Radar Sensor Mounting Frames for Precise Fascia Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar sensor test rigs lack flexibility and control in mounting vehicle parts, such as fascia, relative to the sensor, restricting the range of motion and increasing cost and weight with complex configurations.

Innovation Solution

A sensor mounting apparatus comprising a system of three frames that allow for independent movement of a vehicle part relative to the sensor in at least three degrees of freedom, including forward and back, left and right, up and down, roll, yaw, and pitch, using threaded elements and guide rods for precise adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mounting configuration is used to increase the range of motion of fascia relative to the sensor, then the flexibility and control for verification tests is improved, but the cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of motion of fasciaVSAvoidweight of mounting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a sensor mounting device for the radar sensor and a vehicle part mounting device for the fascia. Each component can be independently adjusted, allowing the fascia to move in multiple directions (forward/backward, left/right, up/down, roll, yaw, pitch) relative to the sensor without requiring a single complex integrated structure. This segmentation reduces overall system weight while maintaining full adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mounting configuration is used to increase the range of motion of fascia relative to the sensor, then the flexibility and control for verification tests is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of motion of fasciaVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the sensor mounting function from the vehicle part mounting function into two independent devices. The vehicle part mounting device includes multiple adjustment mechanisms (threaded elements for linear movement, pivot points for rotational movement) that enable comprehensive fascia positioning. This modular segmentation makes each component simpler to design, manufacture, and adjust compared to a single complex integrated mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the vehicle part mounting device is automated with servo motors, then the precision and speed of adjustment is improved, but the cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of fascia positioningVSAvoidcost of mounting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle part mounting device incorporates manual adjustment mechanisms including threaded elements that allow operators to precisely position the fascia by hand, and pivot points that enable intuitive rotational adjustment. These self-service mechanical adjustment systems achieve the required positioning precision without requiring expensive automated servo motors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and device weight while maintaining adequate measurement precision for radar verification tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4332587B1Sensor mounting device for radar testing
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4332587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332587B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4332587B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A sensor mounting apparatus 10 and associated method, e.g. for use in testing of a vehicle radar sensor in an anechoic chamber. The apparatus features a sensor mounting device 11 for mounting the radar sensor and a vehicle part mounting device comprised of first 12, second 13 and third 14 frames. Each frame is movable in a different direction relative to the sensor and each other frame, e.g. either: adjustable forward and back, left and right, up and down, and/or via roll, yaw and pitch. The outermost third frame 14 further includes an attachment means for holding a vehicle part (e.g. a vehicle fascia/bumper) in place and provision for further adjustment of the part relative to the sensor in use, e.g. via a pivot mounting enabling yaw movement.