Actuated Sensor Roof Height Switching for Clearance and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with roofs and sensors face challenges in efficiently adjusting the roof height to optimize sensor performance and navigate through varying environments, such as foliage and obstructions, while also requiring cost-effective transport and storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
An actuatable roof control system that automatically adjusts the height of the roof based on sensor data, using a combination of sensors and actuators to optimize sensor performance and navigate through obstacles, and can be lowered for transport and storage to reduce wind resistance and conserve fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the roof height is increased to optimize sensor performance and navigate through foliage, then sensor data acquisition is improved, but wind resistance increases and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is designed with adjustable height capability, allowing it to dynamically change position between elevated (for sensor performance) and lowered (for fuel efficiency) states based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of roof height to optimize performance during operation versus transport/storage modes, transitioning between different height parameters to balance sensor acquisition and energy consumption
2Measurement precision
If the roof height is increased to clear obstructions and optimize sensor viewing, then sensor performance is improved, but transport and storage become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The roof transitions from a static high position to a dynamic adjustable structure that can be lowered for transport/storage and raised for optimal sensor performance, making the system adaptable to different operational contexts
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable roof serves multiple functions: it provides overhead protection during operation, clears obstructions when elevated, and enables compact transport/storage when lowered, making the vehicle versatile across different scenarios
3Loss of energy
If the roof is lowered for transport and storage to reduce wind resistance, then fuel efficiency is improved, but sensor functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts roof height based on operational mode: lowered during transport/storage to minimize wind resistance, and elevated during operation to optimize sensor functionality, resolving the contradiction through temporal separation of requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.