Removable Lidar Scanner Module for Vehicle Cargo Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo in vehicle cargo spaces may shift undesirably during vehicle motion and is vulnerable to theft when the vehicle is stationary, necessitating effective monitoring solutions.
Innovation Solution
A lidar module with a removable lidar scanner unit that can operate in various scanning modes to monitor cargo spaces and surrounding areas, generating images to detect movement or theft, and is securely mountable to vehicles with induction charging for power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lidar scanner unit is permanently integrated into the vehicle, then monitoring reliability is improved, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent module housing and a removable lidar scanner unit. The module housing contains the mounting structure, battery, and control electronics, while the scanner unit can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the permanent integration of essential components for reliability while enabling easy replacement of the scanner unit for adaptability and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The module housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different lidar scanner units. The housing contains a battery and control system that can work with multiple scanner unit types, allowing the same housing to support various scanning modes and configurations, thus providing both reliability through permanent integration and adaptability through interchangeable components.
2Ease of repair
If the lidar scanner unit is made removable, then ease of repair and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the scanner unit from the module housing with a clear interface, the system enables easy removal and replacement of the scanner unit for repair or upgrade. The segmentation creates distinct functional modules that can be independently serviced, improving ease of repair while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection interface acts as an intermediary between the module housing and scanner unit. This interface includes electrical contacts and mechanical coupling elements that simplify the connection and disconnection processes. The intermediary structure manages the complexity of the removable connection by providing standardized interfaces, making the removal and attachment processes simple despite the underlying complexity of electrical and mechanical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar scanner unit operates in multiple scanning modes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lidar scanner unit is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple scanning modes including first scanning mode for cargo space monitoring, second scanning mode for exterior monitoring, and third scanning mode for combined monitoring. The single scanner unit incorporates the capability to perform all three functions, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices, thus managing device complexity while achieving multi-mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system employs dynamic scanning patterns that can be adjusted between different modes. The scanner unit can dynamically change its scanning behavior - focusing on cargo space in first mode, exterior in second mode, or both in third mode. This dynamic adaptability allows a single device to provide multiple functions by changing its operational characteristics rather than requiring multiple fixed-function devices.
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 lidar module effectively monitors cargo spaces and external areas, detecting undesirable cargo movement or theft, and is securely integrated with vehicles, enhancing safety and security through continuous scanning and alert capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The module housing may include an induction charging apparatus configured to charge a battery in the lidar scanner unit when the lidar scanner unit is positioned within the module housing cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar module configured for mounting on a vehicle is provided. The lidar module may include a module housing structured to be securable to a vehicle. The module housing may define a cavity configured for receiving a lidar scanner unit therein. The lidar module may include a lidar scanner unit configured to be received within the module housing cavity. The lidar scanner unit may be configured to be removable from the module housing cavity whenever the lidar scanner unit is not in use.