Sensor Shield Housing for Autonomous Vehicle Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor housings fail to effectively control the temperature of sensors like LIDAR devices, which is crucial for accurate data collection and vehicle operation in autonomous or semi-autonomous modes, due to inadequate shielding from sunlight and airflow management.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ring shielded housing design that includes concentric shields with specific perimeter dimensions and orientations to block sunlight and enable airflow, directing water and enhancing airflow channels to regulate sensor temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple housing design is used, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but temperature control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple functional shields: a first shield with a first perimeter for blocking sunlight, a second shield with a second perimeter for blocking airflow, and a third shield with a third perimeter for directing water. Each shield performs a specific thermal management function, allowing the system to control sensor temperature without requiring a completely complex redesigned housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shields are nested within the housing structure, with each subsequent shield positioned inside the perimeter of the previous shield. This nested arrangement allows multiple temperature control functions to be integrated within the existing housing footprint, adding capability without proportionally increasing external dimensions or manufacturing complexity.
2Temperature
If adequate shielding from sunlight and airflow is implemented, then sensor temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the sensor, blocks sunlight through the first shield, blocks airflow through the second shield, and directs water through the third shield. By making the housing structure multi-functional, the design achieves comprehensive temperature control without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shields are arranged in three-dimensional space with specific perpendicular relationships: the first shield extends in a first direction, the second shield extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first, and the third shield extends in a third direction perpendicular to both. This spatial arrangement allows each shield to address different thermal threats from different directions, achieving comprehensive protection through geometric configuration rather than complex mechanical structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively blocks sunlight and manages airflow to maintain optimal sensor temperature, enhancing data collection accuracy and vehicle operation in various modes.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second shields block sunlight from reaching the sensor
Implementation Method 2
enabling airflow proximate the housing to control a temperature of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a housing arranged to house a sensor. The assembly includes a ring-shaped first shield supported by the housing. The assembly includes a second shield supported by the housing above the first shield and defining an outer perimeter greater than an inner perimeter, and less than an outer perimeter, of the first shield.