Vehicle Sensor Integration in Emblem and Grille Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor systems face challenges in optimizing space, achieving a streamlined appearance, and improving sensor operation when integrated into vehicle structures, particularly in autonomous vehicles, where sensors need to efficiently sense the external environment while maintaining effective cooling and engine performance.
Innovation Solution
Integrating environment sensors into existing vehicle housings such as the vehicle emblem, front grille, and radiator structures, allowing them to sense the external environment through these components while utilizing airflow for cooling, which also facilitates engine cooling and reduces the need for additional housing or attachment structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sensors are integrated into existing vehicle structures such as emblems and grilles, then space is optimized and appearance is streamlined, but sensor cooling and engine cooling requirements must be simultaneously satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensor housing and engine cooling functions into a single integrated structure. The sensor is housed within the vehicle emblem or grille structure, and the same structure provides airflow passages that cool both the sensor and the engine simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle emblem or grille structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a decorative emblem, provides housing for the sensor, creates airflow passages for sensor cooling, and facilitates engine cooling. This multi-functional design optimizes space while meeting all thermal management requirements.
2Device complexity
If sensors are integrated into existing vehicle structures, then additional housing or attachment structures are eliminated, but the structures must serve multiple functions including sensing, cooling, and decoration
Solution Approach 1:
The existing vehicle emblem or grille structure is designed to perform multiple functions: decorative emblem, sensor housing, airflow channel, and cooling facilitator. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate components while maintaining adaptability through the structure's ability to serve diverse functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional requirements (sensing, cooling, decoration) are merged into a single integrated structure. The sensor is mounted within the emblem or grille, which simultaneously provides structural housing, airflow passages for cooling, and aesthetic appearance, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Shape
If sensors sense through solid structures like emblems and grilles, then streamlined appearance is maintained, but sensing accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem or grille structure is designed with specific local properties: certain regions are made transparent or translucent to allow sensor signals to pass through, while other regions maintain solid decorative appearance. This local differentiation enables both streamlined appearance and accurate sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical properties of materials, where the emblem or grille structure has regions with different transparency or translucency characteristics. These regions are strategically positioned to allow sensor signals to pass through while maintaining aesthetic appearance from external viewing angles.
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
This integration enhances the sensing capabilities of vehicle sensors, optimizes space, maintains a streamlined appearance, and improves cooling efficiency for both sensors and the engine, thereby supporting effective autonomous vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The aperture in the vehicle emblem can facilitate airflow to the one or more sensors for cooling of the one or more sensors and/or can facilitate airflow to the radiator for engine cooling
Data Source
AI summary
One or more vehicle sensors can be integrated into existing vehicle housings or structures to provide a streamlined appearance, potentially improved sensing capabilities, and a reduction in the use of extra structures to hold the one or more vehicle sensors. In one or more arrangements, one or more vehicle sensors can be located within a body of the vehicle and can be spaced from the vehicle emblem in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The one or more sensors can be configured and/or operatively positioned to sense at least a portion of an external environment of the vehicle through the vehicle emblem. In one or more arrangements, one or more sensors can be located within a front grille of the vehicle. The one or more sensors are configured to sense at least a portion of an external environment of the vehicle through the front grille.