Vehicle Roof Module Sensor Integration for Larger Roof Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof modules require significant installation space for environment sensors, which can reduce the size of roof openings and compromise vehicle design aesthetics, especially when additional mounting areas are needed.
Innovation Solution
A roof module design featuring a lid part with an indentation or protrusion that surrounds or covers the sensor module when closed, allowing for increased installation space and larger roof openings, while maintaining the sensor's functionality and aerodynamic benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If environment sensors are integrated into the roof module, then autonomous driving capability is improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is integrated into the roof module structure itself, with sensors mounted on the inner side of the lid part or on protrusions that are part of the roof module. This nesting approach allows sensors to be housed within the existing roof module volume without requiring additional external mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical height) by creating protrusions from the roof module frame that extend into the roof opening space. Sensors are mounted on these protrusions, effectively using the vertical dimension to accommodate sensor mounting space without increasing the horizontal footprint.
2Ease of manufacture
If additional mounting areas are provided for sensors, then sensor installation is improved, but roof opening size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roof module is segmented into functional zones: the lid part with indentation for sensor housing, the frame structure with protrusions for sensor mounting, and the roof opening area. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the lid and frame provide mounting areas while the central area remains open.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid part features a localized indentation only in the specific area where sensors need to be mounted, while the rest of the lid maintains its full surface area. Similarly, protrusions are created only where sensor mounting is required, leaving the majority of the roof opening area unaffected and maximized.
3Measurement precision
If sensors protrude into the roof opening, then sensor detection capability is improved, but aerodynamic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid part is designed with an asymmetric profile featuring an indentation on the outer surface and corresponding protrusions on the inner side. This asymmetric design allows the lid to contour around the protruding sensors, creating a streamlined shape that reduces aerodynamic resistance while maintaining sensor exposure for optimal detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof module for forming a vehicle roof on a motor vehicle comprises a panel component which at least partially forms a roof skin of the vehicle roof, the roof skin serving as an outer sealing surface, a roof opening system having a lid part configured to selectively open and/or close a roof opening, and at least one sensor module having at least one environment sensor. The sensor module is disposed on the roof module in such a manner that it at least partially protrudes in the direction of an opening center of the roof opening. The lid part comprises an indentation surrounding the at least partially protruding part of the sensor module when the lid part is closed, or the lid part at least partially covers the sensor module when the lid part is closed. A motor vehicle can have such a roof module.