Optical Sensor Support Plate Snap-Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical detection systems on motor vehicles face challenges in securely and efficiently fixing telescopic cleaning devices to optical sensors, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of environmental data collection.

Innovation Solution

A support plate designed to snap-fit with the fluid transporting body of a telescopic cleaning device, featuring positioning and orientating interfaces with guiding means and locking interfaces with snap-fit mechanisms, allowing for rapid and reliable fixation of the cleaning device to the optical sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a telescopic cleaning device is fixed on an optical sensor housing, then the optical sensor can be cleaned to maintain data quality, but the fixing mechanism increases device complexity and manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning device fixation reliabilityVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is divided into distinct functional zones: a positioning and orientating interface with guiding means for alignment, and a locking interface with snap-fit means for secure fixation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate acts as an intermediary component between the optical sensor housing and the telescopic cleaning device. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, enabling reliable fixation without requiring complex integrated mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure fixing mechanism is used to attach the cleaning device, then the fixation reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit means on the support plate automatically engage with complementary features on the telescopic cleaning device, creating a self-locking mechanism. This self-service fixation eliminates the need for additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly tools, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate uses simple, easily manufacturable materials and structures for its locking and positioning features. The snap-fit mechanism is designed to be cost-effective, using basic plastic deformation rather than expensive metallic fasteners or precision-machined components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If a rapid fixing device is implemented, then the assembly time is reduced, but the positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding means on the positioning and orientating interface are designed to pre-align the telescopic cleaning device with the support plate before the snap-fit locking occurs. This preliminary action ensures correct positioning is established early in the assembly process, maintaining precision while enabling rapid completion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning and orientating interface features asymmetric guiding means that naturally guide the cleaning device into the correct orientation during insertion. This asymmetric design ensures precise positioning is achieved automatically through the insertion motion itself, without requiring additional adjustment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This solution provides a cost-effective and secure method for fixing the telescopic cleaning device, ensuring optimal alignment and operation of the cleaning fluid distribution system, thereby maintaining the quality of data collected by the optical sensors.

Implementation Method 1

The locking interface includes snap-fit fixing means (23), which are configured to cooperate with complementary means borne by the transporting body (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSnap-fit mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The positioning and orientating interface includes guiding means configured to cooperate with complementary means borne by the transporting body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGuiding mechanism: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS10988118B2Optical sensor support plate, delivery body of a telescopic cleaning device of this optical sensor, and quick fixing device by clipping those components

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

In a device (100) for rapid fixing of a cleaning and/or drying fluid transporting body (6) of a telescopic cleaning device (3) on a support plate (8) for an optical sensor (2) of an optical detection system of a motor vehicle (1), the support plate (8) includes a positioning and orientating interface (12) for a first end (14) of the fluid transporting body (6) and a second locking interface (13, 13′) for a second end (15) of the fluid transporting body (6).