Cab Firewall Cross-Beam Sensor Layout for Driver Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems in motor vehicles face challenges in positioning sensors to maximize the visible external environment without creating blind spots for the driver, as sensors placed high on the windshield have limited visibility and those placed lower obstruct the driver's view.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle design incorporates a cab body firewall with a lower cross beam to support the windshield and an upper cross beam to mount sensors, positioning them below the windshield to enhance visibility while being covered by the dashboard to avoid obstructing the driver's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If sensors are positioned on the upper part of the windshield, then the sensors are located higher with respect to the road, but the sensors cannot view a sufficient part of the external environment of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from positioning sensors on the windshield surface to mounting them on the cab body firewall structure behind the windshield. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension (from front surface to rear structure) allows the sensors to achieve an optimal viewing angle and height without being constrained by the windshield's front surface limitations.
2Area of stationary object
If sensors are positioned on the lower part of the windshield, then the sensors have a satisfactory visible part of the external environment of the vehicle, but the sensors are positioned on the field of view of the driver and thus create blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensors from the windshield area (which causes the blind spot problem) and relocates them to the cab body firewall structure. This separation removes the harmful effect of sensor obstruction on driver visibility while preserving the beneficial function of environmental detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cab body firewall acts as an intermediary structure that supports the sensors at an optimal position. This intermediate structure allows the sensors to be positioned behind the windshield plane, mediating between the need for good visibility and the need to avoid driver blind spots.
3Area of stationary object
If sensors are positioned on the cab body firewall above the windshield lower extremity, then the visible part of external environment is maximized, but the sensors may be exposed to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sensors on the cab body firewall structure behind the windshield, providing beforehand protection. The windshield and firewall structure act as a protective barrier that cushions the sensors from potential damage while maintaining their optimal detection position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising: - a cab (2) comprising a dashboard (30), - a windshield (3) forming an upper front part of the cab and having a lower extremity (3L), - a driver assistance system comprising at least one sensor (10, 11) and a control unit (15), - a cab body firewall (20) forming a frame structure of a lower front part of the cab on which the dashboard is attached, the cab body firewall comprising: - a lower cross beam (21) holding the windshield by the lower extremity on an upper side (21U) of the lower cross beam, - an upper cross beam (22) holding the at least one sensor and arranged above the upper side of the lower cross beam, above the lower extremity of the windshield and below the dashboard.