Hidden Obstacle Sensor Mounting With Sealed Bumper Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems in motor vehicles require openings in the bumper for ultrasonic sensors, leading to manufacturing and aesthetic drawbacks, design constraints, and complex maintenance due to sensor visibility and location.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system for obstacle detection sensors that integrates a housing with a detection surface, a support fixed to the vehicle body, and a sealing element to create a sealed volume, allowing the sensor to be positioned behind the body panel, invisible from outside, and using electromagnetic waves that penetrate the bodywork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are mounted on the bumper with openings, then obstacle detection function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is nested within a recess in the support structure, which is itself integrated into the body panel. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be housed within the bodywork without requiring separate openings, thereby maintaining the detection function while simplifying manufacturing and improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor housing and the body panel. This sealing element allows the sensor to be positioned behind the body panel while maintaining a sealed environment, eliminating the need for visible openings and simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are mounted on the bumper with openings, then obstacle detection function is achieved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is nested within a recess in the support structure, which is itself integrated into the body panel. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be housed within the bodywork without requiring separate openings, thereby maintaining the detection function while simplifying manufacturing and improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor housing and the body panel. This sealing element allows the sensor to be positioned behind the body panel while maintaining a sealed environment, eliminating the need for visible openings and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Shape
If sensors are positioned behind the body panel to be invisible, then aesthetic quality improves, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into a removable housing that can be separated from the support structure. This segmentation allows the sensor housing to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the body panel, thereby maintaining aesthetic quality while simplifying maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be easily removed and reinstalled. This dynamic design enables maintenance personnel to access the sensor for cleaning by simply removing the housing, rather than requiring complex disassembly operations.
4Reliability
If openings are created in body parts for sensor mounting, then obstacle detection function is achieved, but design flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is nested within a recess in the support structure, which is itself integrated into the body panel. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be housed within the bodywork without requiring separate openings, thereby maintaining the detection function while simplifying manufacturing and improving aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor housing and the body panel. This sealing element allows the sensor to be positioned behind the body panel while maintaining a sealed environment, eliminating the need for visible openings and simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 system addresses visibility and maintenance issues while ensuring reliable obstacle detection by sealing the sensor from contamination, optimizing logistics, and enhancing design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element (3, 30) positioned to seal the volume between the sensing surface (41) of the housing (4) and the bodywork part (5)
Implementation Method 2
These sensors are primarily ultrasonic sensors that emit sound waves with a frequency of approximately 40 kHz to 60 kHz. These waves are reflected by obstacles and return to the sensor.
Implementation Method 3
These waves are reflected by obstacles and return to the sensor. The sensor detects these return waves
Implementation Method 4
using electromagnetic waves that penetrate the bodywork
Data Source
Figure 1A~4B
Figure 5A~7B
Figure 8~13A
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for securing an obstacle-detection sensor (1) for a bodywork part (5) of a motor vehicle. The system (1) comprises a housing (4) which can receive a proximity sensor and which has a detection surface (41). The system (1) also comprises a support (2) which includes a recess (21) for receiving the housing (4) and which can be secured to the bodywork part (5) so as to form a space between the detection surface (41) of the housing (4) and the bodywork part (5). Finally, the system (1) comprises a sealing member (3; 30) which can seal the space between the detection surface (41) of the housing (4) and the bodywork part (5).