Tube-Mounted Sensor Housing With Airflow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor housings for micro-mobility vehicles face challenges in providing adequate exposure to the environment while maintaining aerodynamic performance and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A tube-mounted sensor housing with a concave exterior and flat interior profile, featuring air ingress and egress channels, and a separable cover assembly, allowing for secure mounting and efficient airflow to sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the sensor housing is designed with adequate internal volume to support sensor exposure, then sensor performance is improved, but the housing size exceeds space constraints on micro-mobility vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is designed to be nested within the limited space of a micro-mobility vehicle frame, with the housing itself having a compact tubular shape that fits into available structural voids. The nested design allows the housing to maintain adequate internal volume for sensor exposure while conforming to external space constraints of the vehicle.
2Volume of stationary object
If the housing provides ample exposure volume for sensors, then sensing performance is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing employs a streamlined, curved external profile that reduces aerodynamic drag. The housing transitions from a simple rectangular shape to a more organic form with rounded edges and a tapered rear, allowing air to flow smoothly over the housing while maintaining adequate internal volume for sensor exposure.
3Ease of operation
If the housing is designed for fixed surface mounting, then installation flexibility is improved, but adaptability to moving vehicle surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a dynamic mounting system with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the housing to be securely attached to various locations on the moving vehicle frame. The mounting brackets include adjustment slots and flexible securing methods that accommodate vibrations and movement while maintaining stable sensor positioning.
4Reliability
If the housing protects sensors from environmental effects, then sensor reliability is improved, but airflow to sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing employs selective protection strategies where different portions of the housing provide different levels of environmental shielding. Critical sensor areas are protected with targeted shields or coatings, while other areas maintain open exposure to ensure adequate airflow. The housing includes localized intake ports and airflow channels that direct air flow precisely to sensor surfaces needing exposure while protecting other components.
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
Ensures sufficient environmental exposure and airflow to sensors, adapting to the dynamic nature of micro-mobility vehicles while ensuring aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
an air ingress channel disposed between an exterior edge of the base and the interior void of the sensor chamber, and an air egress channel disposed between the interior void of the sensor chamber and the exterior edge of the base
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~4
AI summary
A tube mounted sensor housing includes a base with a concave exterior profile and flat interior profile and a sensor chamber formed at the interior profile and defining an interior void. Also included are an air ingress channel disposed between an exterior edge of the base and the interior void of the sensor chamber, and an air egress channel disposed between the interior void of the sensor chamber and the exterior edge of the base. Yet further, an assembly of two separable half covers is removably fixed to the base. One of the half covers includes an air ingress port and an air egress port, such that when the assembly is fixed to the base, the air ingress port aligns with the exterior edge of the base at the air ingress channel, and the air egress port aligns with the exterior edge of the base at the air egress channel.