Modular Satellite Sensor Base Unit for Removable MEMS Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing satellite sensor systems for vehicles are expensive to manufacture, install, and maintain due to their complex assembly and labor-intensive processes, making them costly and time-consuming to replace or repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular satellite sensor system that includes a base unit with a sensor interface configured to removably accept a MEMS sensor module, which is easily installed and replaced, featuring a mounting device for affixing to the vehicle and providing an environmentally sealed electrical interface, along with optional local power storage and wireless communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite sensor modules are sealed in housings with integrated wiring harness interfaces, then environmental protection and sensor functionality are improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate components: a reusable base unit that remains installed in the vehicle, and a replaceable sensor module that can be independently swapped. This segmentation allows the complex sealed housing and wiring interface to be part of the permanent base unit, while the sensor module itself remains relatively simple and can be easily replaced without handling the complex integrated assembly.
2Reliability
If satellite sensor modules are integrated with wiring harness interfaces and sealed housings, then sensor functionality and environmental sealing are improved, but labor intensity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor module from the base unit containing the wiring harness interface and sealed housing, the patent enables quick replacement of only the sensor module itself. The complex integrated components remain in the permanent base unit, allowing technicians to rapidly swap sensor modules without reassembling or reconnecting the complex sealed housing and wiring interface each time.
3Reliability
If satellite sensor modules are manufactured as integrated sealed units, then environmental protection is improved, but manufacturing cost and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the expensive-to-manufacture sealed housing with wiring interface from the sensor module itself. The complex sealed base unit is manufactured once and remains installed in the vehicle, while simpler sensor modules can be manufactured more economically and replaced as needed. This segmentation reduces the manufacturing burden and cost for each individual sensor module.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite sensor system includes a base unit and a packaged motion sensor configured to be removably couplable to the base unit. The base unit is configured to mount to a vehicle and to faithfully transmit vehicle motion to an attached sensor.