Movable Sensor Module Retracting for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors are vulnerable to damage from impacts, which can render them inoperable and expensive to repair, especially in autonomous or semi-autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of movable sensor modules within the vehicle body that can retract from an outward position to an inward position in response to impacts or expected impacts, utilizing various movement mechanisms such as electromechanical, pneumatic, or pre-tensioned spring devices to protect sensors and absorb energy, allowing continued operation and improved pedestrian protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are positioned outward on the vehicle body to observe the environment, then the sensors can effectively detect external conditions, but the sensors become vulnerable to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between an outward observation position and an inward protected position. The module can be actively retracted upon detecting or expecting an impact, or passively move inward in response to applied force during collision, thus resolving the contradiction between needing outward exposure for detection and inward protection for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module can be actively retracted to an inward position before an impact occurs when an impact is detected or expected by other sensors. This preliminary action protects the sensors from damage before the harmful impact force is applied, maintaining detection capability across multiple operational cycles.
2Strength
If sensors are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the sensors can withstand forces, but the sensors cannot absorb impact energy through deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid inner portion that maintains structural integrity and houses the sensor, and a less rigid outer portion that can deform to absorb impact energy. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the inner rigid portion protects the sensor while the outer deformable portion dissipates impact energy through controlled deformation.
3Reliability
If a movement mechanism is added to protect sensors from impacts, then the sensors are protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module incorporates passive movement capability where the module automatically moves inward in response to applied force during impact without requiring active control systems. The deformation of the less rigid outer portion naturally drives the rigid inner portion inward, allowing the system to protect itself through its own structural response to impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement function is extracted from complex active control systems and embodied in the passive mechanical deformation characteristics of the outer portion. By separating the protection function from the sensor function and embedding it in the structural design of the module housing, the system achieves protection with minimal added complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects sensors from damage, maintains vehicle functionality during impacts, and enhances pedestrian protection by allowing sensors to move inward and absorb energy, reducing repair costs and ensuring continued autonomous control.
Implementation Method 1
pre-tensioned spring devices to protect sensors and absorb energy
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body having an outer surface, and a sensor that is arranged to observe an environment. The sensor is located within the vehicle body. The vehicle also includes a movement mechanism for moving the sensor from an outward position to an inward position relative to the vehicle body. The movement mechanism moves the sensor from the outward position to the inward position in response to a signal. In an alternative implementation, the sensor is disposed in a sensor module, and the sensor module is able to move relative to the vehicle body from an outboard position to an inboard position in response to application of an external force to the sensor module.