Modular Radar Kit With Partitioned Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems lack flexibility and are costly due to the need for different devices with varying radar and sensor technical capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular radar system kit that includes a basic unit with partitioned cells for interchangeable radar and sensor modules, a power supply module, and data interface, allowing for flexible integration of various radar and sensor capabilities, along with an extension unit for environmental hardening and improved power supply stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different devices are provided for different radar technical capabilities, then radar system performance is improved, but cost and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into a basic unit with standardized housing and circuit board, and interchangeable radar modules. The basic unit includes a housing open at the top side, partition walls creating first and second cells, and a first circuit board with plug connectors. Different radar modules can be inserted into the first cell and connected via the first plug connector, allowing performance variation without changing the fundamental system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The basic unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of radar modules through standardized interfaces. The housing, circuit board layout, and connector positions are standardized so that a single basic unit can support various radar capabilities by simply changing the radar module, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining performance.
2Reliability
If different devices are provided for different radar technical capabilities, then radar system performance is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a reusable basic unit and interchangeable radar modules, the patent enables standardized mass production of the basic unit. The standardized housing, circuit board, and connectors can be manufactured once and reused across multiple radar module variants, reducing per-unit costs compared to manufacturing completely different devices for each radar capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the basic unit to be recovered and reused across different radar module configurations. When upgrading or changing radar capabilities, the basic unit remains intact and can be reused, while only the radar module needs to be replaced. This recovers the investment in the basic unit and reduces overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a basic unit and interchangeable modules, which actually reduces complexity by organizing components into manageable, standardized units. The basic unit contains all common elements (housing, circuit board, connectors, partition walls), while each radar module is a self-contained unit with a specific function. This segmentation makes the system easier to understand and assemble compared to integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal basic unit design with standardized interfaces simplifies the overall system architecture. Rather than designing unique connection schemes for each radar variant, the standardized plug connectors and circuit board layout provide a consistent interface protocol, reducing the complexity of system integration and documentation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If EMC partition walls are added to subdivide the basic unit, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basic unit housing is segmented into at least a first cell and a second cell by partition walls configured as EMC partition panels. The first cell receives the radar module and the second cell receives the processing unit, electrically isolating sensitive components from electromagnetic interference generated by the radar module, thereby improving EMC without requiring complex external shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The EMC partition walls are integrated directly into the housing structure of the basic unit rather than being separate add-on components. This merging of structural and electromagnetic shielding functions into a single element simplifies manufacturing compared to adding separate shielding layers or enclosures.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for a modular radar system is provided. The kit includes a basic unit with a housing, a top cover and a bottom cover. A first circuit board with a first plug connector is fastened to an underside of the basic unit. The basic unit is subdivided into a first and second cell by partition walls. The first cell includes a radar module and the second cell includes a second circuit board. The top cover has a radome in the area of the first cell. The bottom cover includes a power supply module and a data interface module. The upper side of the bottom cover includes at least one plug connector for connecting to a plug connector on the underside of the first circuit board and to connect the power supply module and the data interface to the processing unit and/or the radar module.