Vehicle Sensor Mounting Configuration Detection by Misalignment Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems for motor vehicles lack the ability to automatically determine the correct mounting configuration from multiple possible configurations, leading to potential misalignment and reduced functionality.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that utilizes a method to determine its actual mounting configuration by analyzing measurement data from a built-in measurement method, interpreting this data under different assumed mounting configurations to identify any misalignment, and recognizing the correct configuration based on permissible misalignment ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If identical sensors are mounted in different mounting configurations, then variant management and replacement part management are simplified, but the system cannot automatically determine the correct configuration leading to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsensor alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs self-diagnosis by automatically determining its own mounting configuration through analyzing measurement data from built-in measurement methods. The sensor compares measured values against expected values for different mounting configurations and autonomously identifies the correct configuration, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or manual configuration input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from measurement data to iteratively determine the mounting configuration. By comparing actual measurement results with expected measurement patterns for each possible mounting configuration, the system receives feedback that guides it to identify the correct configuration, ensuring accurate sensor alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If multiple different sensor types are provided for different mounting configurations, then sensor alignment accuracy is maintained, but component complexity and inventory management become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor alignment accuracyVSAvoidsensor variant management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal sensor type is designed to function correctly in multiple different mounting configurations. The sensor incorporates a built-in measurement method that enables it to automatically adapt to and identify various mounting positions (e.g., left rear corner, right rear corner for blind spot detection), eliminating the need for configuration-specific sensor variants while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system determines mounting configuration by analyzing changes in measurement parameters and comparing them against expected parameter patterns for different configurations. By monitoring how measurement values vary with mounting position, the system can identify the correct configuration using identical sensors across different installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual configuration determination is used, then sensor alignment can be verified, but installation time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting configuration verificationVSAvoidinstallation and calibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs preliminary automatic configuration determination during the installation process itself, using built-in measurement methods to identify the mounting configuration without requiring subsequent manual calibration or verification steps. This preliminary action ensures correct alignment is achieved automatically upon installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and verification procedures with an automated electronic measurement and analysis system. The built-in measurement method electronically determines mounting configuration by analyzing measurement data, substituting time-consuming manual alignment procedures with rapid automated electronic identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12333825B2Determination of a mounting configuration of a sensor for motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A sensor and a method for the sensor, for determining an actual mounting configuration of the sensor on a motor vehicle. The sensor is designed to be mounted in different mounting configurations and to be operated in each of the different mounting configurations. The method includes: determining a misalignment of the sensor relative to a mounting configuration to be tested, measurement data of a measurement method being interpreted based on the mounting configuration to be tested, assumed as correct; and recognizing as correct or incorrect the mounting configuration to be tested based on the determined misalignment of the sensor; in the case in which a mounting configuration to be tested is recognized as correct, this mounting configuration being determined as the actual mounting configuration of the sensor.