Ultrasonic Sensor Cap with Damping Ring for Acoustic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealed ultrasonic sensors installed behind vehicle bumpers face issues with rear acoustic damping and secure mechanical positioning, leading to excessive sound emission and limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic sensor device with a cap that completely surrounds the sensor and holder to the rear, providing significant acoustic damping and secure mechanical attachment, featuring a thermoplastic elastomer cap and a holder with a damping ring and coupling element for precise sound transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ultrasonic sensor is concealed behind the bumper, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the rear acoustic damping deteriorates and excessive sound emission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is integrated into the holder structure, with the cap surrounding the holder and sensor assembly. The cap's inner surface features damping elements that are nested within the cap structure itself, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides acoustic damping without requiring separate external components
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary element between the ultrasonic sensor and the external environment. It provides acoustic damping to the rear of the sensor while allowing the sensor to remain concealed behind the bumper, thus mediating between the aesthetic requirement and the acoustic damping requirement
2Ease of manufacture
If the ultrasonic sensor is concealed behind the bumper, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the mechanical positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder provides a nested structure that receives and secures the ultrasonic sensor within its cavity. The cap then nests over the holder, creating a stable nested assembly that is mechanically secured to the bumper, ensuring positioning stability while maintaining concealed aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The holder and cap are designed to work together as an integrated assembly. The holder provides mechanical support and positioning, while the cap provides both aesthetic coverage and additional mechanical stability through its engagement with the holder and bumper structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the ultrasonic sensor is concealed behind the bumper, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the installation space is further limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to fit over the holder in a nested arrangement, maximizing the use of the limited space behind the bumper. The damping elements on the cap's inner surface are integrated into the cap structure rather than requiring separate components, further optimizing space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a thin-walled structure that provides sufficient acoustic damping and mechanical protection while occupying minimal space. The thin film structure of the cap allows it to provide necessary functions without significantly increasing the installation volume
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 achieves a 20 dB or more reduction in sound pressure and ensures reliable, space-efficient, and protected installation of the ultrasonic sensor, maintaining accurate positioning and preventing spurious echoes.
Implementation Method 1
the complete rear enclosure of both the ultrasonic sensor and its mounting bracket by the cover cap achieves a particularly effective damping effect, significantly reducing the acoustic radiation of the ultrasonic sensor to the rear
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic sensor must transmit its signals through the bumper
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor device (1) for a vehicle, comprising an ultrasonic sensor (2) and a cap (16) covering the ultrasonic sensor (2) toward the rear, wherein the ultrasonic sensor (2) is arranged in a mounting (4) and the cap (16) completely surrounds the mounting (4) to the side and toward the rear. According to the invention, the mounting (4) comprises an accommodating shaft (5) for the ultrasonic sensor (2) and a base (6) adjoining the accommodating shaft (5) toward the front, said base having a greater diameter than the accommodating shaft (5). The invention also relates to an arrangement (14) having such an ultrasonic sensor device (1).