Foldable Camera-Antenna Boom for Aerodynamic Lane Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle environment detection systems, reliant on traditional mirrors or cameras, face challenges in space efficiency, aerodynamics, and effective communication for lane keeping and vehicle parameter exchange, particularly in compact and autonomous vehicle designs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a camera and antenna mounted on a movable boom, integrated with a vehicle body, allowing for space-saving installation, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced communication capabilities through a printed circuit board for stable signal transfer, with the ability to fold and pivot for maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional mirrors or cameras are used for vehicle environment detection, then the detection function is provided, but space efficiency and aerodynamics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational requirements. The boom can extend to provide optimal camera and antenna positioning for detection and communication functions, then retract to minimize aerodynamic drag and improve space efficiency when these functions are not actively needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and antenna are integrated onto the boom structure, which itself is nested within or attachable to the vehicle body. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be consolidated in a space-efficient manner, reducing the overall volume required for environment detection and communication systems.
2Volume of moving object
If camera and antenna are integrated on a movable boom, then space efficiency and aerodynamics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for mounting the camera and antenna, enables movement to optimize positioning, and acts as an integrative platform that consolidates multiple detection and communication components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structures and components, thereby managing complexity despite the added mobility feature.
3Ease of operation
If boom is designed to fold and pivot for maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of signal transfer may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The boom acts as an intermediary structure that carries the antenna and camera while maintaining their functional integrity. The boom's design incorporates features such as rigid mounting points and stable structural segments that ensure reliable signal transfer from the antenna even when the boom is in motion or positioned in various configurations, thus mediating between maneuverability requirements and signal stability needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may be included for sensing the vehicle surroundings of a vehicle. When mounted, the device has an underside facing the carriageway and an upper side facing away from the carriageway. The device comprises a fixture and a swivel arm that is movable relative to the fixture and connected thereto. The fixture has a fastening portion for fastening the device to a body part of the vehicle. The swivel arm comprises a camera for a lane-keeping function and an antenna.