Integrated Vehicle Sensor Layout for Protected Acoustic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for techniques to integrate multiple sensors externally on vehicles while minimizing space and resource usage, while also protecting sensors from mechanical damage and pollution, particularly for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor device is designed with an ultrasonic sensor and a microphone arranged next to or behind each other, sharing a common supporting element that forms an acoustic channel, allowing for a compact and space-saving design, with the microphone being protected by the ultrasonic sensor and both sensors being fixed to a common supporting element, such as a vehicle bumper, to ensure unhindered functioning and improved compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are mounted on the exterior of a vehicle, then sensor functionality is improved, but space consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a microphone and an ultrasonic sensor into a single integrated sensor device that shares a common housing and mounting structure. The microphone and ultrasonic sensor are positioned adjacent to each other within the same external housing, allowing both sensors to be mounted through a single opening in the vehicle bumper rather than requiring separate openings and mounting spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted on the exterior of a vehicle, then sensor functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a microphone and an ultrasonic sensor into a single integrated sensor device that shares a common housing and mounting structure. The microphone and ultrasonic sensor are positioned adjacent to each other within the same external housing, allowing both sensors to be mounted through a single opening in the vehicle bumper rather than requiring separate openings and mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor device serves multiple functions simultaneously - the microphone captures audible sound waves for voice commands and noise cancellation, while the ultrasonic sensor detects higher frequency sound waves for parking assistance and echolocation. Both sensors share the same mounting interface and housing structure, providing multi-functionality without increasing mounting complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the microphone is placed on the exterior of the vehicle, then sound detection capability is improved, but the microphone is exposed to mechanical damage and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone is positioned behind the ultrasonic sensor within the same housing structure. The ultrasonic sensor acts as a protective element in front of the microphone, shielding it from direct exposure to mechanical damage and environmental pollution while still allowing sound waves to reach the microphone through the acoustic channel.
Solution Approach 2:
An acoustic channel is provided between the ultrasonic sensor and the microphone, serving as an intermediary pathway that allows sound waves to reach the microphone while the ultrasonic sensor structure provides physical protection. The acoustic channel ensures unhindered sound transmission while the ultrasonic sensor acts as a protective barrier against dust, water, and mechanical impact.
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 maintains sensor signal quality, saves space and resources, and provides a compact, weight-efficient, and durable solution for integrating sensors on vehicles, ensuring effective detection of external sounds and vibrations while protecting the microphone from damage and pollution.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic channel to the microphone arranged between the microphone and the ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor device comprising an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone arranged next to or behind the ultrasonic sensor and an acoustic channel to the microphone arranged between the microphone and the ultrasonic sensor.