Adjustable Sensor Mounting With Integrated Cleaning for Harsh Environments
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor mounting devices lack robustness and integration capabilities, particularly in applications involving vibrations and debris, such as autonomous vehicles, and do not provide adequate protection and calibration for sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor mounting device with an object attachment member and a sensor attachment member connected by adjustable connecting elements, allowing for calibration and easy replacement of sensors, along with an integrated cleaning system for maintaining sensor orientation and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available sensor mounting devices are used, then sensor mounting is simple, but they do not provide adequate debris and vibration protection and integration capability
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a sensor holder for mounting the sensor, a cleaning device with fluid channels for debris removal, and connecting elements for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is integrated into the sensor holder structure, combining sensor mounting and cleaning functions in a single integrated assembly. This merging provides comprehensive protection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sensor mounting devices without adjustment capability are used, then device structure is simple, but sensor calibration and integration are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements provide adjustable connection between the sensor holder and mounting surface, allowing dynamic adjustment of sensor position and orientation. This enables precise calibration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements allow modification of geometric parameters (position, orientation) of the sensor relative to the mounting surface. This parameter adjustment capability enables precise calibration without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If sensor mounting devices without cleaning capability are used, then device structure is simple, but sensor performance degrades in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables the sensor holder to self-clean by directing fluid through channels to remove debris from the sensor surface. This self-service capability maintains sensor performance in harsh environments without requiring external cleaning systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holder is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mounting structure and as a cleaning device with integrated fluid channels. This universal design provides cleaning capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a sensor mounting device (1) for mounting a sensor (2) to an object, comprising, - an object attachment member (10) for attaching the sensor mounting device (1) to the object, - the sensor mounting device (1) further comprises a cleaning device (40) for cleaning the sensor (2) with at least one cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a sensor assembly (100) and a vehicle (200) comprising a sensor mounting device (1)