Radar Calibration Laser Mount for Concealed Sensor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar calibration devices are not applicable across various radar types and lack high accuracy, particularly for concealed radars on vehicle bumpers, due to their bulkiness and imprecision.

Innovation Solution

A radar calibration device with a housing mounted onto the radar sensor's mounting bracket, utilizing at least two lasers emitting converging beams at specific angles, optionally deflected by mirrors, and powered by the vehicle's electrical system, ensuring precise alignment and calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single-beam laser pointer is used for calibration, then the device can be simple, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lasers (at least two) into a single calibration device, merging their functions to achieve high-precision measurement. The multiple lasers work together to provide reference beams for accurate radar calibration, resolving the contradiction by integrating multiple light sources rather than using a single laser pointer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration device is designed to be universally applicable to different radar types and mounting configurations. The housing can be mounted on various mounting brackets, and the device accommodates different laser arrangements, making it a multi-functional tool that works across different vehicle and radar configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If existing calibration apparatus with steel sleeves is used, then alignment can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and does not fit in limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration device employs a nested structure where the housing is designed to fit onto existing mounting brackets. The compact design allows the calibration apparatus to be nested within or attached to the vehicle's existing mounting structure, significantly reducing the overall volume required while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into modular components including a housing that attaches to the mounting bracket and separate laser units. This segmentation allows for a compact overall structure that can be assembled in limited spaces while maintaining the precision required for calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If calibration devices are designed for specific radar types, then they can be optimized for that type, but they lack adaptability across various radar types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to different radar types
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be attached to different types of mounting brackets used with various radar sensors. The housing and mounting mechanism are configured to accommodate multiple radar types and vehicle configurations, making the device versatile while maintaining calibration accuracy across different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of laser pointers is required, then the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming, but precision can be achieved through careful adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is pre-configured with multiple lasers positioned and oriented correctly before use. The mounting bracket integration provides pre-established alignment references, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during the calibration process while maintaining high precision through the pre-arranged laser geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 calibration accuracy and efficiency by adapting to different vehicle configurations, reducing setup time, and ensuring high precision in radar sensor alignment, particularly for concealed radars.

Implementation Method 1

at least two lasers; wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted onto the mounting bracket of a radar sensor of a vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the housing comprises at least one deflection portion, preferably a mirror, to deflect the laser beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4679128A1Laser device for verification of radar calibration (LDVRC) and method: ground truth measurement of sensor misalignment
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4679128A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4679128A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP4679128A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A radar calibration device for calibrating radar sensors in vehicles, in particular passenger cars, comprises a housing; at least two lasers; wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted onto the mounting bracket of a radar sensor of a vehicle. A method of calibrating a radar device in vehicles, in particular passenger cars, comprises the steps of a.) providing: a radar calibration device according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8; a calibration target; and a radar device to be calibrated, mounted on a vehicle; b.) exchanging the radar calibration device for the radar device; c.) operating the lasers with the laser beams pointing to the calibration target; d.) measuring a deviation between the points projected by the laser beams and a target value; and e.) calibrating the radar device utilizing the deviation.