Motor Vehicle Sensor Device With Geometric Orientation Frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for motor vehicles, particularly tilting vehicles, require time-consuming manual adjustment and orientation during assembly, which complicates the mounting process and affects road safety.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a retaining frame and orienting unit that uses multiple contact points for precise geometric orientation, allowing for tool-free attachment and simplifying the mounting process, combined with a coupling mechanism for secure sensor fixation within the retaining frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment with screws is used for sensor orientation, then orientation precision can be achieved, but assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining frame is pre-adjusted to the correct orientation position during manufacturing, and this pre-set orientation is maintained through the geometric constraint system during assembly. The contact points are pre-positioned on the vehicle body to guide the retaining frame into the correct orientation automatically during installation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment on the assembly line.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual screw adjustment mechanism is replaced with a geometric constraint system consisting of multiple contact points that automatically determine the retaining frame's orientation through geometric principles. The three contact points create a stable triangular constraint that automatically orients the retaining frame correctly without requiring manual intervention or adjustment tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple contact points are used for geometric orientation, then orientation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the sensor, ensures correct orientation through geometric constraints at three contact points, and enables tool-free attachment through the integration of fixing mechanisms. The contact points themselves serve dual purposes as both orientation references and positioning elements for the fixing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The orienting unit and fixing mechanism are merged into a single integrated structure. The three contact points that provide geometric orientation are combined with the fixing mechanism's attachment features, allowing the retaining frame to be both oriented and fixed in a single operation without requiring separate adjustment steps.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free attachment is implemented, then assembly ease improves, but fixation reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: projections that engage with corresponding recesses in the vehicle body, and contact points that provide geometric constraints. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system that provides both ease of installation and secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism uses asymmetric projection and recess geometries that provide directional engagement, ensuring the retaining frame can only be attached in the correct orientation. The asymmetric design prevents incorrect installation while maintaining tool-free attachment, and the interlocking geometry provides reliable mechanical fixation comparable to or exceeding traditional screw-based systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for a motor vehicle includes at least one holding frame, at least one securing device by which the holding frame is secured on at least one component of the motor vehicle stationarily relative to the at least one component, at least one first aligning unit for aligning the holding frame when it is being secured in a TARGET alignment, the first alignment unit comprising at least three contact points at which the holding frame contacts and abuts against the at least one component and/or a further component of the motor vehicle when in the secured arrangement, and at least one sensor which can be inserted into the holding frame and can be secured therein stationarily relative to the holding frame.