Roof Hatch Cooling Module for Autonomous Truck Cab Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicles require powerful cooling systems for control units handling sensor data, necessitating sufficient installation space without hindering driver operation or integration.
Innovation Solution
A driver's cab design with a roof structure incorporating a cooling module for control units, utilizing a roof hatch and air intake to minimize space requirements and ensure easy integration, while maintaining driver comfort and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a powerful cooling system is installed for the control unit, then cooling performance is improved, but installation space requirements increase and may hinder driver operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is extracted from the traditional engine compartment location and repositioned to the roof structure above the driver's cab. This separates the cooling function from the driver's workspace, providing effective cooling without occupying space needed for driver operation and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is moved from the horizontal plane (engine compartment) to the vertical dimension (roof structure). By utilizing the vertical space above the cab, the system achieves adequate cooling performance without consuming valuable horizontal installation space that would interfere with driver operation.
2Volume of moving object
If the cooling system is integrated into the driver's cab, then installation space is optimized, but driver comfort and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is positioned in a specific location (roof structure above the cab) that is locally optimized for both cooling efficiency and driver comfort. The air inlet is placed to avoid creating negative airflow effects in the driver's breathing zone, while the cooling module is mounted high enough to not obstruct driver visibility or movement.
3Temperature
If air inlet openings are positioned on the roof structure, then cooling efficiency is improved by avoiding hot air recirculation, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roof structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle, acts as a mounting platform for the cooling system, and facilitates optimal air intake positioning. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by utilizing existing structural elements rather than adding separate dedicated components.
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
Provides adequate cooling for control units without obstructing driver movement or visibility, ensuring seamless integration and protection against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling module for cooling the control unit
Implementation Method 2
At least one air inlet and/or air intake opening for the cooling module can be positioned on and/or in the roof structure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a driver's cab (50A; 50B; 50C; 50D; 50E) for a semi-autonomously or autonomously operable commercial vehicle (100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E), preferably a truck, in particular a tractor unit. The driver's cab (50A; 50B; 50C; 50D; 50E) comprises a roof structure (60A; 60B; 60C; 60D; 60E) that defines an interior of the driver's cab (50A; 50B; 50C; 50D; 50E) on the upper side, and a control device for operating the commercial vehicle (100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E) in a semi-autonomous or autonomous driving mode, wherein the control device has a control unit (10; 10A), preferably for controlling at least one sensor device and/or for processing sensor data from at least one sensor device. The driver's cab (50A; 50B; 50C; 50D; 50E) has a cooling module (200) for cooling the control unit (10; 10A).The cooling module (200) is arranged at least in sections on or in a roof hatch (62) of the roof structure (60A; 60B; 60C; 60D; 60E). The invention further relates to a commercial vehicle (100A; 100B; 100C; 100D; 100E) with the driver's cab (50A; 50B; 50C; 50D; 50E).