Vehicle Sensor Mounting With Rotating Spring Retainer Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor installation methods for vehicles are complex, prone to errors, and lack a simple, error-free way to mount and remove environmental sensors for driver assistance systems.

Innovation Solution

A sensor installation system featuring a fastening device with a sensor holding device and a retaining spring device that uses a rotatable mounting mechanism and locking elements, along with alignment elements, to ensure precise and easy installation and removal of environmental sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a modular sensor mounting device with support elements is used, then the sensor can be securely mounted with stable position, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor mounting stabilityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a sensor holder for positioning, support elements for securing, and a retaining spring device for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining stable sensor mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining spring device introduces a dynamic element to the otherwise static mounting structure. The spring mechanism allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the sensor, transforming a complex multi-step installation into a simple snap-in operation that maintains stable positioning once mounted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If extensive environmental sensors are installed for driver assistance systems, then the accuracy of vehicle surroundings detection is improved, but the installation and alignment process becomes more error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurroundings detection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor holder is pre-configured with specific geometric features and positioning elements that automatically guide the sensor into the correct position during installation. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure ensures proper alignment and reduces installation errors, allowing multiple sensors to be installed accurately without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of repair

If a retainer spring device is used to hold the sensor, then the sensor can be easily removed during service work, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor removal easeVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining spring device combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical retention to hold the sensor, incorporates a locking mechanism for secure mounting, and includes release features for easy removal during service. This merging of functions into one integrated device achieves ease of repair without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

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

Facilitates quick, low-tolerance, and correct mounting of environmental sensors, allowing for easy detection of installation errors and ensuring precise alignment, thereby enhancing the accuracy of vehicle surroundings detection.

Implementation Method 1

a retaining spring device which is configured to hold the environmental sensor in the receiving area via a spring force for proper fastening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The retaining spring device has a bearing element at a first end by means of which the retaining spring device is rotatably mounted on the sensor holding device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Data Source

PatentEP4140822B1Sensor assembly system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4140822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140822B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4140822B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fastening device (3) for an environment sensor (4) of a vehicle (1), comprising: - a sensor holding device (5) with a receiving area (7) in which the environment sensor (4) can be arranged at least partially when attached to the sensor holding device (5) as intended, - a retaining spring device (6) which is configured to hold the environment sensor (4) in the receiving area (7) for intended attachment by means of a spring force, wherein - the retaining spring device (6) has a bearing element (61) at a first end by means of which the retaining spring device (6) is rotatably mounted on the sensor holding device (5), and - the retaining spring device (6) can be detachably locked to the sensor holding device (5) at a second end opposite the first end for intended attachment.