Sun Visor Sensor Housing for Protected Access on Industrial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial vehicles face issues with complex and aesthetically unpleasing cab structures due to scattered sensors, increased water intrusion risk from multiple interfaces, and difficult sensor replacement access.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensor units into a sun visor with a pivotally or slidably connected protecting element, allowing the sensing element to move between hidden and exposed positions, maintaining aesthetics and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are scattered across the cab roof with separate interfaces, then each sensor can be independently positioned, but the cab structure becomes complex and aesthetically unpleasing with multiple protruding bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (camera, radar, lidar, antenna) into a single integrated sensor unit that is housed within the sun visor assembly. This merging of multiple separate sensors into one unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate interfaces and protruding bumps on the cab roof, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to position all sensors at a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The sun visor is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves its traditional purpose of blocking sunlight and houses the sensor unit. This universal design allows the same structure to perform multiple functions: providing sun protection for the driver and accommodating the integrated sensor array, thereby eliminating the need for separate sensor housings and reducing overall structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple sensor interfaces are created in the cab, then each sensor can be accessed individually, but the risk of water intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple sensors into a single sealed housing unit within the sun visor, the patent reduces the number of interfaces from multiple separate openings to one unified sealed structure. This significantly reduces the risk of water intrusion while maintaining accessibility, as the entire sensor unit can be accessed and replaced as a single module through one interface.
3Ease of repair
If sensors are mounted externally on the cab, then they are easily accessible for replacement, but they lack protection when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic protecting element that can move between different positions: a first position where the sensing element is hidden and protected inside the sun visor housing, and a second position where the sensing element is exposed for operation. This dynamic mechanism allows the sensor to be protected when not in use while remaining easily accessible for replacement by simply moving the protecting element.
4Productivity
If the sensing element is permanently exposed, then it is always ready for operation, but it increases aesthetic concerns and exposure to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting element is designed to be movable between a retracted position (first position) that hides the sensing element within the sun visor for aesthetic purposes, and an extended position (second position) that exposes the sensing element for operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain aesthetic appearance when the sensor is not in use while ensuring quick readiness when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (1), in particular an industrial vehicle, comprising: —a cab (5), —a sun visor (6) connected thereto, and —at least one sensor unit (7a, 7b, 7c), wherein the sensor unit (7a, 7b, 7c) comprises a protecting element (9) that is pivotally and/or slidably connected to the sun visor (6) and a sensing element (8) connected to the protecting element (9), and wherein the protecting element (9) is movable between a first position, in which the sensing element (8) is positioned inside a housing (10) of the sun visor (6) and is hidden by the protecting element (9), and a second position, in which the sensing element (8) is positioned outside of the said housing (10).