Inflatable Hail Shield Structure for Autonomous Vehicle Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in rapidly deploying protective structures against adverse weather conditions such as hail, as existing systems require time-consuming setup and may not be deployable in time to prevent sensor damage.
Innovation Solution
A deployable hail protection system with movable arms and a flexible sheet that can be autonomously deployed and retracted based on weather conditions, using sensors to detect hail and actuate the system's deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed structures or covers are used to provide vehicle protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but deployment time increases making it impossible to protect the vehicle before damaging weather occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed, static protective structures into dynamic, movable systems. The protective cover is mounted on a movable platform (vehicle or trailer) that can dynamically reposition itself to follow and protect the autonomous vehicle during weather events, enabling rapid deployment without fixed installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary action by having the protective cover already positioned and ready on a movable platform before weather events occur. The platform can be pre-positioned near the autonomous vehicle, and when weather conditions deteriorate, the cover is already in place to provide immediate protection without requiring time-consuming setup.
2Reliability
If padded or inflated covers are used to protect the vehicle, then protection effectiveness is improved, but setup time increases due to required wrapping and inflation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automating the protective coverage process. The movable platform with the attached cover autonomously positions itself under the autonomous vehicle and provides protection without requiring manual wrapping, inflation, or setup procedures. The system serves itself by integrating the protective function into the platform's movement and positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is preliminarily prepared and mounted on the movable platform in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming wrapping and inflation procedures during weather events. The platform and cover are ready as an integrated unit that can be quickly deployed to provide immediate protection.
3Reliability
If fixed protective structures are used, then protection reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases as the vehicle cannot move to follow the protective structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability by making the protective structure dynamic rather than fixed. The movable platform with the protective cover can dynamically reposition itself to follow the autonomous vehicle's location, maintaining continuous protection while adapting to the vehicle's movement and operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adverse weather protection is provided. The system including a feature and a structure adjacent to the feature, the structure having a first layer and a second layer. The structure is inflatable around the feature defining a first volume between the feature and the first layer, a second volume between the first layer and the second layer and a third volume external to second layer. The first layer and the second layer are sized and dimensioned such that when the second volume is inflated the structure expands around the feature.