Rotatable Sensor Carrier Module for Adjustable Field of View

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor modules have limited adjustability of the sensor field of view, making them less versatile for different installation scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A sensor module with a sensor carrier and housing featuring coaxial cylindrical holders allowing the sensor carrier to rotate, enabling adjustable angular positioning through a force-fitting or form-fitting connection, which can be set and secured during assembly, allowing the sensor field of view to be adjusted over a wide range (e.g., more than 90°, 120°, or 180°).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor carrier is fixed rigidly in the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different installation scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to installation scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor carrier is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing around a rotation axis, transforming the fixed rigid connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the sensor field of view to be oriented in different directions while maintaining structural stability through the defined rotation axis and mounting holders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor carrier is made adjustable over a wide range, then the adaptability to different installation scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sensor field of viewVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first holder and a second holder that are arranged coaxially and support the sensor carrier at different locations. This segmentation allows the complex adjustment function to be distributed across simple structural elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining wide adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows adjustment of the sensor field of view orientation, provides mechanical support through the holders, and enables adaptation to different installation scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the sensor carrier is made rotatable, then the ease of operation for adjusting field of view is improved, but the reliability under vibrations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjusting field of viewVSAvoidreliability under vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor carrier is adjusted to the desired angular position before final assembly, and then fixed in place using a locking mechanism or adhesive applied during the assembly process. This preliminary adjustment followed by securing ensures ease of operation during setup while maintaining reliability during operation under vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11719561B2Sensor module having a sensor carrier rotatable about an axis, and method for assembling a sensor module of this type
Publication Date: 2023.08.08 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • US11719561B2 patent drawing
  • US11719561B2 patent drawing
  • US11719561B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor module includes: a sensor carrier for accommodating a sensor; and a housing having two coaxial cylindrical holders in which cylindrical ends of the sensor carrier are mounted to rotate around an axis. The sensor module fixes the sensor carrier in an adjustable angular position relative to the housing by producing a force-fitting or form-fitting connection between the housing and an outer surface region of the sensor carrier.