Roof Sensor Pod Mounting Assembly for Quick Swap and Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor pod mounting systems lack efficient and quick methods for installation, removal, and recalibration, often requiring complex procedures and additional support for weight management, which can lead to vibration issues and reduced sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A roof-mounted sensor pod assembly with a connecting assembly that supports the weight of the sensor pod during installation and features a post-and-socket mechanism allowing rotation and secure attachment, enabling quick swap and alignment without the need for additional support structures, thus providing a rigid and anti-vibration connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mounting systems are used for sensor pods, then installation procedures become complex and time-consuming, but the mounting system lacks efficient quick-install capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the vehicle and a sensor pod assembly that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows the bracket to be pre-installed while the sensor pod can be quickly attached or removed without affecting the bracket installation, enabling rapid replacement and calibration of sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting assembly acts as an intermediary between the mounting bracket and the sensor pod. This connecting mechanism provides a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process, allowing the sensor pod to be quickly secured to the bracket without complex procedures. The connecting assembly serves as a mediator that enables efficient installation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Weight of moving object
If additional support structures are added to manage sensor pod weight, then weight support is improved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed to combine multiple functions: it provides structural support for the sensor pod weight, enables quick attachment/detachment, and ensures proper positioning. By merging the support function with the mounting mechanism, the system avoids adding separate support structures, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining adequate weight support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and connecting assembly are designed as multi-functional components that simultaneously handle weight support, positioning, and secure attachment. This universal design eliminates the need for additional specialized support structures, as the primary mounting components perform multiple functions including bearing the sensor pod weight during installation and operation.
3Loss of time
If quick swap mechanisms are implemented for sensor pods, then installation and removal speed is improved, but vibration resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly incorporates a spherical interface between the mounting bracket and sensor pod. This spherical connection allows for quick attachment and detachment while maintaining a rigid, vibration-resistant bond during operation. The spherical geometry enables simple snap-in installation but provides stable, secure mounting that resists vibration forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simplified connecting mechanism that achieves both quick installation and vibration resistance. Instead of using multiple bolts, nuts, and alignment procedures, the connecting assembly uses a streamlined interface that provides rapid attachment while maintaining structural integrity under vibration conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex installation procedures are used to ensure proper sensor alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with built-in alignment features and positioning elements that automatically guide the sensor pod into the correct orientation during installation. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during installation, as the alignment is achieved through the pre-designed interface geometry rather than manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof mounted sensor pod assembly for a vehicle. the roof mounted sensor pod having a frame configured to attach to the vehicle, a connecting assembly located on the frame, and a sensor pod configured to couple to the frame with the connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is configured to support the weight of the sensor pod during installation of the sensor pod and prior to securing of the sensor pod to the frame. A vehicle includes a roof mounted sensor pod assembly.