Audio Cue Enclosure Alignment for Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of sensors on autonomous vehicles is laborious and time-consuming, requiring lengthy calibration processes when replacing or moving sensors from one vehicle to another, disrupting data reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An enclosure alignment system that translates along a fixture using a signal transmitter and receiver to determine alignment, emitting an audio cue based on signal intensity, allowing for quick and accurate positioning of sensors without disrupting calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used for sensor enclosures on autonomous vehicles, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated optical system. A light source emits light that reflects off a reflective surface on the fixture to a light detector on the enclosure. The system automatically calculates alignment based on light position data, eliminating the need for laborious manual calibration while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-based intermediary system to facilitate alignment. The light source, reflective surface, and light detector work together as an intermediary mechanism that provides precise alignment information without requiring direct mechanical measurement or manual adjustment, thereby reducing both time and labor while preserving accuracy.
2Reliability
If manual calibration processes are performed when replacing or moving sensors, then data reliability can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to lengthy calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment through the optical system before sensor operation begins. The light-based alignment mechanism pre-establishes the correct positioning and orientation of the sensor enclosure on the fixture, ensuring data reliability is maintained from the start. This preliminary automated alignment eliminates the need for lengthy post-installation calibration, thereby improving sensor replacement productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual calibration procedures with an automated optical alignment system. The light source, reflective surface, and detector work together to automatically determine and verify alignment, maintaining data reliability without requiring time-consuming manual calibration steps, thus significantly improving overall productivity during sensor replacement or transfer operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment procedures are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with a simpler optical system. The light source emits light that reflects off a reflective surface to a light detector, creating a straightforward optical path for alignment measurement. This optical approach achieves high positioning accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity, as the system relies on light propagation rather than complex mechanical linkages or measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a light-based intermediary to simplify the alignment process. The reflective surface on the fixture acts as a simple intermediary element that directs light to the detector, providing alignment information without requiring complex mechanisms. This intermediary approach maintains positioning accuracy while keeping the overall system design simple and elegant.
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
Facilitates efficient alignment of sensors by providing audible feedback, ensuring proper positioning and maintaining data reliability during sensor replacement or transfer, thereby reducing labor and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A signal can be detected, during the translation of the enclosure, from a signal transmitter to a signal receiver. An intensity of the signal can be determined.
Implementation Method 2
An audio cue can be emitted based on the intensity of the signal.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for enclosure alignment. An enclosure can be translated along a fixture. A signal can be detected, during the translation of the enclosure, from a signal transmitter to a signal receiver. An intensity of the signal can be determined. An audio cue can be emitted based on the intensity of the signal. The enclosure may be aligned along the fixture based on the emitted audio cue.