Vehicle Sensor Mounting with Flexible Heat Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for vehicles lack flexibility in positioning and effective heat management, which can lead to sensor damage due to high temperatures and limited adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a thermally conductive heat pipe connecting the sensor setup to a flexible mounting assembly, allowing adjustable positioning and efficient heat dissipation through a heat pipe with curved regions, such as L-shaped or U-shaped designs, that can be rotated and slid, and is securely mounted within the housing or connecting assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is rigidly mounted to the vehicle, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the sensor position and direction cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates a degree of freedom that allows the sensor to be adjusted rotatably and/or slidably relative to the connecting assembly. This dynamic capability enables position and direction adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of adjustable elements like screws or sliders rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a connecting assembly that attaches to the vehicle, a sensor set-up that can be adjusted, and adjustment elements that provide the degree of freedom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide adjustability without excessive complexity.
2Temperature
If the sensor is mounted in a high-temperature environment, then the sensor can withstand the heat, but the sensor may be damaged due to overly high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A heat pipe is introduced as an intermediary thermal management component between the sensor and the connecting assembly. The heat pipe conductively transfers heat away from the sensor to the connecting assembly and/or vehicle, acting as a thermal mediator that prevents excessive temperature buildup while allowing the sensor to operate in environments with higher ambient temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe utilizes phase transitions of a working fluid (evaporation and condensation) to efficiently transport heat away from the sensor. The phase change mechanism enables high heat-flux density transfer through a small cross-sectional area, effectively cooling the sensor without adding significant bulk or complexity.
3Loss of energy
If a heat pipe is used to conduct heat from the sensor, then heat dissipation is efficient, but the heat pipe must be sufficiently flexible to allow relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is designed with flexibility to accommodate the dynamic adjustment of the sensor position. The heat pipe can bend or flex while maintaining thermal conductivity, allowing the sensor to move relative to the connecting assembly without compromising the thermal connection. This dynamic flexibility resolves the conflict between efficient heat dissipation and movement capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor set-up is adjusted rotatably and slidably, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment elements (such as screws or sliders) are designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing users to easily adjust the sensor position and direction without requiring complex tools or procedures. The self-contained adjustment mechanism enables straightforward operation while achieving the desired positioning flexibility.
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 system allows for flexible sensor positioning and effective heat management, preventing overheating and ensuring the sensor's longevity while maintaining mechanical integrity, thereby enhancing monitoring capabilities and driving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The heat pipe connects the sensor set-up and the connecting assembly in a thermally conductive manner
Implementation Method 2
The heat pipe is designed for a high heat-flux density, using a heat of vaporization of a medium; that is, large amounts of heat may be transported through the heat pipe on a small cross-sectional area
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for attaching a sensor set-up to a vehicle, including the sensor set-up having a housing and a sensor; a connecting assembly mountable to the vehicle, the sensor set-up being fastened to the connecting assembly, the sensor set-up being adjustable by at least one degree of freedom with respect to the connecting assembly; and at least one heat pipe, which connects the sensor set-up and the connecting assembly in a thermally conductive manner.