Vehicle Sensor Assembly Movable Mount Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor assemblies face challenges in low speed pendulum testing and other impact scenarios where sensors are directly or indirectly engaged by moving panels, leading to potential disruption and reduced operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor assembly with a movable subassembly unit, comprising a sensor mounted on a beam with a rail and trolley system, allowing the sensor to move relative to the panel and return to its initial position, ensuring continuous operation and maximizing viewing area without direct engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the sensor is positioned close to the panel to maximize viewing area, then the sensor can detect objects more effectively, but the sensor may be engaged by the moving panel during impact testing causing disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed with movable components including a rail-mounted carriage and spring-return mechanism that allow the sensor to dynamically adjust its position. The sensor can be displaced rearward when panel engagement occurs and automatically returns to its forward viewing position, resolving the contradiction between maximizing viewing area and preventing disruption during impact testing
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-return mechanism is pre-configured to provide cushioning force that automatically returns the sensor to its operational position after displacement. This beforehand cushioning ensures the sensor recovers from any panel engagement without manual intervention, maintaining operational continuity while allowing close positioning for maximum viewing area
2Reliability
If the sensor is spaced far from the panel to prevent engagement during testing, then the sensor remains protected and operational, but the viewing area and detection effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than fixing the sensor at a distant protected position, the dynamic mounting system allows the sensor to operate close to the panel during normal conditions for maximum viewing area, then move to a protected position only when needed during impact events, resolving the contradiction between protection and detection effectiveness
3Reliability
If a movable mount mechanism is added to allow sensor displacement, then the sensor can avoid engagement and maintain operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is segmented into discrete functional components: a rail for linear movement, a carriage for mounting the sensor, and a spring-return mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving the reliability goal of maintaining sensor operation during impact events
Solution Approach 2:
The rail acts as an intermediary element that facilitates controlled movement between the sensor and the vehicle structure. This simple linear guide mechanism provides the necessary displacement capability without requiring complex actuators or control systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
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 solution enables the sensor to maintain optimal positioning and functionality during testing and normal operation, preventing disruption and enhancing vehicle styling and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the return is defined as a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor assembly includes a panel having a first side and a second side. The vehicle sensor assembly also includes a beam spaced from the panel relative to the second side. The vehicle sensor assembly further includes a mount including a first portion fixed to the beam. In addition, the vehicle sensor assembly includes a sensor coupled to the mount. The mount includes a second portion coupled to the first portion and the sensor is fixed to the second portion to define a subassembly unit. The subassembly unit is movable relative to the first portion in response to a force applied to the first side of the panel which causes the second side of the panel to engage part of the mount to move the subassembly unit. A sensor-mount assembly includes the beam, the mount, and the sensor coupled to the mount.