Rotatable Sensor Assembly With Elastomeric Flap for Airflow Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor assemblies in vehicles face challenges in efficiently cooling and managing water while maintaining a clear field of view and structural integrity, especially for rotating sensor units.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly design incorporating an elastomeric flap that bends to minimize airflow loss and integrates a gutter for water management, along with a rotating sensor unit and airflow pathways for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed gap is maintained between the rotating sensor unit and housing for structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but airflow escape increases reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric flap is positioned between the housing aperture and sensor unit, extending across the gap. The flap's flexible nature allows it to conform to the rotating motion while maintaining a sealed position, preventing airflow escape without interfering with the rotation or structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the rotating sensor unit's position. This dynamic configuration maintains the seal during rotation, preventing airflow loss while accommodating the moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor unit rotates for scanning coverage, then field of view is improved, but maintaining a clear field of view while managing water accumulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A gutter is integrated into the housing structure to collect and channel water away from the sensor unit. This separate water management system extracts the water removal function from the rotating sensor assembly, allowing the sensor to rotate freely for scanning while water is continuously drained through the gutter.
3Temperature
If cooling airflow is increased for thermal management, then temperature control is improved, but airflow loss through the gap increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric flap creates a flexible seal that allows cooling airflow to be directed efficiently through the sensor unit while preventing significant airflow escape. The flap's elasticity maintains the seal integrity under airflow pressure, ensuring effective cooling with minimal energy loss.
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 design provides effective cooling and water management for rotating sensor units, maintaining a clear field of view and reducing airflow escape, enhancing the performance and reliability of vehicle sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the flap may be sized to bend from the relaxed position to the flexed position when subject to pressurized airflow from the aperture
Implementation Method 2
The sensor unit defines an airflow inlet radially inside the lower edge relative to the axis and positioned to receive airflow from the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor unit attached to the housing, and an elastomeric flap. The sensor unit includes a shell defining a vertical axis. The shell is rotatable around the axis relative to the housing. The shell includes a lower edge and extends upward along the axis from the lower edge. The housing includes an aperture centered on the axis. The aperture defines an airflow outlet from the housing radially inside the aperture relative to the axis. The sensor unit defines an airflow inlet radially inside the lower edge relative to the axis and positioned to receive airflow from the aperture. The aperture and the lower edge define a fixed gap extending around the axis. The flap is fixed to one of the housing or the sensor unit, and the flap extends across the fixed gap toward the other one of the housing or the sensor unit.