Rear Sensor Mounting Structure for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, using non-chassis components for sensor mounts leads to reduced sensor stability, limited visibility, and noise in sensor data due to non-ideal mounting locations.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure for rear-viewing sensors that attaches to the vehicle's chassis, specifically designed to place sensors like lidar and radar in a rear-facing direction, providing stability and optimal visibility by integrating with the vehicle's existing rear body structure and using reinforcement plates for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on non-chassis outer body parts for ease of installation, then installation complexity is reduced, but sensor stability and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor and the vehicle body. The bracket includes a first portion that attaches to the vehicle's rear window or body panel and a second portion that mounts the sensor, thereby facilitating installation while maintaining sensor stability through proper structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into distinct segments: a first portion for vehicle attachment and a second portion for sensor mounting. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first portion for ease of installation on the vehicle body and the second portion for providing a stable, vibration-resistant mounting point for the sensor
2Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted at lower vehicle positions for ease of installation, then installation complexity is reduced, but sensor visibility and detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket extends vertically to position the sensor at an elevated location on the vehicle's rear section. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the sensor achieves superior rearward visibility and detection capability while the bracket itself provides the installation interface on accessible vehicle body parts
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on non-chassis components, then installation complexity is reduced, but noise in sensor data increases due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates vibration damping features and rigid structural elements that counteract the effects of vehicle vibrations. The bracket's design includes features that absorb or isolate vibrational forces, preventing them from being transmitted to the sensor and thereby reducing noise in the sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount rear-facing sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the rear environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is secured to the vehicle by utilizing existing vehicle body structures. The vehicle body structures include rearward roof chassis parts that provide stability and security to the mounting structure.