Vehicle Sensor Pivot Mounting for Collision Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements on vehicles, particularly those used in driver assistance systems, are prone to damage during minor collisions, leading to high repair costs and potential legal issues due to their installation positions which compromise both functionality and design.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement where the sensor is pivotably connected to a vehicle structural element via a sensor guide, allowing it to move from a displaced position back to its original functional position using a spring element and spacer, ensuring the sensor remains undamaged and functional after low-speed collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is installed flush with the vehicle's visible surface in the bumper area, then the sensor function is optimized for driver assistance systems, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage in minor parking collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. A linear drive mechanism enables the sensor to move between a retracted position (where it is protected from collision damage) and an extended position (where it performs its sensing function). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining sensor functionality and protecting it from collision damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within a housing structure that provides protection. The housing contains the sensor and allows it to move between retracted and extended positions. When retracted, the sensor is nested within the housing, protecting it from external collision forces while maintaining the ability to extend for functional operation.
2Shape
If the sensor is positioned to be flush with the vehicle surface for aesthetic integration, then the design is improved, but the sensor cannot be adequately protected from collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor transitions between retracted and extended positions dynamically. When retracted, the sensor maintains aesthetic integration with the vehicle surface; when extended, it provides the necessary sensing function. This dynamic behavior allows the design to satisfy both aesthetic requirements and protective requirements without compromise.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is made movable to protect it from collision damage, then the sensor protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A linear drive mechanism provides controlled movement of the sensor between retracted and extended positions. This mechanical solution, while adding some complexity, provides reliable protection and functional operation. The simplicity of linear actuation keeps the complexity increase manageable compared to the benefits gained in sensor 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 is effectively protected from damage in low-speed collisions, maintaining functionality and reducing repair costs, while ensuring compliance with legal requirements by returning to its original position after the collision force is removed.
Implementation Method 1
a return element (4) which is designed to move the sensor (2) from a position displaced relative to the service position back into the service position... the return element is a spring element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (1) of a sensor (2) comprising a sensor-active surface (2.1) on or behind an outer add-on part (10) of a vehicle, comprising a sensor guide (6), by means of which the sensor (2) is connected to a first structural element (7) of the vehicle such that it can pivot in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction), a spacer (5) by means of which the movement of the sensor (2) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) is limited to a maximum distance (a), corresponding to the position of use of the sensor (2), from a second structural element (9) of the vehicle, which is offset in relation to the first structural element (7) in the direction of the vehicle interior, and a restoring element (4) which is designed to move the sensor (2), which is moved backwards as a result of an outer action of force (F1, F2) produced by a collision in a low-speed range, back into the position of use.