Perimeter-Mounted Sensor Track for Vehicle LIDAR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sensor systems, particularly those using LIDAR, face challenges in effectively scanning the environment due to obstructed views from center-mounted roof sensors, leading to reduced accuracy and increased aerodynamic drag, while also limiting accessibility to roof features.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a track-mounted LIDAR sensor configuration attached to the vehicle's perimeter, allowing sensors to move along the roof and scan the environment freely, reducing obstruction and improving aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted at the center of the roof, then installation is simple, but the view is obstructed and aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple individual sensors distributed along the perimeter of the vehicle roof rather than using a single centralized sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to be positioned optimally for scanning specific areas without obstruction, while the collective system achieves comprehensive environmental coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement transitions from a single-point (0D) or small-area (2D) mounting at the roof center to a distributed linear arrangement along the perimeter. This dimensional expansion from centralized to distributed positioning eliminates view obstructions and improves scanning accuracy by allowing sensors to scan in multiple directions simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If sensors are mounted at the center of the roof, then structure is simple, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple discrete attachment points distributed along the vehicle perimeter rather than a single centralized mounting structure. This reduces the overall aerodynamic drag by distributing the sensor mass along the roof edges, minimizing disruption to airflow while maintaining structural simplicity through modular attachment designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted at the center of the roof, then installation is easy, but accessibility to roof features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system uses multiple individually mounted sensors distributed along the perimeter rather than a single centralized unit. This segmentation provides better accessibility to roof features such as antennas, vents, and other equipment, as sensors can be positioned closer to these features without requiring complex centralized mounting structures.
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
Enhances environmental sensing accuracy, reduces aerodynamic drag, and improves accessibility to roof features by allowing sensors to move along the vehicle's perimeter, providing a more comprehensive and efficient scanning capability.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system can include one or more LIDAR sensors
Implementation Method 2
scanning an environment of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements related to sensing systems and methods are described. A sensing system can include a sensor track and one or more sensors. The sensor track can be operatively connected to a vehicle surface, such as at least a portion of a perimeter of a roof of a vehicle. The one or more sensors can be operatively connected to the sensor track such that the one or more sensors move along the sensor track while scanning an environment of the vehicle. The sensing systems can include a controller operatively connected to the one or more sensors to control the movement of the one or more sensors along the sensor track. The controller can also receive signals from the one or more sensors relating to the environment. In one or more arrangements, the one or more sensors can include LIDAR sensors.