Work Vehicle Rear Perception Module With Passive Airflow Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicle perception systems, particularly those using stereoscopic camera assemblies, face challenges with high visual processing demands and thermal dissipation, which existing integration schemes fail to adequately address, leading to inefficiencies in heat management and potential system performance issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rear and front perception modules with strategically positioned stereoscopic camera assemblies and heat-generating electronic components, integrated into the work vehicle's cabin roof, featuring airflow vents and cooling pathways to facilitate convective heat dissipation, ensuring efficient thermal management and robust mechanical protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereoscopic camera assemblies are used for environmental depth perception, then measurement precision and resolution are improved, but thermal dissipation becomes insufficient and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat-generating electronic component from the main perception module housing and positions it separately in the airflow path. This separation allows the electronic component to be cooled independently by ambient airflow, preventing thermal accumulation that would otherwise compromise the reliability of the stereoscopic camera system while maintaining the high resolution depth perception capability.
2Productivity
If EDP sensor systems are integrated into work vehicles, then productivity and automation capability are improved, but thermal management complexity increases and device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements passive cooling where the electronic component utilizes natural airflow through the work vehicle to dissipate heat. The component is positioned to intercept airflow without requiring active cooling systems such as fans or liquid cooling loops. This self-service approach to thermal management reduces device complexity while enabling sustained autonomous operation of the EDP sensor system.
3Productivity
If multiple EDP devices are mounted on the work vehicle, then environmental coverage and productivity are improved, but mechanical stress and structural integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple EDP devices including stereoscopic camera assemblies and other sensors into a unified perception module that serves multiple functions: environmental depth perception, obstacle detection, and navigation. The module is designed with a standardized mounting interface that can be installed on various work vehicle platforms, reducing structural integration complexity while providing comprehensive environmental coverage through multiple sensors.
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
This solution provides comprehensive environmental coverage with 360° sensor coverage, enhances thermal performance by passive cooling, and minimizes mechanical stress on the perception system components, thereby optimizing the operation and longevity of the EDP sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
excess heat generated by the heat-generating electronic component is dissipated by convective transfer to airflow conducted along the cooling airflow path
Data Source
AI summary
A rear perception module is utilized in conjunction with a work vehicle having a work vehicle cabin and a cabin roof. In an embodiment, the rear perception module includes an environmental depth perception (EDP) sensor system including a first EDP device having a field of view encompassing an environmental region to a rear of the work vehicle, a rear module housing mounted to an upper trailing edge portion of the cabin roof, and vents formed in exterior walls of the rear module housing to facilitate airflow through the rear module housing along a cooling airflow path. A heat-generating electronic component is electrically coupled to the first EDP device and positioned in or adjacent the cooling airflow path such that excess heat generated by the heat-generating electronic component is dissipated by convective transfer to airflow conducted along the cooling airflow path during operation of the rear perception module.