Sensor Platform Articulation Mechanism Backlash Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor platforms for autonomous vehicles face challenges in providing a clear field of view for sensing devices due to cumbersome structures and backlash issues, which affect the accuracy of sensor positioning and movement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor platform with a first and second articulation system, each with a distinct rotational axis, allowing independent movement to provide two degrees of freedom for positioning, minimizing backlash and maintaining a clear field of view by using a base that supports these systems and a sensor mount, with a flexible drive shaft to constrain motion in yaw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single articulation system is used to enable sensor movement, then the structure is simpler, but the field of view is obstructed and positioning accuracy is compromised due to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is divided into two independent articulation systems (first and second) with different rotational axes. Each articulation system provides one degree of freedom, and together they enable two-dimensional sensor positioning without the backlash issues of single-system designs. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cumbersome structure is used to achieve desired range of motion, then the sensor can cover a greater field of view, but the structure obstructs the field of view and reduces positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two independently movable articulation systems that dynamically adjust the sensor's position and orientation. This dynamic configuration allows the sensor to achieve a wide field of view coverage while maintaining precise positioning capability, as each articulation system can be controlled independently to optimize both range of motion and accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single rotational axis is used for sensor articulation, then the mechanism is simpler, but the degrees of freedom are insufficient for accurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second rotational axis that is different from the first rotational axis, adding another dimension of motion to the articulation system. This dimensional expansion provides two degrees of freedom, enabling the sensor to accurately position itself in multiple directions while maintaining reasonable mechanism complexity through the use of independent but coordinated articulation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus are provided for a sensor platform. The sensor platform includes a sensor mount adapted to receive a sensing device, and a first articulation system that has a first rotational axis. The sensor platform includes a second articulation system that has a second rotational axis, and the second rotational axis is different than the first rotational axis. The sensor platform includes a base that supports the first articulation system, the second articulation system and the sensor mount. The first articulation system and the second articulation system are independently movable to define two degrees of freedom for positioning the sensor platform.