Vehicle Radar Assembly With Elastic Coupling for Antenna-Radome Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle radar devices face challenges in maintaining consistent radar performance due to difficulties in maintaining the desired distance between the antenna and the radome, which is exacerbated by component tolerances and the need for cumbersome bolting processes that increase initial investment costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle radar device with a coupling member formed of an elastically deformable material, such as silicone or rubber, is coupled to the housing using a press-fit method, ensuring the distance between the antenna and the radome is maintained at a desired design value, thereby enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing initial investment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the printed circuit board is bolted into the housing, then the assembly is secure, but the distance between the antenna and radome cannot be maintained at the desired design value due to accumulated tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is made of elastically deformable material (silicone or rubber with hardness 60-180) that can change its physical state during assembly. When compressed between the radome and housing, it deforms to accommodate tolerance variations while maintaining the antenna-radome distance within the desired range of 1.0-6.2mm
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member uses composite construction with an elastically deformable material body and a fixing portion made of different material properties. This allows the coupling member to simultaneously provide elastic deformation for tolerance compensation and rigid fixing for stable positioning
2Reliability
If the printed circuit board is bolted into the housing, then the assembly is secure, but additional mass production facilities are required increasing initial investment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional bolting mechanism is replaced with a press-fit elastic deformation mechanism. The coupling member is simply inserted and compressed into place without requiring bolts, nuts, or threading operations, eliminating the need for specialized bolting equipment in mass production facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed as a simple, inexpensive elastic component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its simple press-fit design eliminates the need for expensive, complex fastening systems while providing sufficient fixing reliability
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling member is made of rigid material, then the structure is stable, but the distance between antenna and radome varies due to component tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member transitions from a rigid state during manufacturing to an elastically deformable state during assembly. The elastic material allows dynamic adjustment of the antenna-radome distance in response to tolerance variations, maintaining consistency across different assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member introduces dynamic flexibility into the otherwise rigid structure. The elastically deformable material allows the coupling member to adapt its shape and position during assembly, compensating for tolerance accumulations while maintaining stable fixing
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 solution allows for easy assembly and reduced costs by eliminating the need for mass production facilities, while maintaining optimal radar performance by stabilizing the distance between the antenna and radome, thus enhancing overall device performance.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling member may be formed of an elastically deformable material... The coupling member may be elastically deformed when the radome is coupled to the housing... forming a coupling member with an elastically deformable material, thereby maintaining the distance between the antenna and the radome at a desired design value regardless of the tolerance of members positioned under the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle radar device according to the disclosure may comprise a housing including a receiving space, a printed circuit board having an antenna and disposed in the receiving space of the housing, a radome coupled to a surface of the housing to seal the receiving space, and at least one coupling member coupled to a surface of the radome and having an end portion fixed to the housing through the printed circuit board.