Vehicle Sensor Cover Mechanism for Quiet Compact Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor devices, such as those with camera systems, require significant space and generate noise due to their design, which complicates integration and protection.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor device with a movable sensor unit and protective element, utilizing a lever mechanism with rotary bearing points and a coaxial arrangement of the protective, decorative, and lever components, allowing for quiet operation and space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guide rails or slideways are used for sensor unit movement, then the sensor unit can be moved between rest and operating positions, but the device requires a lot of installation space and generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical guide rail or slideway system with a lever mechanism comprising only rotary bearings. This substitution eliminates the need for linear guides while maintaining the sensor unit's ability to move between rest and operating positions, thereby reducing installation space requirements and noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the movement mechanism from linear translation along guides to rotational movement around pivot points. By transforming the motion parameter from linear to angular, the device achieves compactness and reduced space requirements while maintaining full operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If guide rails or slideways are used for sensor unit movement, then the sensor unit can be moved between rest and operating positions, but the device generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical guide rail or slideway system with a lever mechanism comprising only rotary bearings. This substitution eliminates the need for linear guides while maintaining the sensor unit's ability to move between rest and operating positions, thereby reducing installation space requirements and noise generation.
3Volume of stationary object
If the protective element and decorative element are arranged adjacent to one another, then the device has a compact design, but the sensor unit requires sufficient protection in rest position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective element and decorative element into a single integrated assembly that moves together with the lever mechanism. This combination allows both functions (protection and aesthetics) to be achieved in a compact arrangement, with the elements moving synchronously between closed and open positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element serves dual functions: it protects the sensor unit when closed and acts as a decorative element when open. This multi-functionality allows the same component to satisfy both protection requirements and aesthetic considerations without requiring separate dedicated structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising at least: - a stationary support (5), - a sensor unit (6) movable between a rest position (I) and an operating position (II), - a protective element (7) for the sensor unit (6) and a decorative element (8), each movable between a closed position (III) and an open position (IV), wherein the protective element (7) and the decorative element (8) are arranged one above the other in the respective closed position (III) and cover the sensor unit (6) in its rest position (I), wherein in the open position (IV) of the protective element (7) and decorative element (8) the sensor unit (6) is in its operating position (II), wherein the sensor unit (6),the protective element (7) and the decorative element (8) are coupled to each other by means of a lever mechanism (9) and the protective element (7) and the decorative element (8) are mounted rotatably and coaxially to each other on the carrier (5) and the sensor unit (6) is articulated to the lever mechanism (9).