Modular Sensor Pod Architecture for Fast Vehicle Sensor Upgrades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle sensors become obsolete quickly due to the faster pace of sensor development compared to vehicle updates, and conventional sensor deployments are complex to upgrade, as sensors are closely interrelated, making it difficult to swap or upgrade individual sensors effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a sensor aggregation module (sensor pod) that allows for quick and convenient upgrades of entire sensor suites and enables hot-swapping of single sensors, featuring a collection of sensors and supporting components configured for multi-modal, multi-field-of-view operation, with standardized data ports and modular internal hardware for easy replacement and integration with various vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are closely interrelated in conventional deployments, then system integration is achieved, but sensor upgrades become complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into modular sensor pods that can be independently replaced. Each sensor pod contains multiple sensors that are pre-integrated together, allowing the entire pod to be swapped as a single unit rather than individually replacing interconnected sensors, thereby reducing upgrade complexity while maintaining system integration
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor pod interface is designed with universal mounting structures and standardized connections that can accommodate different sensor types and configurations. This universal interface allows various sensor pods to be interchangeably mounted on the vehicle platform, enabling easy upgrades while maintaining system compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual sensors are swapped or upgraded, then specific sensor improvements are achieved, but the interrelated nature of sensors makes this difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are grouped into discrete sensor pod modules that function as replaceable units. The segmentation allows entire sensor pods to be quickly swapped without disturbing other sensors, transforming a complex multi-sensor replacement task into a simple single-module exchange operation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors are nested within a single sensor pod housing, with each sensor pod containing a subset of sensors that work together. This nesting structure allows the pod to be treated as a single replaceable unit while preserving the internal sensor relationships, making replacement easier while maintaining operational integrity
3Reliability
If sensor development pace exceeds vehicle update pace, then sensor technology advances quickly, but vehicles become equipped with obsolete sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pod system is designed to be dynamically upgradable, allowing sensors to be updated independently of the vehicle platform. This dynamic architecture enables the sensor subsystem to evolve separately from the vehicle, ensuring sensors remain current with advancing technology while the vehicle platform maintains its longer update cycle
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor pods with different sensor configurations are pre-developed and tested before deployment. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment of updated sensor pods when new sensor technologies become available, reducing the effective update time while maintaining vehicle operational continuity
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to features for improving the modularity and interoperability of sensors and in particular, sensors deployed for use in vehicle related sensing applications. In some aspects, the disclosed technology encompasses a sensor aggregation module (e.g., sensor pod) that includes a sensor enclosure having an interior volume configured for housing one or more sensors, a data port integrated into an exterior surface of the sensor enclosure, wherein the data port is configured to be electrically coupled to a vehicle data port, and a plurality of sensor ports disposed within an interior volume of the sensor enclosure, wherein the sensor ports are configured for modular connectivity to the one or more sensors.