Vehicle Sensor Antenna Assembly Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor systems in vehicles, especially compact, electric, and autonomous vehicles, face challenges due to limited field of view and increased risk of damage when integrated into the vehicle body or mounted externally, leading to insufficient data provision and lengthy maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained sensor and antenna assembly with a frame and cover design that allows secure, removable mounting on the vehicle roof, featuring separate cavities for sensors and antennas to minimize interference, and includes a cleaning system and light emitters, ensuring effective data capture and communication while protecting components from the elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If sensors are integrated into the vehicle body, then the vehicle profile is streamlined, but the field of view of the sensors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle profileVSAvoidfield of view
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor assemblies that can be distributed across the vehicle body. Each assembly contains one or more sensors positioned to capture data from different directions, collectively providing a comprehensive 360-degree field of view while maintaining a streamlined vehicle profile when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assemblies are designed to be movable or adjustable, allowing them to change position between a retracted state (streamlined profile) and an extended/activated state (optimal field of view). This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt between aesthetic/ aerodynamic requirements and sensing performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If sensors are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, then the field of view is improved, but the likelihood of impacting external objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assemblies are equipped with protective features such as recessed mounting positions, cushioning materials, or retractable mechanisms that prevent direct contact with external objects. These protective measures are built in advance to absorb or deflect impacts before they reach the sensitive sensor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assemblies are enclosed in protective housings or shells that provide mechanical protection while maintaining optical transparency for the sensors. These flexible or rigid protective enclosures shield the sensors from physical damage during normal operation and potential impacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Shape

If sensors are integrated into the vehicle body, then the vehicle profile is streamlined, but maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle profileVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into modular sensor assemblies that can be independently accessed and maintained. Each assembly is designed as a separate unit that can be quickly removed, replaced, or serviced without requiring disassembly of the entire vehicle body or other sensor components, significantly reducing maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assemblies are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized components that allow for quick interchangeability. This universality enables maintenance personnel to rapidly swap out faulty assemblies with备用 units without requiring complex calibration or installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of information

If multiple sensors are included on the vehicle, then data coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata coverageVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensors are merged into integrated sensor assemblies where sensors of different types (cameras, LIDAR, radar, ultrasonic) are co-located and coordinated within single mounting units. This merging reduces the overall number of separate mounting locations and simplifies the system architecture while maintaining comprehensive data coverage through multi-sensor fusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assemblies are designed as multi-functional units that can perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously. Each assembly is capable of capturing various types of data (visual, depth, thermal, acoustic) through integrated sensors, reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11710894B1Vehicle-mounted sensor and antenna assembly
Publication Date: 2023.07.25 ZOOX INC
  • US11710894B1 patent drawing
  • US11710894B1 patent drawing
  • US11710894B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle mounted sensor assembly includes a frame and a cover connected to the base. When assembled, the frame and the cover define a volume that is divided between a first cavity and a second cavity. A sensor is disposed in the first cavity and one or more antennas are disposed in the second cavity.