Autonomous Radar Roof Module Nesting Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor mounting arrangements on autonomous vehicles cause aerodynamic drag, expose sensors to environmental conditions, and are aesthetically unappealing due to their exposed nature.
Innovation Solution
A roof apparatus for autonomous hardtop vehicles featuring a sensor array mounted to a radar reinforcement plate, which is attached to a sunroof assembly and covered by an aerodynamic roof cover, allowing unobstructed views while minimizing height and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on racks attached to the roof area, then sensors can be mounted and function, but aerodynamic drag increases and appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is nested within the roof assembly structure, with sensors mounted on a reinforcement plate that is integrated into the sunroof assembly. The aerodynamic cover then encloses this nested structure, creating a streamlined appearance while maintaining sensor functionality. This nesting approach eliminates the need for external racks while preserving all sensor mounting capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on racks attached to the roof area, then sensors can be mounted and function, but sensors are exposed to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is nested within the roof assembly structure, with sensors mounted on a reinforcement plate that is integrated into the sunroof assembly. The aerodynamic cover then encloses this nested structure, creating a streamlined appearance while maintaining sensor functionality. This nesting approach eliminates the need for external racks while preserving all sensor mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic cover acts as a protective shell that encloses the sensor array. This cover protects sensors from environmental conditions such as rain, dust, and extreme temperatures while maintaining their operational capabilities through carefully designed openings that allow unobstructed views.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on racks attached to the roof area, then sensors can be mounted and function, but appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is nested within the roof assembly structure, with sensors mounted on a reinforcement plate that is integrated into the sunroof assembly. The aerodynamic cover then encloses this nested structure, creating a streamlined appearance while maintaining sensor functionality. This nesting approach eliminates the need for external racks while preserving all sensor mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic cover is designed with curved, streamlined surfaces that match the vehicle's roof contours. This curved design eliminates the angular, industrial appearance of traditional sensor racks and integrates the sensor array into the vehicle's aesthetic design language.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If roof cover height is minimized to accommodate camera height, then aerodynamic performance improves, but sensor accommodation becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is arranged in a distributed pattern across the reinforcement plate, utilizing the two-dimensional surface area rather than stacking sensors vertically. This dimensional arrangement allows all sensors to be accommodated within the minimal height profile of the aerodynamic cover while maintaining their required fields of view and functional capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening for a sunroof and a roof cover that encloses sensor devices. The roof apparatus is mounted from the underside of the vehicle roof at the position for mounting a sunroof. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle. The height of the roof cover above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras.