Vehicle Optical Measurement Device Compact Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical measuring devices for vehicles, particularly those integrated into the radiator grille, face challenges in minimizing installation space due to the large requirements of the receiving unit, which includes the receiving lens and deflection mirror, necessitating precise and complex adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An optical measuring device with a carrier that allows separate and precise adjustment of the receiving lens and deflection mirror using engagement elements and slot-like depressions, enabling precise positioning and minimization of installation space by optimizing the shape and placement of these components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the receiving unit (including receiving lens and deflecting mirror) is designed with traditional mounting structures, then the components can be assembled, but the installation space is large and requires complex adjustments to achieve precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable mounting structures with slot-like depressions that allow the receiving lens and deflecting mirror to be positioned dynamically during assembly. The engagement elements can slide within the slots to achieve precise positioning, transforming a static mounting problem into a dynamic adjustment process that reduces both space and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces engagement elements as intermediary components between the receiving lens/deflecting mirror and the carrier. These engagement elements with slot-like depressions act as mediators that simplify the adjustment process by providing guided movement paths, reducing the complexity of direct component-to-carrier alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the receiving lens and deflecting mirror are mounted on a common carrier without separate adjustment mechanisms, then the device structure is simpler, but precise positioning of each component becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structureVSAvoidcomponent positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment mechanism for the receiving lens and deflecting mirror into separate, independent systems. Each component has its own engagement elements and slot-like depressions on the carrier, allowing independent adjustment without interfering with the other component's positioning. This segmentation enables precise positioning while maintaining relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for a compact optical measuring device with reduced installation space, enabling precise positioning of the receiver and deflection mirror, thus eliminating the need for complex repositioning and minimizing errors, while maintaining precise alignment and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical transmitter, at least one optical receiver, and a deflecting mirror arrangement with at least one deflecting mirror... scan the area in front of the vehicle for a driver assistance system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

determine the distance to objects or obstacles detected in the monitoring area using the light pulse time-of-flight method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

means are provided for deflecting the light beam onto the detector element... a deflecting mirror arrangement with at least one deflecting mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2732309B1Optical measurement device for a vehicle, driver-assistance device comprising such a measurement device, and a vehicle which comprises a corresponding measurement device
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2732309B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2732309B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2732309B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical measurement device (1) for a vehicle (6), comprising at least one optical transmitter, at least one optical receiver (12), and a deflection mirror arrangement that comprises at least one deflection mirror (11), said measurement device (1) having a carrier (8) with a first alignment device (17) designed thereupon by means of which the position of a receiving lens (10) of said measurement device (1), which lens is arranged in the receiving beam path (38), can be adjusted relative to the carrier (8), and/or with a second alignment device (31) designed thereupon by means of which the position of a deflection mirror (11), arranged in the receiving beam path (38), can be adjusted relative to said carrier (8). The invention also relates to a vehicle that comprises such a device (1).