Liftgate Sensor Assembly With Ducted Airflow for Clear Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor assemblies are inefficient in managing airflow to maintain clear fields of view and cooling for external sensors, particularly in the context of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operations, leading to potential performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly is integrated into a vehicle liftgate structure, utilizing a housing system with covers and ducts to control airflow, incorporating a blower and ducts to direct air for cooling and maintaining sensor clarity, while being mounted on a support bracket and secured by fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to external environment for autonomous vehicle operations, then sensor detection capability is improved, but airflow causes performance degradation due to heat and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into multiple functional zones: a protected housing containing sensors, a separate cover with openings for airflow, and distinct duct pathways. This segmentation allows the sensors to be isolated from direct airflow while maintaining detection capabilities through controlled optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover assembly acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the sensor housing. The cover with its specific opening pattern mediates airflow to provide cooling and maintain clear fields of view without allowing direct contamination or excessive heat exposure to the sensors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are enclosed in a housing for protection, then sensors are protected from environmental factors, but airflow management becomes complex requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the sensor housing, manages airflow for cooling, maintains clear fields of view through strategic openings, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is nested within a housing that is itself nested within the liftgate structure. The cover assembly nests over the housing, creating concentric protective layers. This nested arrangement maximizes protection while minimizing the overall space required and reducing the number of separate mounting structures needed.
3Reliability
If airflow is directed to cool sensors and maintain clear fields of view, then sensor performance is enhanced, but airflow may enter passenger compartment causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly has non-uniform opening distribution with different patterns in different regions. openings are strategically positioned and sized to direct cooling airflow specifically to the sensor housing while creating a airflow pattern that prevents entry into the passenger compartment. This local variation in opening quality optimizes cooling efficiency while minimizing unwanted airflow intrusion.
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 solution effectively limits airflow into the passenger compartment, cools sensors, and maintains clear fields of view, enhancing the performance and reliability of external sensors for autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a blower and ducts to direct air for cooling and maintaining sensor clarity
Implementation Method 2
A LIDAR device detects distances to objects by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time of flight for the pulse to travel to the object and back
Implementation Method 3
A LIDAR device detects distances to objects by emitting laser pulses
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a liftgate having a frame and a body panel supported by the frame, the body panel defining a plurality of openings, the openings providing access to the frame. The assembly includes a first cover covering the plurality of openings of the body panel. The assembly includes a second cover supported by the first cover and defining a chamber therebetween. The assembly includes a sensor assembly supported within the chamber between the first cover and the second cover.