Sensor Mounting Base With Airflow Shielding Against Particle Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor mounting systems on vehicles, such as those using LiDAR and cameras, are prone to being obstructed by rain, snow, dust, and other environmental factors, which hinders their performance in real-world object detection and navigation.

Innovation Solution

A mounting base with airflow generating components, including air ducts and fins, is designed to create airflow around the sensors, reducing the likelihood of obstruction by particles and maintaining sensor performance in various conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are mounted on the exterior of a vehicle, then object detection and navigation capabilities are improved, but the sensors become susceptible to obstruction by rain, snow, dust, and other environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor performanceVSAvoidparticle obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using airflow generating components (such as fans or air ducts) to create a controlled airflow field around the sensor. This airflow acts as a protective mechanism that actively prevents particles like rain, snow, and dust from accumulating on the sensor surface, thereby maintaining sensor reliability in harsh environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If sensors are protected from environmental factors, then operational reliability is improved, but the mounting system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the airflow generation function directly into the sensor mounting base, creating an integrated assembly where the airflow generating component is positioned to protect the sensor without requiring separate protection mechanisms. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 airflow generated by the mounting base effectively prevents particles from reaching the sensors, improving their operational reliability and effectiveness in harsh environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one airflow generating component, the airflow generating component is configured for forming at least one airflow on a side of the sensor mounted on the mounting portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow generation:

Data Source

PatentUS11897397B2Mounting base for mounting sensors
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 WERIDE CORP
  • US11897397B2 patent drawing
  • US11897397B2 patent drawing
  • US11897397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mounting base for sensor is provided. The mounting base comprises: a body having a top surface; a mounting portion located on the top surface of the body, the mounting portion is configured for mounting a sensor; and at least one airflow generating component, the airflow generating component is configured for forming at least one airflow on a side of the sensor mounted on the mounting portion.