LiDAR Sensor Housing with Semi-Cylindrical Window for Flush Vehicle Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor housing assemblies for motor vehicles, particularly those housing LiDAR sensors, are aesthetically undesirable and unprotected, often protruding from the exterior trim, which compromises their functionality and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor housing assembly with a semi-cylindrical shape and a window spanning at least 180 degrees, integrated into the vehicle's exterior decorative surface, such as rocker panels and fasciae, allowing the LiDAR sensor to be flush-mounted and providing a wide field of view while maintaining an aesthetically appealing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LiDAR sensor systems are retrofitted to preexisting exterior body panels and made to protrude, then the sensor provides necessary field of view, but the exterior surface becomes aesthetically undesirable and the sensor is unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing portion is nested within the base portion, with the sensor housing being substantially recessed relative to the exterior decorative surface. This nesting arrangement allows the sensor to be protected and aesthetically integrated while still providing necessary field of view through strategically positioned windows.
2Ease of operation
If LiDAR sensor systems are retrofitted to preexisting exterior body panels and made to protrude, then the sensor provides necessary field of view, but the sensor is unprotected and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing portion is nested within the base portion, providing a protective enclosure for the LiDAR sensor. The sensor is substantially recessed relative to the exterior decorative surface, protecting it from physical damage while maintaining operational effectiveness through strategically positioned windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing portion acts as a protective shell enclosing the LiDAR sensor. This shell structure provides mechanical protection while incorporating windows that allow the sensor to maintain its field of view functionality.
3Shape
If sensors are mounted flush within the exterior trim, then the exterior surface remains aesthetically appealing, but sensors including LiDAR cannot provide necessary field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion maintains a smooth exterior decorative surface for aesthetic appeal, while the sensor housing portion incorporates windows with specific orientations and fields of view. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to be aesthetically pleasing while the sensor windows provide necessary functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the exterior decorative surface, creating a three-dimensional structure. This dimensional extension allows the sensor to protrude minimally while maintaining aesthetic integration, with windows positioned to provide necessary field of view in multiple directions.
4Ease of operation
If a semi-cylindrical sensor housing portion with extensive windows is used, then the LiDAR sensor provides 360-degree field of view, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing portion has a semi-cylindrical shape with a curved exterior surface, which naturally provides 360-degree field of view coverage. This curved geometry is more efficient than angular or planar structures, achieving comprehensive sensor coverage with a simpler, more elegant form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor housing assembly for attachment to a vehicle includes a base portion having a first end, a second end, and an exterior decorative surface. The sensor housing assembly further includes a sensor housing portion adapted to house a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor and having a generally semi-cylindrical shape with a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion forms a first end of the semi-cylindrical sensor housing portion and the bottom portion forms a second end of the semi-cylindrical sensor housing portion. The sensor housing portion is disposed between the first end and the second end of the base portion and extends outward from the exterior surface of the base portion. The sensor housing portion has a window disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion.