Vehicle Sensor Mounting Bracket Water Shield Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor mounting structures for vehicles are vulnerable to water exposure due to drainage from the cowl, which can compromise the functionality of peripheral information detection sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor mounting structure that positions the peripheral information detection sensor between the fender panel and the cowl side panel, with a mounting bracket featuring a vertical wall and an inclined upper wall to shield the sensor from water, and an optional rib to further prevent water from reaching the detection area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the peripheral information detection sensor is disposed close to the cowl to achieve compact mounting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor is exposed to water from cowl drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the sensor and the cowl side panel. It includes a vertical wall portion that extends downward to block water from reaching the sensor, and an upper wall portion that extends upward to prevent water from above. This intermediary structure protects the sensor from water exposure while maintaining the compact mounting arrangement close to the cowl.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned to face the vehicle outer side for optimal detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the back surface becomes vulnerable to water drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket acts as a protective intermediary that shields the sensor's back surface from water drainage. The vertical wall portion extends downward to block water from reaching the back surface, while allowing the detection surface to face outward for optimal detection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket provides localized protection specifically at the sensor's back surface where water exposure is the harmful factor, while leaving the detection surface exposed to maintain detection precision. The vertical and upper wall portions create a protective barrier only where needed.
3Reliability
If the mounting bracket includes protective walls to prevent water exposure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts the sensor to the vehicle body, positions the sensor for optimal detection, and protects the sensor from water exposure. The vertical wall portion blocks water from the back surface, the upper wall portion blocks water from above, and the overall structure provides mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket combines the mounting function and the protection function into a single integrated component. Rather than having separate mounting brackets and protective covers, the design merges these functions into one structure that accomplishes both tasks efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor mounting structure for a vehicle includes: a fender panel; a cowl side panel provided at a lateral side of a cowl and disposed at an inner side, in a vehicle transverse direction, of the fender panel; a peripheral information detection sensor disposed at an inner side of the rear portion of the fender panel and at an outer side of the cowl side panel, the peripheral information detection sensor having a detection portion facing toward an outer side; and a mounting bracket having a vertical wall to which the peripheral information detection sensor is fixed, the mounting bracket being fixed to a vehicle body side member and being disposed between the peripheral information detection sensor and the cowl side panel.