Sensor Assembly for Watercraft Using Nested Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft systems lack effective solutions for installing sensors in limited onboard spaces while ensuring optimal environmental perception for autonomous operation support systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly comprising a sensor, an inserted portion, and an extended portion, where the sensor is housed in either or both portions, allowing for secure and efficient installation on watercrafts by replacing traditional cup holders and rod holders, utilizing a housing configuration that ensures watertight sealing and minimal interference with communication signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are installed in traditional mounting locations on watercraft, then installation is simple, but onboard space is insufficient and environmental perception is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is nested within the accommodating space of existing watercraft structures (cup holder, rod holder, or console cavity). The inserted portion fits inside the accommodating space while the extended portion protrudes outward, allowing the sensor to be housed within existing structural volumes rather than requiring additional onboard space.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly utilizes the third dimension by extending outward from the watercraft surface through the extended portion. This allows the sensor to be positioned in spatial locations that were previously unavailable within the limited onboard volume, enabling environmental perception without consuming additional deck or cabin space.
2Reliability
If sensors are placed outside the watercraft body for better perception, then environmental perception improves, but protection from water and environmental damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the housing structure that is partially integrated with the watercraft body. The housing provides a protective barrier between the sensor and the external water environment, while the extended portion allows the sensor to maintain its perception function.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as a protective shell that encloses the sensor. This shell provides waterproof and environmental protection while allowing the sensor to extend outward for effective environmental perception. The housing can be designed with sealed interfaces to prevent water ingress.
3Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are installed to improve autonomous operation support, then system capability increases, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different types of sensors (GPS, camera, radar, lidar, sonar) through the same inserted portion and housing configuration. This standardized interface simplifies installation and reduces complexity when deploying multiple sensors for autonomous operation support.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is segmented into modular components: the inserted portion that fits into the accommodating space, the housing that protects the sensor, and the extended portion that positions the sensor for optimal perception. This segmentation allows for standardized installation across multiple locations while maintaining protection and functionality.
4Volume of moving object
If sensors are integrated into existing structures like cup holders, then space utilization improves, but installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed to be universally compatible with multiple types of existing watercraft structures including cup holders, rod holders, and console cavities. The standardized inserted portion can be adapted to fit various accommodating spaces, providing installation flexibility across different locations and watercraft types while efficiently utilizing existing structural volumes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor assembly for a watercraft comprises a sensor, an inserted portion, and an extended portion. The sensor includes at least one of a GPS transmitter, a GPS receiver, a camera, a radar device, a lidar device and a sonar device. The inserted portion is configured to be inserted into an accommodating space provided on a watercraft to accommodate an object. The extended portion is coupled to the inserted portion and configured to be located outside the accommodating space in a state where the sensor assembly is installed in the accommodating space. The sensor is housed in at least one of the inserted portion and the extended portion.