Radar Sensor Holder with Spring-Loaded Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensor fixing systems require additional screws and complex production processes, increasing costs and complexity, and often result in incorrect orientation and movement of the sensor, leading to errors and noise during operation.
Innovation Solution
A holder with flexible clamping portions and spring-loaded receiving portions that securely fix the sensor without additional screws, ensuring correct orientation and preventing unintended movement, using a symmetrical interface for easy fitting and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional screws are used to fix the radar sensor in the holder, then the sensor can be securely fixed, but the production process becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fixing function directly into the holder structure by incorporating resilient clamping portions and receiving portions with spring elements. This merges the sensor mounting function into the holder itself, eliminating the need for separate screws and simplifying the production process while maintaining secure sensor fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder employs self-clamping mechanisms where resilient elements automatically engage with the sensor when it is inserted into the holder. The spring-loaded receiving portions and clamping portions create a self-service fixing system that secures the sensor without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If resilient elements such as catches and cup springs are used in the holder, then the radar sensor can be fixed with correct orientation, but the holder design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into distinct functional zones: clamping portions for securing the sensor, receiving portions for positioning, and spring elements for providing pretension. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining an overall simple and manufacturable holder design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties and pretensioning capabilities of spring elements to achieve precise sensor orientation. By changing the physical state of the holding elements from rigid to resilient, the system achieves precise positioning through controlled deformation and elastic recovery, simplifying the overall design compared to rigid precision-machined features.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is fixed without additional screws using integrated clamping portions, then the production process is simplified, but the sensor must be securely held without delicate clips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the clamping portions from rigid to resilient by incorporating spring elements. This allows the holder to provide reliable clamping forces through elastic deformation rather than delicate rigid clips, achieving both ease of manufacture and secure sensor holding simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder employs dynamic resilient elements that can deform and adapt to the sensor geometry during insertion, then maintain constant clamping pressure through spring force. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable sensor fixation without requiring precision-fabricated rigid clips, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
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 simplifies the sensor fixing process, reduces production costs and complexity, and ensures precise orientation and secure attachment of the radar sensor, preventing noise and errors by using flexible clamping and spring-loaded mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the receiving portions has a spring portion for pretensioning the sensor towards the opposing wall
Implementation Method 2
the respective wall is preferably flexibly suspended on the frame, wherein the wall portion is particularly preferably formed as a connecting piece which is suspended at its two ends on the frame in such a manner as to be mobile towards and away from the opposing wall
Data Source
AI summary
A holder (2) for fixing a sensor (1) to a motor vehicle includes a frame (7) and walls that bound an opening (8) for receiving and fixing the sensor. At at least two opposing walls (10, 11) each respectively have at least one clamping portion (14) for clamping the sensor (1) in place in the opening. At least two further opposing walls (12, 13) each respectively have at least one receiving portion (19, 20) for receiving a portion (6) of the sensor (1), wherein at least one of the receiving portions (19) has a spring portion (18) for pretensioning the sensor (1) toward the opposing wall (12).