lower surface A pin extending vertically from the upper surface of the protrusion And comprising The pin has a length The pin is configured to allow rotation of the quick swap sensor pod with respect to the arm The length of the pin is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick swap sensor pod The upper surface is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod A bracket characterized in that **Claim 30** The arm further comprises a planar fitting surface And comprising The planar fitting surface is configured to be mounted on a vehicle The bracket according to claim 29, characterized in that **Claim 31** The length of the pin is further selected to allow installation by one operator of the quick swap sensor pod The bracket according to claim 29, characterized in that **Claim 32** One or more openings for receiving one or more fasteners configured to fix the bracket to the arm of the quick swap sensor pod The bracket according to claim 29, further comprising, characterized in that **Claim 33** The upper surface of the protrusion is configured to receive the lower surface of the arm of the quick-swap sensor pod and support the weight of the quick-swap sensor pod. The bracket according to claim 29, characterized in that.

34. The arm is configured to be assembled and disassembled a plurality of times on the pin. The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 33, characterized in that.

35. A quick-swap sensor pod for a track, A sensor pod arm, A bracket coupled to the sensor pod arm, A support axle, Comprising, The quick-swap sensor pod and the sensor pod arm are configured to rotate between an initial position and a final position relative to the bracket about the support axle, At both the initial position and the final position, the depth of the support axle is selected to counteract the moment generated by the weight of the quick-swap sensor pod and support the weight of the quick-swap sensor pod. A quick-swap sensor pod, characterized in that.

36. The support axle extends in the vertical direction and is configured to couple the sensor pod arm and the bracket. The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized in that.

37. The support axle, A pin receiving opening having a depth, A pin for installation in the pin receiving opening, The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized by having.

38. The pin receiving opening extends from the sensor pod arm, The pin extends from the bracket. The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized in that.

39. The pin receiving opening extends from the bracket, The pin extends from the sensor pod arm. The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized in that.

40. A conduit connector in the sensor pod arm for coupling a conduit to the quick-swap sensor pod The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, further comprising.

41. The length of the support axle is further selected to allow installation by one operator of the quick-swap sensor pod. The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized in that...

42. One or more openings on the bracket aligned with one or more openings on the sensor pod arm further comprising the aligned one or more openings are configured to receive one or more fasteners for fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket at the final position The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized in that...

43. The sensor pod arm is configured to be assembled and disassembled multiple times on the bracket via the support axle The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 35, characterized in that...

44. A quick-swap sensor pod for a track, comprising a sensor pod arm having a sensor pod arm protrusion with a lower surface, and a bracket having a bracket arm protrusion with an upper surface, wherein the bracket arm protrusion is configured to support the weight of the sensor pod when the lower surface is placed on the upper surface The quick-swap sensor pod, characterized in that...

45. a bracket pin extending from the upper surface, and a pin receiving opening extending through the lower surface, further comprising the bracket pin is received within the pin receiving opening The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 44, characterized in that...

46. one or more fasteners extending perpendicular to the bracket pin further comprising the one or more fasteners prevent rotational movement around the bracket pin The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 45, characterized in that...

47. the depth of the pin receiving opening is further selected to allow installation of the quick-swap sensor pod by a single operator The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 45, characterized in that...

48. a sensor pod arm plate extending from the sensor pod arm, and a bracket plate extending from the bracket, further comprising the sensor pod arm plate is coupled to the bracket plate by one or more fasteners to firmly fix the sensor pod arm to the bracket and prevent relative movement between them The quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 44, characterized in that...

49. A quick-swap sensor pod according to claim 44, further comprising a rotary joint between the sensor pod arm and the bracket.

50. An apparatus for reducing damage and debris in the event of a collision of a sensor pod, comprising: A bracket having a post configured to couple the sensor pod to a vehicle; A sensor pod arm rotatable about the post; A fastener for fixing the sensor pod arm to the post; A breakable fixing point spaced from the post and configured to break with a predetermined force.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the sensor pod is supported on the post.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the breakable fixing point is configured to break with the predetermined force such that the sensor pod arm is rotatable relative to the bracket.

53. The sensor pod arm has an opening for receiving the post, and the fastener is screwed into the post to prevent the sensor pod arm from detaching from the bracket.

54. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the breakable fixing point includes one or more fasteners configured to shear with the predetermined force.

55. The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the one or more fasteners include two fasteners arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other.

56. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein a longitudinal axis of the breakable fixing point is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the post.

57. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the predetermined force is a collision force on the sensor pod.

58. A first moment arm acts on the breakable fixing point, a second moment arm acts on the sensor pod arm, and the first moment arm is shorter than the second moment arm.

59. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein the first moment arm and the second moment arm are acted upon by the weight of the sensor pod acting on the sensor pod arm.

60. A method for reducing damage in a collision of a sensor pod, comprising: fixing a post on a bracket to the sensor pod to generate a first fixing point; rotating the sensor pod to align with the bracket to align a second fixing point; tightening the second fixing point to fix the sensor pod to the bracket; wherein the second fixing point is tightened with a load smaller than the tension required to release the second fixing point; the second fixing point is configured to break under a predetermined force characterized in that.

61. The method according to claim 60, further comprising breaking the second fixing point by applying the predetermined force to the sensor pod.

62. The method according to claim 61, further comprising rotating the sensor pod from the aligned position to an unaligned position due to the predetermined force applied to the sensor pod and the broken second fixing point.

63. The method according to claim 60, characterized in that the predetermined force is sufficient to break the second fixing point but not sufficient to break the first fixing point.

64. An assembly for reducing damage and fragments in a collision of a sensor pod, comprising: a bracket; a sensor pod arm rotatable relative to the bracket; a breakable fixing point configured to break under a predetermined force; wherein the assembly has a first state in which a horizontal axis of the bracket and a horizontal axis of the sensor pod arm are on the same straight line; a second state in which the horizontal axis of the bracket forms an angle with the horizontal axis of the sensor pod arm; and the breakable fixing point is fixed in the first state and not fixed in the second state. characterized in that.

65. The assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that the sensor pod arm is supported on the bracket.

66. The assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that the assembly is moved from the first state to the second state due to the predetermined force.

67. The assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that the predetermined force is a collision force on the sensor pod.

68. further comprising a sensor pod wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The sensor pod is rotatable relative to the bracket by a support axle. The assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that.

69. The sensor pod is configured to rotate from the first state to the second state about the support axle. The assembly according to claim 68, characterized in that.

70. The support axle is formed by a post extending from the bracket and an opening of the sensor pod arm, The post is located within the opening. The assembly according to claim 68, characterized in that.

71. A fastener configured to fix the support axle to the sensor pod arm The assembly according to claim 68, further comprising.

72. The longitudinal axis of the breakable fixing point is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support axle. The assembly according to claim 68, characterized in that.

73. The breakable fixing point includes one or more fasteners configured to shear with the predetermined force. The assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that.

74. The one or more fasteners include two fasteners arranged in parallel with a space therebetween. The assembly according to claim 73, characterized in that.

75. A first moment arm acts on the breakable fixing point, A second moment arm acts on the sensor pod arm, The first moment arm is shorter than the second moment arm. The assembly according to claim 64, characterized in that.

76. The first moment arm and the second moment arm are acted on by the weight of the sensor pod acting on the sensor pod arm. The assembly according to claim 75, characterized in that.

77. An apparatus for reducing damage and fragments in a collision of a sensor pod, comprising: A bracket configured to couple the sensor pod to a vehicle; A sensor pod arm coupled to the bracket; A breakable fixing point extending through the sensor pod arm and configured to break with a predetermined force. The apparatus, characterized in that it comprises.

78. A support axle extending between the sensor pod arm and the bracket. The apparatus according to claim 77, further comprising.

79. The breakable fixing point is configured to break with the predetermined force such that the sensor pod arm is rotatable with respect to the bracket. The device according to claim 78, characterized in that.

80. The breakable fixing point includes one or more fasteners configured to shear with the predetermined force, The one or more fasteners extend perpendicular to the support axle. The device according to claim 79, characterized in that.

81. The predetermined force is a collision force on the sensor pod. The device according to claim 77, characterized in that.

82. The breakable fixing point is an impact absorption area. The device according to claim 77, characterized in that.

83. The impact absorption area has at least one side surface of the sensor pod arm formed of a material weaker than at least one other side surface of the sensor pod arm. The device according to claim 82, characterized in that.

84. The sensor pod arm further includes an upper side surface, a lower side surface, a first lateral side surface, and a second lateral side surface, The impact absorption area has the upper side surface and the lower side surface. The device according to claim 82, characterized in that.

85. The upper side surface and the lower side surface are formed of a material weaker than the first lateral side surface and the second lateral side surface. The device according to claim 84, characterized in that.

86. The impact absorption area allows the sensor pod arm to bend in the vertical direction. The device according to claim 82, characterized in that.

87. The predetermined force is a force that bends or breaks one or more side surfaces of the sensor pod arm. The device according to claim 82, characterized in that.

88. The breakable fixing point includes a rotary joint. The device according to claim 77, characterized in that.

89. The predetermined force is a force that opposes the spring of the rotary joint. The device according to claim 88, characterized in that.

90. A connection assembly for connecting a sensor in a sensor pod to a vehicle, A conduit connector disposed on the housing of the sensor pod, A conduit configured to connect to the conduit connector and extending from the conduit connector to the vehicle, A conduit connector point located at a connection portion between the conduit connector and the conduit, Comprising, The conduit connector point has a first shear strength when the conduit is subjected to tension. The conduit has a second shear strength when the conduit is subjected to tension, wherein the first shear strength is less than the second shear strength A connection assembly characterized by this.

91. The conduit connector is a plurality of conduit connectors, The conduit is a plurality of conduits, Each of the plurality of conduits is connected to each conduit connector of the plurality of conduit connectors at a respective conduit connector point. The connection assembly according to claim 90, characterized by this.

92. Each of the plurality of conduits has the second shear strength, Each of the plurality of conduit connector points has a shear strength less than the second shear strength. The connection assembly according to claim 91, characterized by this.

93. The conduit has a slack of such a length that the conduit maintains its connection state to the conduit connector point when the sensor pod is rotated between the first position and the second position. The connection assembly according to claim 90, characterized by this.

94. A cavity in which the conduit connector, the conduit, and the conduit connector point are disposed inside. The connection assembly according to claim 90, further comprising this.

95. A removable cover configured to allow selective access to the cavity. The connection assembly according to claim 94, further comprising this.

96. The conduit is a water conduit, an air conduit, or an electrical conduit. The connection assembly according to claim 90, characterized by this.

97. The conduit is configured to interact with the sensor pod and to interact with a different sensor pod that is attached to the connection assembly after the sensor pod is removed. The connection assembly according to claim 90, characterized by this.

98. The conduit is configured to disconnect from the conduit connector point when the first shear strength is exceeded. The connection assembly according to claim 90, characterized by this.

99. A connection assembly for connecting a sensor in a sensor pod to a vehicle, comprising: An arm, A conduit connector disposed on the housing of the sensor pod, A conduit configured to connect to the conduit connector and extending from the conduit connector through the arm to the vehicle, A conduit connector point located within the arm at the connection between the conduit connector and the conduit. comprising, the arm is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, the conduit has a slack of such a length that the conduit remains connected to the conduit connector at the conduit connector point when the arm is rotated between the first position and the second position A connection assembly characterized by this.

100. the conduit connector is a plurality of conduit connectors, the conduit is a plurality of conduits, each of the plurality of conduits is connected to each conduit connector of the plurality of conduit connectors at a respective conduit connector point The connection assembly according to claim 99, characterized by this.

101. a cavity in which the conduit connector, the conduit, and the conduit connector point are disposed inside The connection assembly according to claim 99, further characterized by comprising this.

102. a removable cover configured to allow selective access to the cavity The connection assembly according to claim 101, further characterized by comprising this.

103. the conduit is a water conduit, an air conduit, or an electrical conduit. The connection assembly according to claim 99, characterized by this.

104. the conduit is configured to interact with the sensor pod and to interact with a different sensor pod that is attached to the connection assembly after the sensor pod has been removed The connection assembly according to claim 99, characterized by this.

105. the length of the slack includes the length of the conduit extending from the vehicle to the conduit connector, the length of the slack is longer than the internal length of the arm so as to allow the conduit to maintain its connection at the conduit connector point when the arm is moved from the first position to the second position The connection assembly according to claim 99, characterized by this.

106. the arm has a first lateral distance at the first position and a second lateral distance at the second position, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance The connection assembly according to claim 99, characterized by this.

107. the length of the conduit is at least equal to the second lateral distance The connection assembly according to claim 106, characterized by this.

108. the length of the slack is at least equal to at least the difference between the second lateral distance and the first lateral distance The connection assembly according to claim 106, characterized in that

109. The conduit is configured to be disconnected from the conduit connector point with a force lower than the force for cutting the conduit The connection assembly according to claim 99, characterized in that

110. A method of installing a sensor pod on a vehicle, comprising: Aligning a sensor pod arm with a bracket attached to the vehicle; Lowering the sensor pod arm onto the bracket; Supporting the weight of the sensor pod on a support axle between the bracket and the sensor pod arm before firmly coupling the sensor pod arm to the bracket; Rotating the sensor pod arm to align with the bracket; Fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket. A method characterized by comprising the above steps.

111. Extending one or more conduits through the bracket and the sensor pod arm and coupling the one or more conduits to the sensor pod The method according to claim 110, further characterized by comprising the above step.

112. Fixing a cover to the sensor pod arm so as to surround the one or more conduits therein The method according to claim 110, further characterized by comprising the above step.

113. Connecting the one or more conduits to the sensor pod before rotating the sensor pod arm to align with the bracket The method according to claim 110, further characterized by comprising the above step.

114. Fixing the sensor pod arm to the support axle The method according to claim 110, further characterized by comprising the above step.

115. The step of aligning the sensor pod arm with the bracket includes aligning an opening of the sensor pod arm with the support axle on the bracket The method according to claim 110, characterized in that

116. Receiving the support axle within the opening The method according to claim 115, further characterized by comprising the above step.

117. Fixing the sensor pod arm to the bracket with one or more breakable fasteners The method according to claim 110, further characterized by comprising the above step.

118. A step of fixing the sensor pot arm to the bracket at the aligned position The method according to claim 110, further comprising the above.

119. A step of fixing the bracket to the vehicle before lowering the sensor pot arm onto the bracket The method according to claim 110, further comprising the above.

120. A method for removing the installation of a sensor pot from a vehicle, comprising: A step of releasing the fixing of the sensor pot arm from the bracket; A step of rotating the sensor pot arm from the aligned state with the bracket; A step of disconnecting one or more conduits from the sensor pot; A step of raising the sensor pot arm from the bracket to disconnect the support axle between the bracket and the sensor pot arm; A method characterized by comprising the above.

121. A step of removing the one or more conduits from the sensor pot arm The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

122. A step of releasing the fixing of a cover from the sensor pot arm before disconnecting the one or more conduits from the sensor pot arm The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

123. A step of disconnecting the one or more conduits from the sensor pot after rotating the sensor pot arm from the aligned state with the bracket The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

124. A step of releasing the fixing of the sensor pot arm from the support axle by removing a fastener The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

125. A step of removing one or more breakable fasteners from the bracket before raising the sensor pot arm from the bracket The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

126. A step of allowing the bracket to remain fixed to the vehicle The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

127. A step of installing another sensor pot on the bracket The method according to claim 126, further comprising the above.

128. A step of disconnecting the bracket from the vehicle The method according to claim 120, further comprising the above.

129. Before releasing the fixing of the sensor pod arm from the bracket, the sensor pod arm and the bracket are aligned The method according to claim 120, characterized in that

Images