Sensor Pod Break-Off Bracket With Frangible Collision Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor pod connection systems fail to effectively reduce damage and debris in collisions while also allowing for easy installation and removal, and they do not provide a universal attachment solution for various mirror pod types and vehicle styles.

Innovation Solution

A connecting assembly that includes a bracket with a post and a sensor pod arm, featuring a frangible fixation point that breaks apart at a predetermined force, allowing the sensor pod to rotate and absorb impact, and a universal bracket design that supports multiple sensor pod types and vehicle styles, enabling quick swap and installation by a single operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a frangible fixation point is introduced to reduce damage in collisions, then safety and damage reduction improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision safetyVSAvoidconnection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into a permanent fixation point (secured with a fastener) and a frangible fixation point (secured with a retainer). This segmentation allows the permanent point to provide stable support while the frangible point provides controlled failure for safety, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a permanent fixation point is used to secure the sensor pod, then connection strength improves, but damage reduction capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcollision damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is segmented into permanent and frangible components. The permanent fixation point provides the necessary connection strength for normal operation, while the frangible fixation point is designed to fail at a predetermined force to reduce collision damage, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and damage reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible fixation point acts as an intermediary element between the sensor pod and the bracket. It provides a controlled failure mechanism that protects the sensor pod during collisions while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and damage reduction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal bracket design is implemented to support multiple pod types, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepod type compatibilityVSAvoidbracket design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different sensor pod types and vehicle styles through standardized mounting features. This universality allows a single bracket design to serve multiple functions and configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230382315A1Apparatus for break off sensor pod

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 KODIAK ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

An apparatus for reducing damage and debris in a sensor pod collision. The apparatus having a bracket configured to couple a sensor pod to a vehicle, the bracket having a post, a sensor pod arm rotatable about the post, a fastener for securing the sensor pod arm to the post, and a frangible fixation point spaced apart from the post, the frangible fixation point configured to break apart at a predetermined force.