Autonomous Vehicle Roof Pod Cabling Without Roof Compromise
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting sensor systems directly to a vehicle's roof can be challenging, especially when routing cabling and other items between the vehicle and an external sensor system, particularly when the system is fitted after manufacture, and it may compromise the structural integrity of the roof.
Innovation Solution
A roof pod assembly is provided with a separate cabling harness assembly that is non-load bearing, allowing sensors and components to be efficiently connected to the vehicle's on-board systems without affecting the structural integrity, and includes features like ventilation and drainage systems to enhance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sensor systems are mounted directly to the vehicle's roof, then the structural integrity of the roof is compromised, but the ease of installation and cabling routing is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a roof pod assembly containing sensors and a separate cabling harness assembly. This segmentation allows the sensors to be mounted on the roof without directly compromising the roof structure, while the cabling can be routed through the vehicle's existing structures without affecting the roof's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-load bearing conduit member is introduced as an intermediary between the roof pod assembly and the vehicle's cabling system. This conduit provides a dedicated pathway for cabling routing that does not require structural modification to the roof, thus preserving roof integrity while enabling efficient cabling installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is fitted onto the vehicle after manufacture, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of routing cabling and other items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cabling harness assembly is designed and prepared in advance with pre-organized cables and connectors. The conduit member is configured with predetermined routing paths that align with the vehicle's existing structure. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the complexity of installation when the system is fitted after manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit member is designed to accommodate multiple types of items including electrical wiring, power lines, fluid lines, and service cables. This multi-functionality allows a single conduit structure to handle all cabling and fluid routing needs, simplifying the overall installation process for after-market systems.
3Strength
If a separate cabling harness assembly is used, then the structural integrity of the roof is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cabling harness assembly, conduit member, and support structures are combined into an integrated roof pod assembly package. While the components are functionally separate, they are designed to work together as a unified system that can be installed as a single unit, reducing the practical complexity despite the functional separation needed to preserve roof integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The technology includes a roof pod system (102) 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 (708), 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 (312). The roof pod system incorporates various sensors (232) and related equipment to assist with self-driving operation. Some sensors may be arranged in the main housing (302) of the roof pod, while others can be located in a dome-type structure (304) extending above the main housing. A cabling harness assembly runs wiring and other links between the roof pod and the vehicle chassis (540).