External Radar Absorption Element for Compact Vehicle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar devices for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining a compact design while effectively absorbing high-frequency electromagnetic waves reflected from metallic structures, which causes interference and requires costly redesigns for retrofitting absorption elements.

Innovation Solution

A radar device with a separate, externally arranged absorption element made of radar absorptive material (RAM) that surrounds the housing, serving both as a wave absorber and a holder, allowing for compact construction and easy retrofitting without occupying internal space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If absorption elements are arranged inside the housing of the radar device, then electromagnetic waves can be absorbed effectively, but the radar device cannot be constructed in a compact manner and additional installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic wave interferenceVSAvoidradar device volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The absorption element is extracted from the internal housing structure and positioned externally on the housing surface. This separation allows the radar device housing to maintain its original compact dimensions while the absorption element provides electromagnetic wave absorption functionality from the outside, eliminating the need to increase internal space allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption element is arranged in an external dimension on the housing surface rather than within the internal volume. By utilizing the external surface area of the housing, the solution absorbs electromagnetic waves without consuming any of the radar device's internal installation space, thus maintaining compact construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If absorption elements are integrated into the housing, then wave absorption is achieved, but the radar device becomes larger and retrofitting is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency reflectionsVSAvoidretrofitting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The absorption element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to the housing. This segmentation allows existing radar devices to be retrofitted with absorption elements without requiring redesign or disassembly of the original housing structure, thereby maintaining adaptability while achieving wave absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption element is designed as a universal component that can be applied to various radar device housings. The element serves multiple purposes: absorbing high-frequency reflections and potentially serving as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality enables easy retrofitting across different radar device models without requiring model-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If absorption elements are placed on the housing, then compact construction is maintained, but proper functioning must be ensured without affecting detection angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar device compactnessVSAvoidradar detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorption element is positioned specifically on portions of the housing that do not interfere with the radar's detection beam path. By placing the absorption material locally on the housing surface in areas where it will not affect the main detection angles, the solution maintains both compact construction and reliable detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure, which could potentially reflect electromagnetic waves and cause interference, is covered with absorption material to convert it into a beneficial element. The housing now serves dual purposes: maintaining structural integrity and providing electromagnetic wave absorption, thereby ensuring proper radar functioning while preserving compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Ensures proper functioning of the radar device with unchanged detection angles, provides secure seating, and allows for efficient use of internal space by eliminating the need for absorption elements within the housing, while effectively absorbing unwanted waves.

Implementation Method 1

at least one absorption element which is formed from an absorption material which absorbs the electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2795360B1Radar device for a motor vehicle, mount for a radar device and method for manufacturing an absorption element for a radar device
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2795360B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2795360B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2795360B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a radar device (1) for a motor vehicle, having a radar device (2) for irradiating and receiving electromagnetic waves (4), and having at least one absorption element (9, 100) which is formed by an absorption material which absorbs the electromagnetic waves (4), wherein the at least one absorption element (9, 100) is embodied as an element which is separate from a housing (3) of the radar device (2) and is arranged outside the housing (3), in particular on the housing (3).