Magnetic Air Filter Mounting for Tool-Less Vehicle Cooling Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filter attachment mechanisms for autonomous driving vehicles require complex and costly screw-based configurations, making replacement difficult and inefficient, while adhesive solutions are non-reusable.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic air filter mounting mechanism using a mounting plate with magnets to securely attach and detach the air filter without tools, allowing for easy replacement and integration with the perception and planning system of autonomous driving vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based attachment mechanism is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-based fastening system with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the mounting plate provide secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for screws, nuts, and threaded inserts. This substitution maintains attachment security while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and the number of components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the screw fasteners and threaded inserts from the mounting mechanism. By eliminating these complex mechanical fastening elements and replacing them with a simpler magnetic system, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining the essential function of secure attachment.
2Reliability
If screw-based attachment mechanism is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system eliminates the need for expensive precision-machined threaded inserts and multiple fasteners. Magnets can be embedded directly into the mounting plate using simpler manufacturing processes, reducing both material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting plate and cover assembly can be manufactured as a simpler, more cost-effective unit compared to the screw-based system. The reduced complexity of the magnetic system allows for more economical manufacturing processes and materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive attachment is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but replacement becomes infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system provides a reversible mechanical attachment method that is both cost-effective and easily reversible. Unlike permanent adhesives, the magnetic system allows users to simply pull the cover off to replace filters, maintaining low manufacturing costs while enabling easy maintenance and filter replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment system transitions from a static, permanent bond (adhesive) to a dynamic, reversible connection. The magnetic force can be easily overcome by applying a simple pulling force, allowing for straightforward filter replacement without requiring tools or complex procedures.
4Ease of operation
If tool-less removal is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system achieves both secure attachment and tool-less removal by using magnetic force instead of mechanical fasteners. The magnetic attraction provides sufficient holding force during vehicle operation, while allowing easy removal by simply pulling the cover off without requiring any tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force parameters are optimized to provide adequate attachment security during normal vehicle operation while remaining easily overcome by a simple pulling force. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain reliability during use while enabling ease of operation during maintenance.
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
Simplifies the attachment and replacement of air filters, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while ensuring secure attachment during vehicle operation and easy removal for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting plate includes one or more magnets disposed thereon. The cover plate can be attached to the mounting plate by a magnetic force generated from the magnets to retain the air filter between the mounting plate and the cover plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A perception and planning system includes a system frame and one or more cooling fans mounted on a first side of the system frame to generate an airflow flowing outwardly to remove at least a portion of the heat generated by the processors. The system further includes an air filtering module mounted on a second side of the system frame to filter the air flow flowing inwardly to remove durst or contaminated material from the airflow. The air filtering module includes an air filter, a mounting plate, and a cover plate. The mounting plate can be mounted on the second side of the system frame to receive the air filter. The mounting plate includes one or more magnets. The cover plate can be attached to the mounting plate by a magnetic force generated from the magnets to keep the air filter between the mounting plate and the cover plate.