Vehicle Roof Sensor Module With Switchable Detection Directions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle roofs with sensor modules have limited detection capabilities, as the environment sensors are rigidly mounted and can only observe in a fixed direction, restricting their utility in autonomous and semi-autonomous driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle roof with a sensor module that includes a displacement element, allowing the environment sensor arrangement to be moved between multiple detection directions, such as forward, side, upward, and interior, using mechanisms like rotary plates and beam deflecting elements, enabling flexible field of view adjustments for various driving functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the environment sensor is rigidly disposed on the roof frame, then the sensor module has a simple and stable structure, but the detection direction is fixed and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a displacement element that enables the sensor module to change its detection direction dynamically. The sensor module can be displaced between at least two detection directions, transforming from a static rigid mounting to a dynamic adjustable configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and detection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single sensor module that can serve multiple detection purposes through directional displacement. The same sensor module can detect different vehicle environments (front, side, rear, interior) by changing its orientation, replacing what would traditionally require multiple fixed sensors, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor modules are installed to cover different detection directions, then comprehensive detection coverage is achieved, but installation space and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single sensor module that can perform multiple detection functions through directional displacement. One sensor module can replace multiple fixed sensors by being repositioned to different detection directions, thereby achieving comprehensive detection coverage while reducing the total installation space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple potential sensor modules into a single displacementable sensor module. By combining multiple detection capabilities into one reconfigurable unit, the patent reduces the overall footprint and installation space while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across different directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle roof having a roof skin, a carrying element and at least one sensor module which is disposed on the carrying element and by means of which a vehicle environment is detectable for an autonomous and/or semi-autonomous driving mode of the respective vehicle, said sensor module having an environment sensor arrangement. The sensor module is provided with a displacement element by means of which it is displaceable between at least two detection directions.