Multi-Element Damping Device for Ultrasonic Sensor Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping devices for motor vehicle exterior parts, used to mitigate oscillations caused by ultrasonic sensors, are temperature and frequency dependent, failing to provide complete damping across the required range, especially in the ultrasonic frequency range.
Innovation Solution
A damping device with at least two damping elements, each optimized for specific temperature and frequency ranges, utilizing different materials such as bitumen and butyl rubber, to ensure reliable damping across a wide temperature range (−40° Celsius to +120° Celsius) and frequency range, including ultrasonic frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single damping device is used for exterior parts, then the device structure is simple, but the damping performance is insufficient across the full temperature and frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is divided into multiple damping elements (first damping element and second damping element), each optimized for specific temperature and frequency ranges. This segmentation allows each element to perform its damping function effectively within its designated range, achieving comprehensive damping coverage without requiring a single complex multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different damping elements are assigned different material properties and damping characteristics tailored to their specific operating ranges. The first damping element uses materials optimized for lower temperatures and frequencies, while the second damping element uses materials optimized for higher temperatures and frequencies, creating local optimization throughout the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If damping devices are made temperature-dependent, then they can adapt to temperature variations, but they fail to provide complete damping in the ultrasonic frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device segments the temperature and frequency coverage into distinct ranges handled by different damping elements. This ensures that the ultrasonic frequency range is covered by the second damping element which is specifically optimized for high-frequency damping, while the first damping element handles lower frequencies, achieving complete damping coverage across all temperatures and frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device employs composite or different material properties in the first and second damping elements. Each material is selected for its optimal damping characteristics in its designated temperature and frequency range, creating a composite damping system that leverages the strengths of different materials to achieve comprehensive damping performance.
3Ease of operation
If ultrasonic sensors are arranged in a concealed manner behind exterior parts, then the sensor integration is improved, but oscillations in the exterior part produce interfering signals
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device converts the harmful oscillations and vibrations generated by the ultrasonic sensors into beneficial damping effects. By applying the damping elements to the exterior part, the harmful mechanical vibrations and solid-borne sound waves are transformed into dissipated energy through the damping materials, eliminating the interfering signals while maintaining the concealed sensor arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device acts as an intermediary between the ultrasonic sensor and the exterior part. It absorbs and dissipates the mechanical vibrations and oscillations generated during sensor operation, preventing these vibrations from propagating through the exterior part and creating interfering signals, while allowing the sensor to maintain its concealed position.
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 provides efficient and reliable damping of oscillations in motor vehicle exterior parts, ensuring high operability of ultrasonic sensors by effectively attenuating vibrations and solid-borne sound over a broad temperature and frequency spectrum.
Implementation Method 1
The first damping element (7) and the exterior part (3) form a first oscillatory system with a first degree of damping, and the second damping element (8) and the exterior part (3) form a second oscillatory system with a second degree of damping.
Implementation Method 2
damping devices, for example rubber rings, on the exterior parts
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a damping device (5) for an exterior part (3) of a motor vehicle (1) for damping oscillations of the exterior part (3) which are caused by way of an ultrasonic sensor (4) during the emitting and/or receiving of ultrasonic signals, the damping device (5) having at least two damping elements (7, 8), a first one of the damping elements (7) being configured for increasing a degree of damping of the exterior part (3) in a first temperature range (T1) of the exterior part (3) and/or in a first frequency range of the oscillations, and a second one of the damping elements (8) being configured for increasing a degree of damping of the exterior part (3) in a second temperature range (T2) of the exterior part (3), which second temperature range (T2) is different from the first temperature range (T1), and/or in a second frequency range of the oscillations, which second frequency range is different from the first frequency range. Moreover, the invention relates to an arrangement (2) having at least one damping device (5), and to a motor vehicle (1) having an arrangement (2).