Retractable Sensor System in Aerodynamic Spoiler

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roof-mounted sensors for vehicular mapping and navigation are aerodynamically and aesthetically unsuitable due to their bulky nature and limited field of view, which hinders their effectiveness in autonomous vehicle operations.

Innovation Solution

A retractable sensing system with a spoiler that houses the sensors and mounting structure, allowing for selective deployment and stowage, maintaining an unobtrusive profile while providing an extended field of view for data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional bulky sensors are mounted on the vehicle roof, then the field of view for data acquisition is improved, but the aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidaerodynamic disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor mounting structure is made retractable, allowing it to dynamically change position between deployed and retracted states. When deployed, the sensor achieves optimal field of view for data acquisition. When retracted, the sensor is stored within the spoiler housing, maintaining aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appearance. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between field of view requirements and aerodynamic constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor and mounting structure are nested within the spoiler housing when not in use. The spoiler serves as a housing that contains the sensor assembly, allowing the sensor to be stored compactly within the existing vehicle structure. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate external sensor mounts, thereby maintaining aerodynamic performance while enabling sensor deployment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If conventional bulky sensors are mounted on the vehicle roof, then the field of view for data acquisition is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor mounting structure is made retractable, allowing it to dynamically change position between deployed and retracted states. When deployed, the sensor achieves optimal field of view for data acquisition. When retracted, the sensor is stored within the spoiler housing, maintaining aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appearance. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between field of view requirements and aerodynamic constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is merged with the spoiler structure, combining two previously separate components (sensor mount and aerodynamic spoiler) into a single integrated assembly. The spoiler serves dual functions: maintaining aerodynamic performance and housing the sensor when retracted. This merging eliminates the visual disruption of separate sensor mounts while preserving data acquisition capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If sensors are placed on the vehicle roof for wide detection range, then the data acquisition effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata acquisition effectivenessVSAvoidsensor-actuation componentry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is merged with the spoiler structure, combining two previously separate components (sensor mount and aerodynamic spoiler) into a single integrated assembly. The spoiler serves dual functions: maintaining aerodynamic performance and housing the sensor when retracted. This merging eliminates the visual disruption of separate sensor mounts while preserving data acquisition capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spoiler structure is given multiple functions: it serves as both an aerodynamic component and a housing for the sensor system. The retractable mounting structure provides both structural support for sensor deployment and storage within the spoiler. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor mounting components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9919748B2Vehicles with aerodynamic spoiler and retractable sensing systems

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicular sensing system, a vehicle and a method of performing one or both of vehicular mapping and navigating operations using the sensing system. The sensing system is secured to a roof or other suitable location on the vehicle and includes one or more sensors configured to acquire at least one of vehicular mapping and navigational data, a retractable mounting structure to move the sensor or sensors between a deployed and stowed position, and an aerodynamic spoiler, air dam or deflector. The body of the spoiler acts as a housing with a recess formed in its upper surface such that upon placement of the spoiler on the roof, the recess provides a location within the spoiler to permit storage of the mounting structure and sensors when they are in their deployed (non data-acquisition) mode of operation. The size and placement of the mounting structure and sensors is such that they do not detract from the aerodynamic or aesthetic qualities of the spoiler.