Customizable Sensor Aperture with Common Lens for Rearview Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview assembly sensor covers lack versatility in compatibility with different housing configurations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and difficulties in replacement and design application across various platforms.
Innovation Solution
A customizable sensor cover with a translucent body and engagement features that can securely engage with multiple housing configurations, including first and second housings with predefined configurations, allowing for removable coupling and protection of light sensors while enabling light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor cover is designed for a specific housing configuration, then it provides precise fit and protection, but it reduces versatility and increases manufacturing costs for multiple housing types
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is designed with a standardized body and engagement features that can be universally applied across multiple housing configurations. The engagement features include geometric shapes (such as tabs, slots, or protrusions) that can accommodate different housing types by varying the arrangement rather than the fundamental cover design, allowing one cover design to serve multiple functions across different platforms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor cover designs are created for different housing configurations, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover employs a universal design where the basic cover structure remains identical across applications, and compatibility with different housing configurations is achieved through variations in engagement feature arrangements rather than creating entirely different cover designs. This reduces the number of sensor cover variants needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor cover design separates the functional elements into distinct components: the cover body and the engagement features. This segmentation allows the engagement features to be adapted for different housing configurations while keeping the main cover body standardized, reducing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If engagement features are made permanent, then structural stability is improved, but ease of replacement and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to be securely engaged during normal operation providing structural stability, while also enabling easy disengagement when needed for replacement. The engagement features may include snap-fit mechanisms, friction-based holds, or interlocking geometries that provide stable connection under normal conditions but can be easily released with simple actions.
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 solution provides a versatile and cost-effective sensor cover that can be easily adapted to various rearview assembly housings, facilitating easy replacement and reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring proper light transmission for ambient light sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The body may be at least partially translucent or at least partially transparent... a light sensor may be disposed within the housing and in optical communication with the sensor cover
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor cover for a rearview assembly includes a body configured for secure engagement with the rearview assembly. At least one engagement feature extends rearward and is configured for removably coupling the body with a first housing having a first predefined configuration and a second housing having a second predefined configuration.