Autonomous Vehicle Roof Module With Embedded Sensors and Clear Roof Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof modules for motor vehicles compromise vehicle aesthetics when equipped with sensor modules for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, as these modules can shade or obstruct the transparent roof portions.
Innovation Solution
A roof module integrating sensor modules, such as LiDAR, radar, and camera sensors, within a transparent and openable roof structure, where the sensor components are housed in a visually appealing manner within the roof skin, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving without obstructing the view and featuring a cover element that adapts to customer design preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensor modules are placed on top of the vehicle roof, then autonomous driving functionality is achieved, but vehicle aesthetics are compromised due to shading of transparent roof portions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules are nested within the roof module structure, specifically housed within recesses or cavities in the roof skin. This nesting approach allows the sensors to be integrated into the vehicle's body structure rather than mounted on top, eliminating the shading problem while maintaining autonomous driving functionality. The sensor modules are essentially hidden within the aesthetic shell of the vehicle roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional integrated approach. Instead of placing sensors on the outer surface of the roof, the solution embeds them within the depth of the roof module structure, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the conflict between functionality and aesthetics.
2Shape
If sensor modules are integrated within the roof structure, then vehicle aesthetics are improved, but sensor detection capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roof module is segmented into multiple functional zones: transparent see-through portions for aesthetics and light transmission, opaque portions for housing sensors, and strategically positioned openings that provide sensor access to the environment. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while contributing to the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof skin acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the aesthetic requirements (transparent portions) and the functional requirements (sensor detection). By carefully designing the roof skin with specific openings, recesses, and material properties, it enables sensor functionality while maintaining visual appeal, serving as a mediator that reconciles the two opposing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof module for a motor vehicle may have a roof skin, a roof frame on a vehicle body and have at least one transverse frame part extending in the transverse roof direction and a longitudinal frame part extending in the longitudinal roof direction on either side of a longitudinal center roof plane, and a roof opening system having a lid element configured to be displaced on guide rails, which are part of the longitudinal frame parts of the roof frame, in the longitudinal roof direction relative to the roof frame, and/or a solid roof element having a transparent see-through portion and being rigidly connected to the roof frame, having a sensor system comprising at least one sensor module which has at least one environmental sensor and is located outside of the roof opening and/or outside of the transparent see-through portions and is covered by a cover element.