Windshield Header Sensor Integration for Protected Truck Cabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements on commercial vehicles, such as trucks, are exposed to environmental and external influences, offering no protection and being aerodynamically disadvantageous, which complicates installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Integrating sensor devices into a pre-assembled cladding structure at the upper end region of the windshield within the driver's cab, providing protection and maintaining the driver's field of vision while simplifying installation and reducing aerodynamic impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on the roof of the commercial vehicle, then the sensors are easily accessible and simple to install, but the sensors are exposed to environmental influences and external effects without protection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is integrated into the cladding structure, which is then installed within the driver's cab. This nesting approach protects the sensor while maintaining ease of installation through the pre-assembled unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding structure serves as an intermediary element that provides protection for the sensor device. Instead of mounting the sensor directly on the roof, the cladding structure acts as a protective intermediary housing.
2Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted on the roof of the commercial vehicle, then installation is simplified, but the aerodynamics of the vehicle are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is nested within the cladding structure that is installed inside the driver's cab, eliminating protruding roof mounts and their associated aerodynamic penalties while keeping installation straightforward.
3Ease of repair
If sensors are mounted on the roof of the commercial vehicle, then the sensors are easily accessible for maintenance, but the sensors offer no protection against vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is nested within the protective cladding structure installed in the driver's cab, providing security against vandalism while maintaining accessibility for authorized maintenance through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding structure provides localized protection specifically for the sensor device within the driver's cab, creating a secure environment while allowing controlled access for maintenance purposes.
4Ease of operation
If sensors are mounted on the roof of the commercial vehicle, then the sensors are externally accessible, but the driver's field of vision may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting sensors on the external roof surface, the sensor device is inverted to the internal cladding structure within the driver's cab, eliminating visual obstruction while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a driver's cab (50) for a commercial vehicle (100), preferably a truck, in particular a semitrailer tractor. The driver's cab (50) comprises a windshield (40) and at least one sensor device (30A, 30B, 30C) for detecting at least one environmental variable, preferably wherein the at least one sensor device (30A, 30B, 30C) is arranged facing forward and/or looking through the windshield (40). The driver's cab (50) further comprises a cladding structure (10) arranged at an upper end region of the windshield (40) within the driver's cab (50) and/or behind the windshield (40). The at least one sensor device (30A, 30B, 30C) is arranged in or on the cladding structure (10). The invention further relates to a commercial vehicle (40) having the driver's cab (50) and a method for assembling the driver's cab (50).