Optical Sensor Mounting with Differential Thread Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for adjusting optical sensors on motor vehicles lack precision and reliability in maintaining the adjusted inclination, particularly under vibrations, due to mechanical backlash and lack of secure fixation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a retaining frame and bearing device that allows the optical sensor to be inclined around a pivot axis, featuring an adjusting mechanism with a set screw having different thread pitches for precise adjustment and a self-retaining nut to secure the set screw, combined with a spring element to maintain the adjusted position and counteract vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional adjusting device with a single thread pitch is used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment precision is insufficient and the position cannot be reliably maintained under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting device is segmented into multiple functional components: a set screw with multiple thread pitches, a self-retaining nut with corresponding multiple threads, and a spring element. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (adjustment, retention, vibration counteraction) while working together to achieve precise and reliable position maintenance without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a set screw with multiple different thread pitches (first thread pitch for coarse adjustment, second thread pitch for fine adjustment). This allows the adjusting device to provide both rapid positioning and precise adjustment capabilities, resolving the contradiction between adjustment precision and device complexity
2Reliability
If a conventional fixing mechanism is used, then the device is simple, but the adjusted position cannot be maintained reliably under vehicle vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-installed in the fixing mechanism to provide beforehand cushioning against vibrations. The spring element is positioned to counteract vibrations before they can cause position drift, ensuring reliable position maintenance without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The self-retaining nut automatically maintains the adjusted position through its multiple threads engaging with the set screw. The mechanism provides self-retention without requiring additional locking components or complex fixing mechanisms, achieving reliable position maintenance with minimal added complexity
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment with a standard set screw is used, then the operation is simple, but the adjustment precision is insufficient for reliable sensor orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw incorporates multiple thread pitches along its length, allowing the operator to achieve both coarse and fine adjustment in a single manual operation. This maintains ease of operation while significantly improving sensor orientation precision, as the operator can first make rapid coarse adjustments and then refine the position with precise fine adjustments using the same screw
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
Enables precise and reliable adjustment of the optical sensor's inclination, ensuring it remains stable even under vehicle vibrations, allowing for accurate object detection and obstacle avoidance systems.
Implementation Method 1
The device has a spring element, which is designed such that the spring force, which is exerted by the spring element, acts in the direction of movement of the adjusting device
Implementation Method 2
The set screw has a first area with a first thread engaging with a corresponding thread of a first movement element of the adjusting device. Further, the set screw has a second area with a second thread engaging with a corresponding thread of a second movement element of the adjusting device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (4) for fixing an optical sensor (3) to a motor vehicle (1), including a retaining frame (8), which has a receiving space (10) for the optical sensor (3) and which can be disposed on the motor vehicle (1), including a bearing device (11), by means of which the optical sensor (3) is supportable on the retaining frame (8) inclinable around a pivot axis (12), and including an adjusting device (15) for adjusting an inclination of the optical sensor (3) around the pivot axis (12), wherein the adjusting device (15) has a set screw (16), by the rotation of which the adjustment of the inclination of the optical sensor (3) by means of the adjusting device (15) can be effected, wherein the set screw (16) has a first area (30) with a first thread (31), which engages with a corresponding thread of a first movement element (17) of the adjusting device (15), and has a second area (32) with a second thread (33), which engages with a corresponding thread of a second movement element (18) of the adjusting device (15), wherein the first thread (31) and the second thread (33) have pitches different from each other.