Vehicle Roof Module With Raised Sensor See-Through Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle roofs obstruct the field of view of environment sensors in the transverse direction due to roof side rails, which hinders the detection of vehicle surroundings and does not meet customer visual demands.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle roof is designed with a roof skin configuration that covers or extends over environment sensors, positioning the sensor see-through area higher than or above the roof edge, allowing unobstructed detection of the vehicle environment and harmonious integration of sensors into the roof structure, using lightweight materials like plastic composites for reduced weight and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the roof skin is configured to cover environment sensors, then the visual appearance is improved and sensors are integrated harmoniously, but the field of view of sensors may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning the sensor see-through area at a different vertical level (higher than the roof edge) rather than attempting to clear the roof edge horizontally. This allows the sensor to achieve an unobstructed field of view by looking downward from an elevated position, resolving the contradiction between covering the sensor for aesthetics and maintaining detection capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If environment sensors are placed on top of the vehicle roof, then the field of view is maximized, but the vehicle appearance does not satisfy customer demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by integrating the environment sensor within the roof structure itself, specifically positioning it under the roof skin in the lateral edge area. The sensor is nested within the roof module, covered by the roof skin that forms a harmonious visual appearance, while the sensor see-through area provides the necessary detection capability.
3Strength
If roof side rails are present, then structural support is provided, but they obstruct the field of view of environment sensors in the transverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a sensor see-through area with specific optical properties (transparency or translucency) in a localized region of the roof skin. This local modification allows light and sensor signals to pass through while maintaining the overall structural integrity and visual appearance of the roof, resolving the contradiction between structural support and field of view.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle roof having a support on the vehicle body shell, a roof module disposed on the support and having a roof skin, and a sensor system having at least one sensor module having at least one environment sensor for detecting a vehicle environment, the environment sensor being disposed in a lateral edge area of the roof module associated with a lateral roof edge and being covered by the roof skin, the roof skin having a sensor see-through area for the environment sensor, the sensor see-through area being oriented in the transverse roof direction and being situated higher than the associated roof edge or an adjacent area of the associated roof edge and/or being located above the associated roof edge.