Quick-Swap Sensor Pod Bracket for Collision Flex and Fast Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connecting assemblies for sensor pods on vehicles are inefficient in reducing damage and debris during collisions, require complex installation processes, and lack universal compatibility with various vehicle styles and sensor pod types.
Innovation Solution
A quick swap sensor pod system with a bracket and arm configuration that allows rotation and supports the weight of the sensor pod, featuring a support axle and conduit connectors for easy installation and removal, and a flexible connection mechanism to absorb collision forces, reducing damage and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connecting assembly is used to securely attach the sensor pod to the vehicle, then the sensor pod is firmly fixed and stable, but damage and debris increase during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that allows rotation about a vertical axis. The sensor pod can rotate relative to the vehicle body during collisions, converting harmful linear impact forces into rotational motion that reduces damage and debris while maintaining operational stability during normal driving.
2Reliability
If a complex installation process is used to ensure secure attachment, then the connection is reliable, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is divided into separate modular components: a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle, a sensor pod assembly with rotating connection, and a support structure. This segmentation allows for simplified installation where components are attached independently rather than requiring complex integrated assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If a specialized connecting assembly is designed for specific vehicle models, then the fit and function are optimized, but compatibility with other vehicle styles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket and connecting assembly are designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate various vehicle body styles and sensor pod types. The standardized interface and adjustable mounting positions enable the same connecting assembly to be used across different vehicle models while maintaining optimized fit and function for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick swap sensor pod for a truck having an arm having a protrusion with a lower surface, a pin receiving opening extending through the protrusion to the lower surface, the pin receiving opening having a depth and aligned vertically, and a conduit connector within the arm for coupling a conduit to the quick swap sensor pod. The arm is configured to rotate about an axis of the pin receiving opening between an initial position and a final position. In both the initial position and the final position, the depth of the pin receiving opening is configured to counteract a moment created by a weight of the quick swap sensor pod and the lower surface is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod.