Pivotable Retaining Device for Motor Vehicle Exterior Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining devices for exterior add-on parts of motor vehicles fail to provide easy positioning and effective collision protection for exterior add-on parts like camera systems, which are crucial for environmental sensing and control.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a base part and pivotable connecting and retaining elements, equipped with spring mechanisms that allow the device to pivot between a working position for environmental sensing and a protection position to absorb collision forces, ensuring the add-on parts are securely positioned and protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the exterior add-on part is rigidly fixed to the motor vehicle bodywork, then the positioning stability is improved, but the collision protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a pivotable connection mechanism between the exterior add-on part and the motor vehicle bodywork, replacing rigid fixation with a dynamic joint that allows controlled movement. The connecting element can pivot between a working position (protruding outward for sensing) and a protection position (retracted or angled to avoid collision), enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus collision avoidance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device is divided into separate functional components: a base part mounted on the bodywork, a pivotable connecting element, and the exterior add-on part. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the base part provides stable mounting, the connecting element provides flexible positioning and collision protection, and the add-on part maintains its sensing function.
2Length of moving object
If the connecting element is made longer to improve environmental sensing range, then the sensing capability is improved, but the susceptibility to collision damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pivotable connecting element that can dynamically adjust its length and orientation. When collision risk is detected or during protective maneuvers, the connecting element can be pivoted into a protection position that effectively reduces its exposed length, thereby minimizing collision risk while maintaining the ability to achieve full sensing range during normal operation.
3Speed
If the spring force is increased to improve return speed to working position, then the response time is improved, but the risk of excessive force during collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that is pre-configured with controlled elastic properties. The spring provides sufficient force to return the connecting element to the working position at an appropriate speed, but its elastic nature inherently limits the maximum force it can exert, preventing excessive forces during collision events. The spring acts as a cushion that absorbs and distributes collision forces rather than transmitting rigid impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and pre-load parameters of the spring mechanism are carefully selected to achieve the desired balance between return speed and collision force limitation. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves fast enough return to working position for operational responsiveness while ensuring that the spring force remains within safe limits during unexpected collision events.
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 device allows for precise positioning and comprehensive environmental sensing while providing robust protection against collisions, enhancing the reliability and safety of motor vehicle systems by preventing damage to exterior add-on parts.
Implementation Method 1
The first pivot device has a first spring device, via the spring force of which the connecting element can be returned from the at least one protection position into the working position
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining device for an exterior add-on part of a motor vehicle comprises a base part for exterior mounting on the motor vehicle, on which a connecting element is mounted with a first pivoting device, via which the connecting element can be pivoted relative to the base part about a first pivot axis between a working position and at least one protection position. A first spring device, via which the connecting element can be returned from the at least one protection position into the working position. A retaining element mounted on the connecting element, by a second pivoting device having a second spring device, to be pivotable about a second pivot axis between the working position and the protection position, wherein the retaining element can be returned to the working position by the second spring device.