Vehicle Sensor Assembly Duct Sealing and Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensor assemblies face challenges in optimizing the performance of navigation sensors and lenses due to alignment issues and the need for robust frameworks that can withstand various environmental conditions and sensor types, while also minimizing weight and maintaining data quality.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly design featuring a housing with a base and duct structure sealed to the vehicle roof, supporting navigation sensors and lenses, which provides a robust framework for testing and alignment, using a monolithic base with support ribs and a duct system to maintain sensor stability and allow for easy replacement of sensors and lenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a robust framework is used to support sensors and withstand environmental conditions, then reliability and stability are improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor stabilityVSAvoidframework complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The framework is divided into modular components including a base structure, housing, duct system, and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength and stability while simplifying the overall assembly and maintenance process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framework is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that can accommodate various sensor types and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for custom fabrication while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.

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

2Measurement precision

If alignment mechanisms are added to optimize sensor positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor alignmentVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment features such as precision-machined mounting surfaces, locator pins, and pre-positioned sensors are incorporated into the framework design before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures accurate sensor positioning is achieved through the manufacturing process itself, eliminating the need for complex post-installation alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor types are supported in the assembly, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor type compatibilityVSAvoidassembly manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The framework employs universal mounting interfaces, standardized electrical connections, and modular sensor housings that can accommodate various sensor types including LIDAR, cameras, and radar. This standardization allows different sensor configurations to be produced using the same base framework, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10302744B1Sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2019.05.28 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10302744B1 patent drawing
  • US10302744B1 patent drawing
  • US10302744B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle includes a roof and a housing having a bottom surface sealed to the roof. The vehicle includes a base in the housing and having a first surface sealed to the roof, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a duct extending from the first surface to the second surface. The vehicle includes a navigation sensor supported by the second surface. The vehicle includes a wire in electrical communication with the navigation sensor and extending through the duct.