Modular Sensor Assembly with Coordinate Frame Baseplate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges with bulky and cumbersome sensor setups that limit clearance, weight, and upgradeability, as well as individual calibration requirements, which restrict testing capabilities and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A modular and centralized sensor assembly with a coordinate frame baseplate that allows for collocated sensors, optimized positioning, and easy calibration, enabling efficient upgrading and retrofitting, while maintaining a compact design to enhance clearance and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor setup height is increased to improve sensor sight distance, then sensor coverage is improved, but vehicle clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor setup is segmented into a modular assembly that can be independently positioned on the rooftop. The coordinate frame baseplate with collocated sensors forms a self-contained unit that achieves optimal sensor height without requiring the entire sensor system to be elevated, thereby maintaining vehicle clearance while improving sensor sight distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a distributed two-dimensional sensor layout across the rooftop to a centralized three-dimensional modular assembly. By stacking sensors vertically on the coordinate frame baseplate, the system achieves superior sensor sight distance in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint that preserves vehicle clearance.
2Measurement precision
If bulky distributed sensor setups are used to improve sensor coverage, then sensor sight distance is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors that would traditionally be distributed across the rooftop are merged into a single modular sensor assembly. By collocating cameras, LIDAR, and other sensors on the coordinate frame baseplate, the system achieves comprehensive sensor coverage while eliminating the weight of redundant mounting structures and reducing overall vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sensor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides collocated sensors for calibrated data fusion, achieves optimal sensor height for sight distance, maintains vehicle clearance, and reduces overall weight. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate distributed sensor systems, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining sensor coverage.
3Measurement precision
If distributed sensor setups are used to improve sensor coverage, then sensor calibration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented from the complex distributed sensor setup phase. By pre-collocating sensors on the coordinate frame baseplate with known geometric relationships, the calibration is performed once during assembly rather than requiring complex individual calibration of each distributed sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor collocation and initial calibration are performed in advance during modular assembly before installation on the vehicle. The coordinate frame baseplate is pre-configured with sensors at precise positions, eliminating the need for complex post-installation calibration procedures and reducing overall device complexity while ensuring measurement precision.
4Reliability
If permanent sensor installations are used to ensure sensor stability, then sensor reliability is improved, but adaptability for upgrading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic modular configuration. The modular sensor assembly can be easily removed, replaced, or upgraded by detaching the entire coordinate frame baseplate unit, maintaining sensor stability during operation while enabling straightforward adaptability for future upgrades or modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a modular sensor assembly configured for mounting on a vehicle includes a first set of sensors and a second set of sensors. The modular sensor assembly includes a coordinate frame baseplate including a continuous surface, and sensor mounting elements coupled to the continuous surface for mounting the first set of sensors at a first height. The coordinate frame baseplate includes a sensor platform configured for mounting the second set of sensors at a second height. The first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are coupled to the coordinate frame baseplate so as to impart a common coordinate frame for the first set of sensors mounted at the first height and the second set of sensors mounted at the second height. The modular sensor assembly includes a bridging support structure coupled to the coordinate frame baseplate and capable of being mounted on a vehicle.