Vehicle Sensor Holder Linkage for Lateral and Corner Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for vehicles are inadequate in protecting sensors from damage during low-speed collisions, as they primarily focus on longitudinal forces and fail to effectively manage collision forces acting in other spatial directions, such as transverse and vertical directions, leading to inadequate protection in lateral or corner impact scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a lever mechanism that converts collision forces acting in various spatial directions into proportional movements, allowing the holding device to move into a protecting position, thereby protecting the sensor. This includes a connection arrangement with lever arrangements that can move the holding device in multiple directions, coupled with restoring arrangements to return the device to its operating position, and features like pivot arms and guide geometries for precise movement and centering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor arrangement only considers longitudinal force components, then the structure can be simpler, but the protection capability against lateral and corner impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the protection mechanism from one-dimensional (longitudinal) to three-dimensional by adding lever arrangements that respond to force components in transverse and vertical directions. The holding device can now move in multiple spatial directions (longitudinal, transverse, vertical) to accommodate collision forces from any direction, not just front-rear impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed with universal movement capability in three spatial directions, allowing it to function as a protective mechanism for collisions from any direction. The lever arrangements work together to provide comprehensive protection, making the system adaptable to various collision scenarios (front, rear, lateral, corner impacts).
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holding device is fixed in position, then the structure is more stable, but the sensor cannot be protected during collision loads
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic system that can move in three spatial directions in response to collision forces. The lever arrangements enable the holding device to dynamically adjust its position, moving the sensor away from impact zones while maintaining structural integrity through the connected lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arrangements act as intermediary mechanisms between the collision force and the holding device. Instead of the collision force directly impacting the sensor, the lever arrangements mediate by converting external forces into controlled movements of the holding device, protecting the sensor while maintaining structural connection to the vehicle body.
3Reliability
If multiple lever arrangements are added to handle forces in multiple directions, then the protection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lever arrangements (first, second, and third levers) are merged into an integrated system that works together to control the holding device's movement in three spatial directions. The levers are connected to each other and to the holding device, creating a coordinated mechanism where each lever handles specific force components while contributing to the overall protective function.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned closer to the front for better detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the sensor becomes more vulnerable to collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is pre-positioned in an operating position that optimizes sensor detection capability, placing it close to the front for better detection coverage. The lever arrangements are pre-configured to automatically activate upon collision, moving the sensor away from impact zones before damage can occur, thus maintaining both detection capability and protection.
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 sensor arrangement provides enhanced protection by adapting to various collision angles and forces, ensuring the sensor is safely positioned away from impact zones, even in lateral or corner collisions, and efficiently converts collision energy into kinetic and frictional energy, reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
the connection arrangement has at least one lever arrangement which, in addition to a force component of an effective collision force acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, converts at least one force component of the collision force acting in a further spatial direction into a proportionate movement of a holding device in the corresponding spatial direction
Implementation Method 2
A restoring force from at least one restoring arrangement transfers the holding device from the at least one protecting position into the operating position
Implementation Method 3
A collision force caused by another party involved in the collision comprises a first force component which acts in a first spatial direction and moves the holding device proportionately in the direction of the corresponding first spatial direction into the at least one protecting position
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement for a vehicle includes a holding device holding a sensor and a connection arrangement connecting a holding device to a vehicle component. The connection arrangement moves the holding device between an operating position and at least one protecting position. The connection arrangement includes at least one lever arrangement that moves the holding device from the operating position to the at least one protecting position in response to an application of a collision force against the vehicle such that the holding device moves in at least one spatial direction including a first spatial direction, which corresponds to a first force component of the collision force. The connection arrangement includes at least one restoring arrangement that generates a restoring force applied against the at least one lever arrangement to move the holding device from the protecting position back to the operating position.