Modular Enclosure for Autonomous Vehicle Computer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle technologies lack a modular enclosure that can efficiently house essential components within confined spaces while meeting space, communication, cooling, and shock absorption requirements, leading to challenges in power distribution, overheating, and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular enclosure with a designed backplane for power and data communication, a liquid-based cooling system, and shock absorption mechanisms to maintain component functionality and safety within stringent space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are placed within a confined space to meet space requirements, then space utilization is improved, but power distribution and cooling become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid cooling system with coolant channels integrated into the enclosure structure. The coolant flows through these channels to directly cool the components housed within the confined space, effectively managing heat dissipation despite the limited volume available for traditional cooling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the enclosure structure itself. The backplane serves as both a mounting structure for components and a conduit for power and data communication. The enclosure walls are integrated with cooling channels, merging structural support with thermal management functions.
2Volume of moving object
If components are closely spaced to meet space requirements, then space utilization is improved, but communication and power distribution become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional cable-based communication and power distribution with a backplane-based electrical connection system. The backplane provides direct electrical pathways between components, eliminating the need for extensive cabling and reducing signal loss even when components are closely spaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for components, distributes power to all components, and enables data communication between them. This multi-functional design reduces the overall complexity of the system while meeting communication requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional cabling is used for power and communication, then component connectivity is ensured, but deployment time increases and maintenance hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution, data communication, and mechanical mounting functions into a single integrated backplane structure. This eliminates the need for separate cabling systems, significantly reducing deployment time while maintaining reliable connectivity between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane provides standardized connection interfaces that can be replicated across different enclosure configurations. This standardization allows for rapid deployment and easier maintenance, as the same connection protocols and interfaces are used throughout the system.
4Volume of moving object
If enclosure dimension is reduced to meet space requirements, then space utilization is improved, but shock absorption becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shock absorption mechanisms within the enclosure design to protect components from vibrations and shocks during vehicle operation. The enclosure structure includes damping elements and mounting arrangements that cushion components against mechanical stresses despite the reduced overall size.
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 modular enclosure enables autonomous vehicle operation with reduced cabling needs, improved cooling, and enhanced safety by ensuring appropriate power distribution, communication throughput, and shock absorption, thus reducing deployment time and maintenance hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-based cooling system, and shock absorption mechanisms to maintain component functionality
Implementation Method 2
shock absorption mechanisms to maintain component functionality and safety within stringent space constraints
Data Source
AI summary
A modular enclosure is configured to house a set of components that facilitate the autonomous functions of an autonomous vehicle while meeting a set of requirements. The set of components comprises a sensor processing unit configured to detect objects from sensors associated with the autonomous vehicle, a compute unit configured to determine a navigation path for the autonomous vehicle, a vehicle control unit configured to control the autonomous function of the autonomous vehicle, a communication gateway configured to establish communication of the autonomous vehicle, and a data diagnostics unit configured to determine a health data for at least one component of the autonomous vehicle. The set of requirements comprises a space requirement, a communication requirement, a cooling requirement, and a shock absorption requirement.