Autonomous Vehicle Roof Pod with Segmented Cabling Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting sensor systems directly to a vehicle's roof can be impractical, especially when cabling and other components need to be routed between the vehicle and external sensors, as it may compromise structural integrity and complicate installation post-manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A roof pod assembly is designed with a separate cabling harness assembly that elevates sensors above the vehicle's roof, using support members and a conduit member to route wiring and other connections without being load-bearing, incorporating ventilation and drainage systems for effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensor systems are mounted directly to the vehicle's roof, then installation is simple, but structural integrity is compromised and cabling routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is separated from the vehicle roof into a distinct roof pod assembly. The roof pod housing contains the sensors and is mounted to the roof via support members, while cabling is routed through a separate conduit member. This segmentation allows the roof mounting structure to remain simple and structurally sound, while the sensor system gains access to optimized cabling pathways through the conduit.
2Strength
If sensor systems are mounted externally above the roof, then structural integrity is maintained, but cabling routing between vehicle and sensors becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A conduit member is introduced as an intermediary element between the vehicle roof and the roof pod assembly. This conduit member provides a dedicated pathway for cabling to travel from the vehicle's electrical systems to the sensors in the roof pod, eliminating the need for complex ad-hoc routing solutions and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If support members are used to elevate the roof pod, then sensors are positioned optimally, but the conduit member becomes non-load bearing requiring additional support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and cabling function are segmented into separate components: support members handle the mechanical load of elevating the roof pod for optimal sensor positioning, while the conduit member handles cabling routing without bearing load. This functional segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology includes a roof pod system for a vehicle configured to operate in one or more partly or fully autonomous self-driving modes. The roof pod system is arranged to sit above the roof of the vehicle, for instance at least 10-50 mm above the roof surface. The roof pod may be supported by a set of legs such as cross-rails. The roof pod system incorporates various sensors and related equipment to assist with self-driving operation. Some sensors may be arranged in the main housing of the roof pod, while others can be located in a dome-type structure extending above the main housing. A cabling harness assembly runs wiring and other links between the roof pod and the vehicle chassis.