Roof Module Sensor Integration for Simplified Vehicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles require multiple installation steps and increased complexity due to separate installation of environment sensors on the roof module and in the interior, leading to higher weight and production costs, reduced modularity, and inefficient use of installation space.
Innovation Solution
Integrate at least two environment sensors onto the roof module, allowing them to send and receive electromagnetic signals through the windshield or rear window, eliminating the need for additional sensors and simplifying the installation process by preassembling the roof module with sensors as a structural unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If environment sensors are installed separately on the roof and interior of the vehicle, then the sensors can detect the vehicle environment, but the number of installation steps increases and the vehicle structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple environment sensors (lidar, radar, cameras) that were previously installed separately on the roof and interior into a single integrated roof module. This merging of sensors into one modular unit reduces the number of installation steps from multiple separate installations to a single installation operation, while maintaining full environment detection capability through the coordinated work of all sensors within the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the vehicle roof, houses multiple types of environment sensors (lidar, radar, cameras), and enables comprehensive environmental detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensor installations while consolidating detection capabilities into a single universal component that performs both structural and sensing roles.
2Reliability
If environment sensors are installed separately on the roof and interior, then the sensors can detect the vehicle environment, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all environment sensors into a single roof module, the patent eliminates redundant mounting structures, wiring harnesses, and support components that would be required for separate sensor installations. The integrated design shares common structural elements and mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing the total weight compared to installing sensors separately on the roof and interior.
3Reliability
If environment sensors are installed separately on the roof and interior, then the sensors can detect the vehicle environment, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple sensors into a single roof module allows for standardized manufacturing processes and assembly procedures. Instead of performing multiple separate installation operations for different sensors, the module can be manufactured as a complete unit and installed in one step, reducing labor costs, minimizing assembly time, and simplifying quality control procedures, thereby lowering overall production costs.
4Reliability
If environment sensors are installed separately on the roof and interior, then the sensors can detect the vehicle environment, but the modularity of the vehicle structure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roof module is designed as a universal, self-contained unit that integrates multiple sensor types and functions. This modular design enhances vehicle adaptability because the entire sensor system can be easily replaced, upgraded, or reconfigured by simply changing the roof module as a single component, rather than modifying multiple separate sensor installations throughout the vehicle structure.
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
Reduces installation complexity, saves space, and lowers production costs by integrating environment sensors into the roof module, enabling a more compact design and simplified assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The environment sensors are attached to the roof module and configured to send and/or receive electromagnetic signals through the windshield or the rear window in order to detect a vehicle environment
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle having a vehicle body, a windshield and/or a rear window, and a roof module disposed on the vehicle body as a structural unit and at least partially forming a vehicle roof of the motor vehicle, the roof module having a see-through area, a panel component which at least partially forms a roof skin of the vehicle roof, the roof skin serving as an outer sealing surface, and at least two environment sensors for detecting a vehicle environment. One of the at least two environment sensors is attached to the roof module and configured to send and/or receive electromagnetic signals through the windshield or the rear window in detect a vehicle environment, and another one of the at least two environment sensors is attached to the roof module and configured to send and/or receive electromagnetic signals through the see-through area.