Universal Sensor Pod Bracket for Alignment and Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved connecting assemblies for sensor pods on vehicles that can securely attach, align, and position sensor pods while allowing for quick installation and removal, and can absorb impact to reduce damage and debris in collisions, while also being adaptable to various sensor pod types and vehicle styles.
Innovation Solution
A universal bracket with three fixation points that prevent lateral, vertical, and rotational movement, along with a conduit port for connecting conduits from the vehicle to the sensor pod, and a bracket pin for secure attachment, allowing for a rigid connection during normal operation and flexible movement during impacts, enabling quick swap and universal compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a universal bracket with three fixation points is used to securely attach sensor pods, then connection stability and alignment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple sensor pod types and various vehicle styles through standardized fixation points and adaptable mounting surfaces, allowing one bracket design to serve multiple functions across different applications
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid connection structure is used to maintain sensor pod alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but impact absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates impact absorption features that are pre-designed into the rigid connection structure, allowing it to maintain precision alignment during normal operation while providing cushioning and deformation capacity before collisions to reduce damage from impacts
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal bracket design is used to accommodate various sensor pod types, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs standardized fixation points and mounting interfaces that can accommodate different sensor pod types while maintaining consistent manufacturing tolerances, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing precision requirements through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod and a vehicle. The universal bracket includes a first end having a surface for connecting to the vehicle, a second end for connecting to the sensor pod, three fixation points extending perpendicular to and through the surface for preventing lateral movement, vertical movement, and forward movement of the universal bracket with respect to the vehicle, the three fixation further preventing rotational movement of the universal bracket with respect to the vehicle, and at least one port extending from the first end to the second end, the at least one port configured to allow passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod. A connecting assembly includes the universal bracket.