Rotary Cable Assembly for Repositionable AV Sensor Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining optimal sensor coverage due to changes in motion, driving angles, and environmental factors, leading to blind spots and reduced field of view, which can compromise safety and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor positioning platform with a rotating sensor carrier structure and motorized actuator system that dynamically repositions sensors to maintain optimal coverage, includes a cable management system for continuous connectivity, and integrated cleaning systems to ensure sensor accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are mounted at fixed locations on the autonomous vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view and coverage are limited due to changes in motion and driving angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sensor positioning system where sensors are mounted on a rotatable carrier structure that can change its orientation and position relative to the vehicle body. This allows the sensor array to dynamically adjust its field of view and coverage area in response to changing driving conditions, motion states, and environmental factors, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed mounting simplicity and adaptive coverage capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are dynamically repositioned to maintain optimal coverage, then the sensor field of view and coverage are improved, but cable management complexity increases due to continuous rotation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cable assemblies with spiral or convoluted configurations that can accommodate the rotational and positional movements of the sensor carrier. These flexible cable structures allow continuous rotation and repositioning of sensors while maintaining electrical connectivity, thereby enabling adaptive coverage without proportionally increasing cable management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable management system as an intermediary between the stationary vehicle body and the dynamically positioned sensors. This intermediate cable assembly absorbs and manages the mechanical stresses of rotation and movement, protecting the electrical connections while enabling sensor repositioning flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary cable management system is implemented to support sensor rotation, then sensor repositioning capability is improved, but the device complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cable management system to automatically accommodate sensor rotation and repositioning movements through its flexible spiral configuration. The system self-adjusts to the changing positions without requiring additional active components or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling repositioning capability
Data Source
AI summary
Cable management systems for rotatable sensors on an autonomous vehicle (AV) are described herein. In some examples, a rotatable cable assembly can include a first portion having a spool, a sidewall surrounding the spool to form a cavity, and a shaft extending from the spool; a second portion coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate relative to the first portion; a flexible cable stored by the spool in a coiled configuration within the cavity; a first circuit on the first portion including a first connector coupled to an end of the flexible cable and configured to connect to components on an AV and/or a sensor platform base that is coupled to the AV and includes the rotary cable assembly; and a second circuit on the second portion including a second connector coupled to another end of the flexible cable and configured to rotate with the second portion.