Vibration Absorbing Device for Sensor Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclical vibrations generated by sensor systems, such as LiDAR systems in vehicles, cause inconvenience through resonance vibrations that can lead to discomfort and decreased sensing accuracy due to the transmission of vibrations to the monitoring device.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system configuration that includes a vibration absorbing device with an intermediate member and a pair of magnetized members or a fluid-controlled gap to dampen resonance vibrations, reducing the transmission of vibrations to the support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the deflecting device cyclically changes the sensing direction, then the sensor can detect objects in multiple directions, but cyclical vibrations are generated causing resonance and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing direction coverageVSAvoidcyclical vibrations and resonance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration absorbing device is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and the support. This device includes a pair of magnetized members with like poles facing each other, creating a magnetic field that acts as a mediator to dampen vibrations. The magnetic repulsion force absorbs the cyclical vibrations generated by the deflecting device, preventing them from being transmitted to the support and causing resonance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful cyclical vibrations are converted into a beneficial effect by utilizing the magnetic repulsion between like-poled magnetized members. The vibration energy causes the magnetized members to move slightly within the magnetic field, and the magnetic repulsion force dissipates this energy, transforming the harmful vibration into a controlled interaction that reduces overall vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If the housing accommodates the sensor and deflecting device, then the components are integrated, but resonance vibrations amplify and transmit to the support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidresonance vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration absorbing device serves as an intermediary layer between the housing and the support. It includes magnetized members that create a magnetic field to interact with and dampen the resonance vibrations generated within the integrated housing, preventing their transmission to the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution) are optimized to match the resonance frequency characteristics of the housing. By adjusting the magnetic repulsion force parameters, the system can effectively target and dampen specific resonance frequencies, converting the rigid housing structure into a vibration-controlled system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration absorbing devices are added between the housing and support, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidvibration absorbing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical vibration isolation methods (such as rubber mounts, springs, or shock absorbers) are replaced with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetized members create a non-contact magnetic repulsion force that provides vibration damping without mechanical contact, reducing wear and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field parameters are optimized to provide the necessary damping force. By carefully selecting the magnet strength, size, and spacing, the system achieves effective vibration absorption with a compact and simple structure, avoiding the need for complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively suppresses the occurrence of cyclical vibrations, minimizing discomfort and maintaining sensing accuracy by efficiently damping resonance vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of magnetized members that are magnetized so as to have a same pole, and are arranged so as to face each other in a first direction with a gap therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

the resonance vibrations generated in the housing are transmitted to the intermediate member while being absorbed by the first vibration absorbing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20240168133A1Sensor system
Publication Date: 2024.05.23 KOITO MFG CO LTD
  • US20240168133A1 patent drawing
  • US20240168133A1 patent drawing
  • US20240168133A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor detects an object situating in a sensing direction. A deflecting device changes the sensing direction cyclically. A housing accommodates the sensor and the deflecting device. A vibration absorbing device is adapted to be disposed between the housing and a support. The vibration absorbing device includes a first vibration absorbing device, a second vibration absorbing device, and an intermediate member. The intermediate member has a first surface adapted to face the housing with a first gap therebetween and a second surface adapted to face the support with a second gap therebetween. The first vibration absorbing device is disposed between the housing and the first surface of the intermediate member. The second vibration absorbing device is adapted to be disposed between the support and the second surface of the intermediate member.