Articulated Detection Device Elastic Hinge Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle detection and communication devices, such as radar systems, face challenges due to metal bodywork attenuation of electromagnetic waves, leading to aesthetically penalizing antenna placement and potential injury risks during impacts, as existing retractable solutions are unreliable and compromise structural rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A detection or communication device with an elastically deformable hinge system that allows controlled retraction, featuring a two-arm articulation mechanism and retaining means with pushers and cleats, ensuring consistent behavior regardless of aging or temperature, and providing robust attachment and straightforward retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection or communication device is positioned close to the bodywork to enable signal transmission through the bodywork, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the device creates a hard point that risks injuring pedestrians during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is made retractable through an articulation system with retaining means that allow the device to move between a deployed position (close to bodywork for signal transmission) and a retracted position (away from bodywork to prevent injury). The retaining means includes elastic elements that enable controlled movement based on impact force detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system is designed to automatically retract the detection device upon detecting impact forces, preventing the hard point from causing pedestrian injury. The system proactively counteracts the harmful effect by moving the device away from the bodywork surface when impact is detected.
2Ease of operation
If the attachment of the detection device is sized to break under predetermined force to enable retraction, then the device can retract during impact, but the force required to break the attachment varies according to aging and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means utilizes elastic deformation of material elements rather than brittle breaking. The elastic elements deform under impact force to release the detection device, and their elastic properties remain consistent across temperature and aging variations, providing reliable and predictable retraction behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional breaking-based release mechanism is replaced with an elastic deformation-based mechanism. Instead of relying on brittle fracture which varies with material aging and temperature, the system uses elastic elements that deform reversibly, providing consistent mechanical response under varying conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the attachment includes breaking points to enable retraction, then the device can retract, but the breaking points introduce weakness that limits the rigidity of the attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system provides dynamic rigidity - the attachment remains rigid in the deployed position for stable signal transmission, but can dynamically transition to a retracted position when needed. The elastic retaining means enables this dynamic behavior without compromising the structural integrity of the attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into rigid structural components and flexible retaining elements. The rigid arms and mounting structures provide necessary strength and rigidity, while the separate elastic retaining means provide controlled release capability without weakening the main attachment structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the detection device is made retractable to prevent pedestrian injury, then safety is improved, but the device may not retract freely if multiple breaking points do not yield simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic retaining means automatically detects impact forces and triggers retraction without external intervention. The system self-activates when impact force exceeds the elastic element's resistance, ensuring the device retracts freely and reliably without requiring multiple coordinated breaking points.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures safe retraction of the device during impacts, preventing pedestrian injury and maintaining structural integrity by allowing controlled movement between deployed and retracted positions without altering the device's dimensions or rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining means (23a, 23b) in a blocked state in which the electronic unit (1) is held in the extended position, the retaining means (23a, 23b) being elastically deformable so as to deform between the blocked state and the free state
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6c
AI summary
The invention concerns a detection or communication device comprising an electronic housing (1) and a system (2) for articulating the electronic housing (1) to a vehicle body (3) between a deployed position and a stowed position, the device comprising at least one arm (21, 22) comprising a first end (211, 221) mounted on the electronic housing (1) and a second end (212, 222) mounted movably on the body (3); and a retaining means (23a, 23b) having an immobilised state, in which the electronic housing (1) is held in the deployed position, and a free state in which the electronic housing (1) is free to switch from the deployed position to the stowed position, the retaining means (23a, 23b) being elastically deformable so as to be deformed between the immobilised state and the free state.