Vehicle Window Sensor Mount With Worm-Gear Angle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving precise alignment with vehicle windshields due to limited adjustability and locking capabilities, particularly for vehicles with varying curvature and inclination, leading to significant deviations in measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a snail gear mechanism that allows continuous adjustment of the swivel angle between the carrier and holder, enabling precise alignment and reliable locking, which can be applied to various vehicle types with reduced installation space and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple mounting recesses are used to lock the pivot angle, then the sensor device can be adapted to different vehicle types, but the pivot angle can only be locked according to a predefined angle grid with limited precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple discrete mounting recesses with a worm gear mechanism that enables continuous angular adjustment. The worm gear (20) with worm (18) allows the carrier (4) to be pivoted to any angle within a range, rather than being constrained to fixed angular positions defined by discrete mounting recesses. This substitution provides continuous precision adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
2Measurement precision
If the carrier can be pivoted continuously for precise alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear mechanism is self-locking, meaning it automatically maintains the adjusted position without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex fixing devices. The inherent friction in the worm gear (20) prevents back-driving, so once the carrier (4) is pivoted to the desired angle, the position is automatically held. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex external locking devices while enabling continuous precision adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of holders are provided for different vehicle types, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal holder (2) with a worm gear mechanism that can accommodate different vehicle types and windshield configurations through continuous angular adjustment of the carrier (4). Instead of manufacturing multiple specialized holder variants for different vehicle types, a single universal holder design can be used across all vehicle types by simply adjusting the carrier angle. This multi-functionality significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and storage requirements while maintaining full adaptability.
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
Enables precise and adaptable sensor unit alignment on vehicle windows, reducing the need for multiple variants, lowering manufacturing and storage costs, and improving traffic safety by minimizing installation space and enhancing driver visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing device has a worm gear with a worm (18) and a worm wheel (20). The rotation axis of the worm wheel (20) corresponds to the carrier pivot axis (T).
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive bond can be provided, i.e. the holder can be adhesively bonded to the vehicle window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device 1 for mounting on the inside of a vehicle window, comprising a holder 2 connectable to the vehicle window, a support 4 pivotably connected to the holder 2, and a sensor unit 6 arranged on the support 4. The support 4 is pivotable about a support pivot axis T relative to the holder 2 by an adjustable pivot angle, and the pivot angle can be locked by means of a locking device. For particularly precise pivoting of the support 4 relative to the holder 2, it is proposed that the locking device comprise a worm gear with a worm 8 and a worm wheel 10, wherein the axis of rotation of the worm wheel 10 corresponds to the support pivot axis T.