Vehicle Roof Sensor Housing With Vibration-Damped Aerodynamic Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor housings for vehicles, while improving aerodynamics and reducing visibility, often detract from the vehicle's appearance by not matching the overall design and may not effectively dampen vibrations affecting sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor housing with a frame designed to securely position multiple sensors on a vehicle's roof, featuring a configuration that aligns with the vehicle's design, includes vibration-damping features, and minimizes aerodynamic impact while allowing for efficient routing of electrical and plumbing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are individually mounted on the vehicle roof, then sensor visibility to third parties increases and aerodynamic profile is worsened, but vehicle appearance is improved and sensor vibration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individually mounted sensors are merged into a single integrated sensor housing unit that is mounted on the vehicle roof. This combines the aerodynamic benefits of a unified structure while still accommodating multiple sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) within the housing, resolving the contradiction between individual mounting simplicity and aerodynamic profile.
2Shape
If sensor housing is added to the vehicle roof, then aerodynamic profile is improved and sensor visibility is reduced, but vehicle appearance is worsened and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides aerodynamic benefits, houses multiple sensors, integrates lighting elements, and incorporates branding elements. This universal design approach consolidates multiple functions into a single structure, improving aerodynamics without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Shape
If sensor housing is designed to match vehicle aesthetic, then vehicle appearance is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is segmented into modular sections that can be independently configured to accommodate different sensor types and arrangements. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain a consistent aesthetic design while providing flexibility in sensor configuration, resolving the contradiction between design consistency and configuration flexibility.
4Shape
If sensors are housed within a unified structure, then aerodynamic profile is improved and appearance is maintained, but access to sensors for maintenance and repair becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing employs a nested structure where sensors are housed within the aerodynamic housing but remain accessible through strategically placed openings and removable panels. This nested design maintains the streamlined external shape while providing access points for maintenance and repair operations.
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
The sensor housing effectively supports various vehicle operations, including autonomous driving, by providing secure, aerodynamically optimized, and vibration-damped sensor mounting, while maintaining the vehicle's appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a base mount block positioned upon the resilient gasket and connected to the roof of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a resilient gasket disposed on the roof of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor housing is provided that is configured to be mounted to a roof of a vehicle. The sensor housing includes a frame defining a plurality of cavities and a plurality of windows opening into respective cavities. The sensor housing also includes a plurality of sensors, at least some of which are disposed within the respective cavities defined by the frame. The sensors disposed within the respective cavities are oriented relative to the frame such that fields of view of the sensors that are disposed within the respective cavities defined by the frame are directed through the windows that open into the respective cavities. At least one of the plurality of sensors may include a camera mounted to the frame so as to be exterior to the vehicle and oriented such that a field of view of the camera is directed into a cabin of the vehicle.