Vehicle Sensor Integration Cover for Hidden Lidar Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating environment detection sensors into vehicles, such as lidar sensors, on the vehicle roof or front bumper, result in visual and aerodynamic disturbances, and are technically complex, limiting design flexibility and sensor functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle component formed as a plastic component with a recess and covering portion that allows the sensor to be integrated within the vehicle's body, using a signal passing-through area or opening, maintaining the vehicle's appearance and aerodynamics by concealing the sensor internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed on the vehicle roof, then the detection range is improved, but the visual appearance and aerodynamics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within a recess in the vehicle component, allowing it to be hidden inside the component contour while maintaining its detection functionality. The signal-transmissive covering allows sensor signals to pass through while concealing the sensor internally.
Solution Approach 2:
A signal-transmissive covering is used to conceal the sensor while allowing sensor signals to pass through. This thin film approach maintains aerodynamics and visual appearance while preserving sensor functionality.
2Shape
If the sensor is integrated in the front bumper area, then the appearance is improved, but the sensor function is disturbed by protective devices
Solution Approach 1:
The covering portion is designed with local signal-transmissive properties only where needed for sensor functionality, while maintaining protective and aesthetic qualities in other areas. This allows the sensor to function without disturbance while preserving appearance.
3Shape
If the sensor is covered with a signal-transmissive covering, then the appearance is improved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle component integrates the sensor housing, recess, and signal-transmissive covering into a single unified structure. This merging of functions reduces production complexity compared to separate components while maintaining appearance improvements.
4Shape
If the sensor is placed on protective devices, then the appearance is improved, but the calibration effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-integrated into the vehicle component during manufacturing, with the recess and covering already in place. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for laborious field calibration that would be required if the sensor were mounted on separate protective devices.
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
Enables unobtrusive integration of sensors like lidar, radar, or cameras, enhancing design flexibility and sensor functionality while reducing calibration efforts and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The recess is delimited toward a visible side of the component by a covering portion which has a signal passing-through area or a signal passing-through opening
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle component integrates an environment detection sensor into a vehicle. The vehicle component is in the form of a plastic component and has a main body with a recess for receiving the environment detection sensor. Towards a visible side of the vehicle component, the recess is delimited by a cover portion which has a signal passage surface or a signal passage opening.