Modular Overhead Console Integrating Vehicle Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensor systems have increased in complexity, limiting vehicle design flexibility and preventing the use of glass roofs, which reduces natural light and interior space, as they require numerous components and cabled connections, leading to design and material composition constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular overhead console (OHC) system that integrates mechanical, mechatronic, and software/hardware components, allowing self-configuration based on vehicle type and model, reducing the need for multiple sensors and connections, and enabling wireless communication to provide various functionalities while increasing space and reducing cable usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sensor systems are implemented with multiple components and cabled connections, then sensing functionality and reliability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sensor components, electronic control units, and cabled connections into a single integrated overhead console assembly. This merging reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the sensing functionality through integrated architecture where sensors are mounted on the console and connected via internal wiring rather than extensive vehicle-wide cabling.
2Reliability
If multiple cabled connections are used for sensor systems, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but space requirements and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data transmission connections are merged into the integrated console structure, where sensors connect to control units through internal wiring harnesses within the console rather than separate vehicle-wide cables. This consolidation maintains data transmission reliability while significantly improving accessibility for maintenance and reducing cable management complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If glass roofs are used to maximize natural light, then illumination and aesthetic appeal are improved, but integration of sensor systems becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented and integrated into the overhead console structure rather than being distributed across the glass roof surface. This segmentation allows the glass roof to maintain its light-transmitting properties while the console provides a structured platform for mounting sensors and housing electronic components, separating the optical function from the sensing function.
4Reliability
If sensor components are dispersed throughout the vehicle rooftop, then sensing coverage is improved, but assembly difficulty and servicing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor components that would otherwise be dispersed throughout the rooftop are merged into a consolidated overhead console assembly. This integration maintains comprehensive sensing coverage through strategically positioned sensors on the console while dramatically simplifying assembly to a single unit installation and reducing servicing complexity through centralized access to all sensor components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
One or more embodiments described herein relate to a modular multifunctional system for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a versatile sensor system integrated into a modular overhead console. Multiple systems and functions are consolidated into particular overhead units to allow for increase space inside a vehicle, decreased design restrictions, and the use of a single type of modular overhead console in multiple vehicle types and models.