Vehicle Windscreen Sensor Bracket With Integrated Resilient Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen brackets for sensors and cameras in vehicles are costly and complex due to the need for separate metal springs and additional assembly steps, which complicates the retention and recalibration of sensors during windscreen replacements.
Innovation Solution
A plastic windscreen bracket with elongate retaining elements and resilient limbs that guide and retain sensor housings without the need for separate metal springs, providing secure and reproducible positioning through a guideway and retaining recess design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate metal springs and additional components are used to retain sensors in the bracket, then the retention security is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient limb is integrated directly into the plastic bracket structure, combining the retention function with the bracket itself. This eliminates the need for separate metal springs and additional components, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure retention through the biasing action of the resilient limb on the mounting stubs
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is manufactured as a single plastic component that incorporates the resilient limb, combining structural support and retention functions in one material. This integration reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while ensuring reliable retention of the sensor housing
2Reliability
If separate metal springs and additional assembly steps are used, then the sensor retention is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient limb and bracket are formed as a single integrated component, eliminating separate assembly steps for installing springs. The sensor housing is retained through the inherent biasing action of the resilient limb, requiring only insertion along the guideway without additional fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is divided into functional zones: the guideway guides the mounting stub into position, the resilient limb provides biasing force, and the retaining portion secures the stub. This segmentation of functions within a single component simplifies manufacture while ensuring reliable retention
3Reliability
If complex retention systems with multiple components are used, then the security of sensor mounting is improved, but the cost of the bracket increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is manufactured as a single plastic component incorporating the resilient limb, eliminating the need for separate metal springs and reduction of assembly operations. This integration significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining secure mounting through the resilient limb's biasing action on the mounting stubs
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic bracket with integrated resilient limb provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive metal spring assemblies. The single-piece plastic construction reduces material and manufacturing costs while achieving the required retention security for sensor mounting
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 solution simplifies the mounting process, reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional components, and ensures accurate and secure retention of sensors and cameras, facilitating easy recalibration and installation on replacement windscreens.
Implementation Method 1
Each retaining element comprises a resilient limb which extends in the direction of elongation of the retaining element, the resilient limb being fixed at one end and free at the other end... the mounting stub when inserted in the bracket and having passed along the guideway is stopped and retained in the retaining portion by the biasing action of the resilient limb
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle windscreen has a bracket for a sensor including a camera, the bracket being attached to the windscreen and comprising a baseplate and at least three retaining elements mounted on the baseplate. The sensor is accommodated within a sensor housing that comprises at least three mounting stubs projecting from the sensor housing. Each retaining element comprises a fixed support portion and a resilient limb fixed at one end and free at the other end, with a guideway extending between each resilient limb and its respective fixed support portion, the guideway being provided to guide the respective mounting stub when inserted in the bracket. Each resilient limb and fixed support portion defines a retaining portion, whereby the mounting stub when inserted in the bracket and having passed along the guideway is stopped and retained in the retaining portion by the biasing action of the resilient limb.