Sensor Assembly Cover Lock With Pressure-Sensed Magnetic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in securely accessing and protecting their sensor assemblies from unauthorized access and environmental elements, as existing solutions lack effective mechanisms to prevent tampering and ensure secure operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a movable cover that includes a pressure sensor and a magnetic lock system, where the cover is actuated to an assembled position to enclose the image sensor, and a processor authenticates the controller to unlock the lock, ensuring secure access and protection of the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable cover is used to enclose the sensor assembly, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a magnetic field-based locking mechanism. The magnetic lock system uses electromagnetic fields to secure the cover, eliminating the need for physical keys or mechanical locks that could be tampered with, while maintaining ease of operation through electronic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the cover and the sensor assembly frame. This magnetic field acts as a secure barrier that can be precisely controlled and monitored, providing reliable security while allowing for controlled access when needed.
2Reliability
If a lock system is added to secure the sensor assembly, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simpler magnetic field-based system. This substitution reduces mechanical moving parts, eliminates the need for physical keys, and simplifies the overall locking mechanism while maintaining or enhancing security capabilities through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic lock system serves multiple functions: it provides security locking, enables controlled access for authorized personnel, and can be integrated with monitoring systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic lock system is used, then ease of operation for authorized access is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking components with magnetic field-based components that can be more easily manufactured using modern electromagnetic manufacturing techniques. This substitution simplifies assembly processes and reduces the need for precision mechanical fitting while maintaining ease of operation.
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 effectively prevents unauthorized access to the sensors while allowing authorized personnel to perform maintenance, enhancing security and protection against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor activated by the cover in the assembled position
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic lock system, where the cover is actuated to an assembled position to enclose the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an exterior body panel and a sensor assembly supported by the exterior body panel. The sensor assembly includes an image sensor and a cover being moveable to an assembled position at least partially enclosing the image sensor. A pressure sensor is activated by the cover in the assembled position. A lock releasably connects the cover to the exterior body panel and is actuatable framed on the pressure sensor.