Dense Sensor Pod Assembly Relocating Lidar to Connecting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor pod assemblies for vehicles are bulky and heavy, generating a significant moment on the connecting assembly due to the weight and size of sensors, cameras, and additional components, which complicates their mounting and operation, especially in autonomous navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
The relocation of sensors, such as the scanning lidar, from the sensor pod housing into the connecting assembly reduces the moment arm and overall size of the sensor pod, with the scanning lidar and heat sink being moved closer to the vehicle within the connecting assembly to minimize weight and size, while maintaining functionality and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sensors are relocated from sensor pod housing to connecting assembly, then moment arm and overall size are reduced, but structural rigidity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the scanning lidar from the sensor pod housing to the connecting assembly, effectively moving components along the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle. This dimensional redistribution reduces the moment arm and overall sensor pod volume while the connecting assembly's structural design compensates for rigidity requirements through its own reinforcement strategies.
2Weight of stationary object
If scanning lidar and heat sink are moved closer to vehicle within connecting assembly, then weight and size are minimized, but heat dissipation challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat sink as an intermediary thermal management component positioned within the connecting assembly near the scanning lidar. This heat sink acts as a thermal intermediary that facilitates heat transfer from the scanning lidar to the surrounding environment, enabling effective heat dissipation even when the scanning lidar is relocated closer to the vehicle to minimize weight and size.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If sensors are compacted into dense configuration, then aerodynamic drag is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning lidar and other sensors into a dense, integrated configuration within the connecting assembly and sensor pod housing. This consolidation reduces the overall sensor pod volume and minimizes aerodynamic drag by creating a more compact profile. The manufacturing complexity is managed through modular assembly approaches where pre-assembled sensor modules are integrated into the final configuration.
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
This configuration reduces the structural rigidity requirements of the connecting assembly, minimizes aerodynamic drag, and enhances heat dissipation, resulting in a more compact and efficient dense sensor pod assembly that supports autonomous navigation.
Implementation Method 1
enhances heat dissipation
Implementation Method 2
heat sink being moved closer to the vehicle within the connecting assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A dense sensor pod assembly for a vehicle. The dense sensor pod assembly includes a sensor pod housing, a connecting assembly, and a scanning lidar. The sensor pod housing includes one or more sensors located within the sensor pod housing. The connecting assembly couples the sensor pod housing to the vehicle. The scanning lidar is located within the connecting assembly. The scanning lidar, the connecting assembly, and the sensor pod housing form a dense sensor pod configuration.