Ultrasonic Sensor Mounting via Masking Member and Fixing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures for mounting ultrasonic sensors on automotive vehicle bumpers either require large and thick flanges for secure fixation, compromising ornamental design, or lack a flange, leading to visible inner hole walls, which affects aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A structure featuring a through-hole in the bumper with a fixing member for internal connection and a masking member that covers the hole's periphery and inner wall, providing a thin, small, and ornamental solution, using a cylindrical resilient member for cushioning and wedge-shaped projections for frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flange is used to fix the ultrasonic sensor to the bumper front surface, then the sensor is firmly connected, but the flange must be large and thick which compromises ornamental design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the masking function from the fixing structure by introducing a separate masking member. The fixing member only provides mechanical attachment without needing a large visible flange, while the masking member independently covers the hole and provides aesthetic appearance, thus resolving the contradiction between connection strength and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the traditional single-component fixing structure into two separate components: a fixing member for mechanical attachment and a masking member for aesthetic coverage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
2Shape
If no flange is used to maintain aesthetic appearance, then the design is cleaner, but the inner wall of the through-hole becomes visible which affects ornamentation
Solution Approach 1:
The masking member acts as an intermediary element that covers the unsightly inner wall of the through-hole. It is positioned between the viewer and the rough inner surface, eliminating the visual defect without interfering with the fixing function or requiring a large flange structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a through-hole is formed after painting the bumper, then installation is easier, but the inner wall becomes rough with visible burrs that affect appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cosmetic repair function from the manufacturing process by using a masking member to cover the rough inner wall created by post-painting hole formation. This allows the simple post-painting drilling process to be used without compromising final appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rough inner wall and burrs created by drilling after painting, which are normally harmful to appearance, are converted into a non-issue by the masking member that covers them. The harmful rough surface is transformed into an acceptable condition by simply covering it.
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 ensures a secure and aesthetically pleasing mounting of ultrasonic sensors on vehicle bumpers, improving the ornamental design by covering machining burrs and rough inner hole surfaces without compromising mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
The front portion of the ultrasonic sensor may be covered with a cylindrical resilient member to provide a cushion between the masking member and the front portion of the ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
a wedge-shaped projection may be formed thereon, to provide a frictional force between the masking member and the inner wall
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic sensor for emitting ultrasonic waves and for receiving the waves reflected from objects is mounted on a mounting member such as a bumper of an automotive vehicle. A through-hole for inserting a front portion of the ultrasonic sensor is formed in the bumper. The ultrasonic sensor is connected to an inner surface of the bumper using a fixing member so that a vibrating front surface of the ultrasonic sensor is exposed to the front side of the bumper. A front periphery of the through-hole which is rough due to machining burrs or the like is covered with a masking member formed separately from the mounting member. Thus, the ultrasonic sensor is easily mounted on a bumper without damaging its ornamental design.