Vehicle Laser Radar Mounting Near Pillars for Longer Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser radar installations in vehicles are restricted to low heights due to regulatory constraints, limiting detection range and affecting vehicle exterior appearance.

Innovation Solution

A laser radar mounting structure that positions the radar near vehicle pillars or roof features, using installation holes and transparent covers to enhance detection range while minimizing visibility impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the laser radar is mounted in the headlamp, then the exterior appearance is maintained, but the installation height is restricted and detection range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation heightVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the laser radar mounting from the horizontal plane (headlamp level) to the vertical dimension by installing the radar through the windshield at high positions near the A-pillar or B-pillar. This dimensional change enables the radar to be positioned at heights of 2 meters or more, significantly extending the detection range while maintaining vehicle exterior aesthetics through the use of cover portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the laser radar is mounted to a high position, then the detection range is extended, but the exterior appearance is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidexterior appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cover portions as intermediary elements that conceal the laser radar units mounted at high positions on the windshield. These covers are designed to match the vehicle's exterior design and are positioned to hide the radar units from external view, thereby maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic appearance while allowing the radar to function at optimal high positions for extended detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the laser radar is mounted in the headlamp, then the exterior appearance is maintained, but the installation height is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexterior appearanceVSAvoidinstallation height
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the laser radar mounting location from the headlamp assembly and repositions it to the windshield area near the pillars. This extraction allows the radar to be installed at much higher positions (2 meters or more from the ground) while the headlamp maintains its original design and position, thus preserving the exterior appearance while achieving the desired height increase for improved detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 detection of distant objects while maintaining vehicle aesthetics by positioning the radar at higher elevations and using transparent covers to reduce visibility, thus enhancing detection capabilities without compromising exterior design.

Implementation Method 1

a cover portion that covers the laser radar and transmits the electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12504516B2Laser radar mounting structure
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US12504516B2 patent drawing
  • US12504516B2 patent drawing
  • US12504516B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laser radar mounting structure is for mounting a laser radar to a vehicle. The laser radar has an irradiation unit configured to irradiate an electromagnetic wave for detecting an object around the vehicle. The laser radar mounting structure includes: an installation hole provided near a front pillar on a windshield of the vehicle, near a rear pillar on a rear glass of the vehicle, near the front pillar on a roof of the vehicle, or near the rear pillar on the roof of the vehicle; the laser radar provided in the installation hole; and a cover portion that covers the laser radar and transmits the electromagnetic wave. The laser radar is provided in the installation hole such that the irradiation unit faces the outside of the vehicle through the cover portion.