Convertible Top Sensor Mounting for Continuous Autonomous Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible vehicle arrangements do not enable effective autonomous or semi-autonomous operation as environment sensors are not integrated in a way that allows continuous vehicle environment monitoring during both covering and storage positions of the convertible top.
Innovation Solution
Integrating environment sensors, such as lidar, radar, or optical sensors, onto the convertible top or its components like the front bow, rear bow, or convertible top box lid, ensuring they remain functional and provide a changing field of view relative to the vehicle structure as the top is displaced between positions, allowing continuous vehicle environment monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If environment sensors are integrated on the convertible top, then autonomous driving capability is enabled, but sensor functionality is lost when the top is in storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor mounting position dynamic rather than fixed. The environment sensor is mounted on the convertible top structure, which moves between covering and storage positions. This dynamic positioning ensures the sensor remains in an optimal location for autonomous driving regardless of the convertible top's state, resolving the contradiction between enabling automation and maintaining sensor reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the convertible top is displaced between covering and storage positions, then vehicle interior accessibility is improved, but sensor field of view changes relative to vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the sensor mounting system to serve multiple functions: it maintains effective field of view for autonomous driving whether the convertible top is in covering or storage position. The sensor is positioned on the top structure itself, allowing it to function effectively in both configurations, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and maintaining sensor information gathering capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If environment sensors are mounted on fixed vehicle structure, then sensor stability is improved, but adaptability to different convertible top positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying dynamics - the sensor is mounted on the movable convertible top structure rather than the fixed vehicle body. This allows the sensor to move with the top, maintaining stable positioning relative to the top while adapting to different positions (covering and storage) of the convertible arrangement, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible arrangement having a displaceable top is displaceable between a covering position, in which it spans a vehicle interior, and a storage position, in which the vehicle interior is exposed at the top and the convertible top is received by a convertible top storage space. An environment sensor and/or an environment sensor accessory are/is disposed at the convertible top.