Vehicle Sensor Unit Integrating Radar and Infrared Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor units requiring millimeter wave radar devices and infrared sensors at the outer end of a vehicle necessitate a large installation space when these components are positioned far apart, compromising mountability and aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor unit configuration where a millimeter wave radar device, an infrared sensor, and a camera are integrated with a transparent cover, allowing for adjacent placement and reduced installation space, with the cover having specific transparency portions to maintain functionality and concealment, forming a single compact unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the millimeter wave radar device and the infrared sensor are arranged at positions far away from each other, then each sensor can be adequately concealed and function effectively, but a large installation space is required at the outer end of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the millimeter wave radar device and the infrared sensor into a single integrated sensor unit mounted at one location on the vehicle. The radar device and infrared sensor are positioned adjacent to each other within the same mounting structure, allowing both sensors to share common mounting space and concealment features while maintaining their individual detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared sensor is positioned within the detection range of the millimeter wave radar device, creating a nested arrangement where the smaller infrared sensor is located inside the larger radar detection zone. This nesting allows both sensors to coexist in a compact configuration without requiring separate distant mounting positions.
2Area of stationary object
If the millimeter wave radar device and the infrared sensor are arranged close to each other, then the installation space is reduced, but it becomes difficult to provide adequate concealment covers for both sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single cover structure that serves multiple functions: it conceals both the millimeter wave radar device and the infrared sensor, maintains aerodynamic properties for both sensors, and provides a unified aesthetic appearance. The cover is designed with transparent portions that allow electromagnetic waves to pass through while concealing the sensor components from visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is made from a composite material or structure that possesses both optical transparency (to conceal the sensors visually) and electromagnetic wave transparency (to allow millimeter waves and infrared radiation to pass through). This composite structure enables the cover to simultaneously provide concealment and maintain sensor functionality without requiring separate covers for each sensor.
3Reliability
If separate covers are provided for the millimeter wave radar device and the infrared sensor, then each sensor is adequately protected and concealed, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate cover structures for the radar device and infrared sensor into a single integrated cover assembly. This unified cover structure encompasses both sensors, eliminating the need for separate mounting and concealment components while maintaining adequate protection and visual concealment for each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cover structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it conceals both the radar device and infrared sensor, provides aerodynamic streamlining for both sensors, and maintains a cohesive aesthetic appearance. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure.
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
This configuration reduces the installation space required while maintaining effective environmental detection and improving the vehicle's appearance by integrating sensors and a camera within a single, compact unit, minimizing visibility and interference with air flow.
Implementation Method 1
The millimeter wave radar device has a sensor function of transmitting millimeter waves to the outside of the vehicle and receiving millimeter waves that have struck and been reflected by an object outside the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The infrared sensor transmits infrared light to the outside of the vehicle and receives infrared light that has struck and been reflected by an object outside the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The first cover portion is located in front of the millimeter wave radar device in a transmission direction of the millimeter waves to conceal the millimeter wave radar device and has millimeter wave transparency
Implementation Method 4
The second cover portion is located in front of the infrared sensor in a transmission direction of the infrared light to conceal the infrared sensor and has infrared light transparency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3D
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A vehicle sensor unit includes a millimeter wave radar device, an infrared sensor that is arranged at a position adjacent to the millimeter wave radar device, and a cover having a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The first cover portion is located in front of the millimeter wave radar device in a transmission direction of the millimeter waves to conceal the millimeter wave radar device and has millimeter wave transparency. The second cover portion is located in front of the infrared sensor in a transmission direction of the infrared light to conceal the infrared sensor and has infrared light transparency. The millimeter wave radar device and the infrared sensor are attached to the cover so that the whole vehicle sensor unit is configured as a single unit.