Transparent Reinforcing Beam for Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in securely mounting sensors on the vehicle's transparent roof and windshield, which must support the weight of sensors while maintaining structural integrity and preventing displacement or angular movement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly that includes a transparent reinforcing beam laminated on a unitary structure comprising the windshield and transparent roof, with a region of increased thickness of glass under the sensor mount, and mounting provisions that secure the sensor to prevent translational and rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are mounted on the transparent roof and windshield, then sensor detection capabilities are improved, but structural integrity and mounting stability deteriorate due to weight support requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a reinforcing beam with non-uniform glass thickness - thicker at the mounting location to support sensor weight and thinner elsewhere to maintain transparency. This localized structural enhancement allows sensor mounting without compromising overall structural integrity or optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by laminating multiple glass layers together to form the transparent roof and reinforcing beam. This composite structure provides both the necessary mechanical strength to support sensors and the optical transparency required for vehicle visibility and sensor operation.
2Force
If the transparent reinforcing beam is made thicker to support sensor weight, then weight support capability is improved, but transparency and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing beam features non-uniform thickness with localized thickening only at the sensor mounting region. This allows the beam to support sensor weight (1.5-4.0 kg) while maintaining overall transparency, as the thicker section is confined to the minimal area required for structural support.
3Reliability
If mounting provisions are added to prevent sensor displacement, then mounting stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcing beam and mounting provisions into a single integrated structure. The mounting provisions are formed as part of the laminated glass assembly itself rather than as separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent reinforcing beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement to support sensor weight, maintains optical transparency for visibility and sensor operation, and incorporates mounting provisions to secure the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
4Manufacturing precision
If the transparent roof structure is reinforced to prevent angular movement, then sensor positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the reinforcing beam with integrated mounting provisions during the glass lamination process. The mounting features are built into the structure before sensor installation, ensuring precise positioning while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through consolidation of steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly can include a windshield a transparent roof, a transparent reinforcing beam disposed between the windshield and the transparent roof, and a sensor mounted over the transparent reinforcing beam.