Vehicle Surround Sensor Spring Mount for Precise Fast Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surround sensor installation methods for vehicles are prone to errors and require complex, time-consuming assembly processes, making them unsuitable for mass production and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fastening apparatus with a sensor holding device and a holding spring device that uses a rotatable, spring-loaded mechanism with latching elements and alignment features to ensure precise and easy installation, allowing for quick release during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional assembly methods are used for surround sensors, then assembly can be performed with standard procedures, but assembly is error-prone and time-consuming with poor alignment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holding device is pre-configured with recesses and alignment elements before assembly. The surround sensor is designed with corresponding geometric features that automatically align with these pre-prepared structures, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly and ensuring precise positioning from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The holding spring device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sensor holding device and the surround sensor. It provides controlled spring force through bearing elements and latching connections to securely fasten the sensor while maintaining alignment, bridging the gap between rough assembly and precise positioning
2Stability of the object's composition
If secure fastening of surround sensor is achieved, then sensor stability is ensured, but release during maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching connection is designed as a dynamic mechanism that can transition between locked and released states. During normal operation, the latching connection maintains secure fastening with the bearing element engaged, providing stable sensor positioning. During maintenance, the auxiliary element can actuate the latching connection to release, enabling easy removal without compromising either stability or repairability
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary element is extracted as a separate maintenance tool that interfaces with the latching connection. This external element can be introduced during maintenance to actuate the release mechanism, separating the fastening function from the release function and enabling easy sensor removal without affecting the secure fastening during operation
3Device complexity
If manual spring force application is required, then simple structure is maintained, but assembly difficulty increases due to force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element is designed to convert linear spring force into rotational movement around a pivot point. This dimensional transformation allows the assembler to apply force in one direction (pushing the surround sensor into place) while the mechanism automatically generates the necessary clamping force through leverage, reducing the perceived effort and simplifying the assembly operation
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
Facilitates fast, low-tolerance, and error-free assembly of surround sensors, enabling efficient mass production and easy maintenance by ensuring correct alignment and secure fastening through a spring force and poka-yoke principle.
Implementation Method 1
a holding spring device which is configured to hold the surround sensor by way of a spring force
Implementation Method 2
at a first end the holding spring device comprises a bearing element by means of which the holding spring device is rotatably mounted on the sensor holding device
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening apparatus for a surround sensor of a vehicle includes a sensor holding device having a receptacle region in which at least regions of the surround sensor are arrangeable when the surround sensor is fastened to the sensor holding device and a holding spring device which is configured to hold the surround sensor via a spring force for fastening the surround sensor in the receptacle region. A bearing element is disposed at a first end of the holding spring device and the holding spring device is rotatably mounted on the sensor holding device by the bearing element. The holding spring device is releasably fixable to the sensor holding device at a second end of the holding spring device which is opposite to the first end of the holding spring device.