Lidar Sensor Mounting Assembly for Precise Vehicle Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor alignment systems in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles lack precise control over the alignment of sensors, particularly lidar sensors, which affects the accuracy of sensor fusion algorithms and overall driving performance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly that includes a carrier plate, mounting plate, ball studs, adjustable screws, and torque nuts, allowing for fine-tuned alignment of lidar sensors in two rotational degrees of freedom, ensuring accurate alignment with vehicle axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple mounting system is used to reduce device complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision of sensor alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The mounting plate incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow the sensor to be positioned and oriented precisely after manufacturing, then locked in place. This enables standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving high alignment precision through post-manufacturing adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds adjustment dimensions to the mounting system by incorporating multiple adjustment mechanisms that operate in different degrees of freedom. These mechanisms provide control over lateral position, longitudinal position, and angular orientation, adding dimensional control capabilities that resolve the alignment precision issue without requiring complex custom manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If fixed sensor mounting is used to reduce device complexity, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability of sensor alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms are pre-configured in the mounting plate during manufacturing, with adjustment ranges and capabilities built in beforehand. This preliminary preparation allows for easy alignment adjustments to be performed later during installation or maintenance, combining the ease of pre-configured systems with the adaptability of adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system enables changes in multiple parameters including lateral position, longitudinal position, and angular orientation of the sensor. By providing control over these parameters through adjustment mechanisms, the system achieves both ease of operation through standardized interfaces and high adaptability for precise alignment with vehicle axes.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a carrier plate, a mounting plate, and a sensor on or over the mounting plate. The assembly can additionally include two ball studs attaching the mounting plate to the carrier plate, the ball studs defining a first axis passing through center points of the ball studs. A first adjustable screw can be positioned to tilt the mounting plate about the first axis, and a second adjustable screw can be positioned to rotate the mounting plate about a vertically oriented second axis, in which the second axis is spaced from the ball studs.