Modular Sensor Mounting System for Curved Vehicle Bumpers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for attaching functional members like sensors and detectors to vehicle bodywork parts are inefficient due to the need for custom shapes and interfaces, leading to increased costs and complexity, particularly with curved surfaces like bumpers, where precise positioning is crucial for accurate function.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a standard support and a position-specific fixing interface assembled via a groove fitting system, allowing for standardization of the support while customizing the interface to match the vehicle's curvature, reducing tooling costs and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece mounting bracket is used to attach sensors to the bumper, then the assembly process is simplified, but the system lacks adaptability to different sensor positions and curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two separate components: a standard support structure and a vehicle-specific fastening interface. This segmentation allows the support to be reused across different vehicles while the interface is customized for each vehicle's curved surface geometry, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard support component serves as a universal element that can be attached to different fastening interfaces across various vehicle models. This universal support maintains consistent sensor positioning functionality while adapting to different vehicle geometries through interchangeable interfaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If a custom mounting bracket is designed for each sensor position on the bumper, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mounting system into a standard support and vehicle-specific interface, the complexity is localized only to the interface component that contacts the curved body panel. The standard support remains simple and reusable, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning precision through the customized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening interface is specifically designed with local geometric features that match the curved surface at each sensor position. This localized customization of the interface geometry ensures precise sensor positioning without requiring the entire mounting bracket to be custom-designed, thereby reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece mounting system is used, then tooling costs are reduced, but the system cannot be easily modified for different functional components
Solution Approach 1:
The separation into standard support and custom interface allows the support to be developed once with standardized tooling, while only the interface requires vehicle-specific tooling. This reduces overall tooling costs compared to fully custom one-piece brackets, while enabling easy modification by simply changing the interface component.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables dynamic adaptation of the mounting system to different functional components and vehicle models by replacing only the interface component, while the standard support remains unchanged. This provides flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.
4Measurement precision
If the mounting bracket follows the local curve of the bumper, then precise sensor orientation is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface adaptation is isolated to the fastening interface component, which is specifically molded to match the local bumper geometry. The standard support maintains a simpler geometry that does not require customization, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving sensor orientation accuracy through the curved interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening interface incorporates local geometric features that conform to the curved body panel surface at each specific sensor location. This localized curvature adaptation ensures precise sensor orientation without requiring the entire support structure to be complex and custom-molded.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for attaching a functional measurement or detection body to a vehicle bodywork part, wherein it comprises a support comprising a means for attaching to the functional body, and an interface for fastening said support to the bodywork part, said support and said fastening interface being assembled and fitted to one another using grooves.