Integrated Vehicle Window Sensor Module for LiDaR Photon Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window sensor systems, particularly LiDaR sensors, face performance and efficiency issues due to windshield inclination, leading to photon deflection, scattering, and absorption, and external mounting interferes with vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window with an integrated sensor module, featuring a prefabricated module housing that surrounds a hollow space for the sensor, is inserted into a cutout of the pane main body and fastened, allowing for efficient sensor operation without compromising vehicle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LiDaR sensors are mounted inside the vehicle behind the windshield, then the sensor is protected and integrated into the vehicle structure, but the inclined windshield causes photon deflection, scattering, and absorption resulting in high measurement loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor mounting from a two-dimensional plane (behind the windshield) to a three-dimensional protruding structure (bulge on the outer surface). This dimensional change allows the sensor to be positioned in a location that minimizes the angle of incidence of laser pulses relative to the windshield surface, thereby reducing photon loss while maintaining integration with the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The module housing acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the sensor and the windshield. It provides a dedicated mounting platform that optimizes the optical path for laser pulses, reducing direct interaction between the inclined windshield and the photon beam while still integrating the sensor system into the vehicle window assembly.
2Loss of energy
If LiDaR sensors are mounted externally in a separate sensor housing, then photon loss is reduced and measurement efficiency improves, but the vehicle external appearance is compromised and design integration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor housing with the vehicle window structure by integrating the module housing into the cutout of the pane main body. The outer surface of the module housing forms part of the overall external surface of the vehicle window, creating a unified design that maintains vehicle aesthetic while enabling external mounting benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The module housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the sensor, optimizes the optical path for laser pulses, integrates with the vehicle window assembly, and maintains the external appearance. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both performance and aesthetic requirements.
3Shape
If the sensor module is integrated into the pane main body with a cutout, then vehicle design and external appearance are maintained, but the sensor housing must be custom-fitted to the specific cutout geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle window assembly into distinct functional components: the pane main body with cutout, the separate module housing containing the sensor, and the integration interface. This segmentation allows the module housing to be manufactured as a standardized component that can be fitted to the cutout, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining design integration.
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 integrated sensor module enables high-efficiency use of LiDaR sensors with minimal performance loss and maintains the vehicle's external appearance, as the sensor module is designed to reduce photon interference and can be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle window.
Implementation Method 1
The distance to an object is determined by measurement of the transit time of the laser pulse emitted by the LiDaR sensor and reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
LiDaR (light detection and ranging) systems, in which the surroundings are scanned point-wise using laser pulses with a wavelength in the infrared range
Implementation Method 3
due to the inclination of the windshield relative to the road, the laser pulses must pass through the windshield at a very flat angle, resulting in relatively high deflection, scattering, and absorption of the photons emitted and reflected
Implementation Method 4
due to the inclination of the windshield relative to the road, the laser pulses must pass through the windshield at a very flat angle, resulting in relatively high deflection, scattering, and absorption of the photons emitted and reflected
Implementation Method 5
due to the inclination of the windshield relative to the road, the laser pulses must pass through the windshield at a very flat angle, resulting in relatively high deflection, scattering, and absorption of the photons emitted and reflected
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window with an integrated sensor module, includes a pane main body having a cutout, a sensor module designed as a prefabricated assembly with a module housing, which forms a hollow space, in which at least one sensor is accommodated, wherein the module housing forming the hollow space is inserted into the cutout and is fastened on the pane main body, wherein, together, an outer surface of the module housing and an outer surface of the pane main body form an outer surface of the vehicle window.