Dual-Axis Pivotable Sensor Mount for Vehicle Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors and radars on transportation vehicles are susceptible to damage from impacts during parking, maneuvering, or driving on country roads, leading to errors and reduced safety and comfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable module unit for sensors with two attachment elements and two pivoting units that allow the sensor holding unit to move about two different pivot axes, absorbing and damping impacts, thereby reducing susceptibility to damage and improving sensor reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are arranged on the periphery of the transportation vehicle to provide valuable data for control systems and driver assistance, then the safety and convenience of vehicle occupants can be improved, but the sensors become highly exposed and susceptible to damage from impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holding unit is designed with pivoting units that allow it to move dynamically about two different pivot axes. This dynamic capability enables the sensor holding unit to absorb and dampen impacts by pivoting, transforming the rigid fixed mounting into a flexible dynamic structure that can respond to external forces while protecting the sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting units are configured to absorb and dampen impacts before they reach the sensors. By providing this cushioning mechanism in advance through the pivotable connection between the sensor holding unit and attachment elements, the system protects the sensors from direct impact forces that would otherwise cause damage.
2Reliability
If the sensor holding unit is fixed rigidly to reduce movement and improve stability, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the sensors become more susceptible to damage from impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid mounting to a dynamic pivoting mounting that allows controlled movement about two pivot axes. This dynamic design enables the sensor holding unit to absorb impacts while maintaining operational stability during normal vehicle operation, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting units change the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing rotational degrees of freedom. This allows the system to adapt its stiffness and movement characteristics based on operational conditions, providing both stability during normal operation and impact absorption during collision events.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor holding unit is made pivotable to absorb impacts, then damage susceptibility is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional pivoting units
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: attachment elements, pivoting units, and sensor holding unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the desired impact absorption through the coordinated operation of these modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting units serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide impact absorption, enable controlled movement, and maintain sensor positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite the added pivotable capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivotable module unit for sensors for a transportation vehicle having at least two attachment elements spaced apart from each other, a sensor holding unit arranged between the two attachment elements, and two pivoting units. The sensor holding unit holds at least one sensor for a transportation vehicle. The two pivoting units fasten the sensor holding unit to the two attachment elements so the sensor holding unit is movable about a first pivot axis and about a second pivot axis which is different from the first pivot axis.