Sensor Orientation Device for Motor Vehicle Bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the orientation of ultrasonic sensors installed on motor vehicle bumpers, particularly after accidents or during the homologation process, due to the small surface area and recessed installation position of the sensors.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongated main body with a flat contact surface and recesses for accommodating measuring rods, allowing for easy detection of sensor misalignment and orientation determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measuring instruments are used to determine sensor orientation, then measurement capability is provided, but the process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a flat contact surface for sensor engagement, a longitudinal axis reference, and perpendicular measurement indicators. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a single complex measuring instrument while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the sensor's own flat plane as part of the measurement system. By placing the flat contact surface onto the sensor's flat plane, the sensor itself provides the reference surface needed for orientation determination, eliminating the need for complex external positioning equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to detect sensor misalignment, then orientation can be determined, but the process requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with the flat contact surface oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and measurement indicators positioned at right angles to the longitudinal axis. This preliminary setup allows for immediate orientation determination upon contact with the sensor, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments or calculations during the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs visual indicators (such as colored markings or illuminated elements) that change appearance or position based on the sensor's orientation. This allows for quick visual detection of misalignment without requiring complex measurement procedures or interpretation of numerical data.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sensor's small surface area and recessed position are considered, then installation precision is maintained, but orientation determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions the measurement problem from the sensor's difficult-to-access recessed surface to an external reference frame. By using the flat contact surface that engages with the sensor's flat plane and extending measurement indicators perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the device brings the measurement references to an easily accessible dimension outside the recessed area.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat contact surface acts as an intermediary between the measurement device and the sensor's recessed position. It provides a stable engagement surface that transfers the orientation information from the difficult-to-access sensor to the easily accessible measurement indicators, facilitating simple orientation determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining an orientation of a sensor installed on the body of a motor vehicle is provided, in which the sensor having a planar surface is accessible from the outside. The device includes an elongate main body, with the main body having a planar contact face at one end and, at the other end, at least one recess for receiving at least one measuring bar. The elongate recess is designed such that a longitudinal axis of the recess runs perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The planar contact face of the main body is designed such that the longitudinal axis of the main body runs parallel to a normal vector of the planar surface of the sensor when the planar contact face of the main body is in surface contact with the planar surface of the sensor.