Optically clear housing and reduced cure time potting compound for use with object sensor
First Claim
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1. A sensor, comprising:
- transceiver means for transmitting a signal and receiving a return signal reflected off of an object within a range of the transceiver means;
an optically clear housing disposed about the transceiver means, wherein the optically clear housing is transmissive to UV light; and
a potting compound surrounding the transceiver means within the housing, the potting compound having a cure time less than that of a heat curable potting compound, wherein the potting compound is a UV cured potting compound.
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Abstract
A vehicle exterior object detector apparatus includes a transceiver carried within an optically clear housing and mounted by a holder to a support on the vehicle. A potting compound surrounds the transceiver within the optically clear housing, the potting compound having a cure time less than that of a heat curable potting compound. A heater element is carried in the holder in surrounding relationship with one end of the transceiver housing for melting ice and snow build up on the end of the housing for proper operation of the transmitter and receiver.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A sensor, comprising:
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transceiver means for transmitting a signal and receiving a return signal reflected off of an object within a range of the transceiver means;
an optically clear housing disposed about the transceiver means, wherein the optically clear housing is transmissive to UV light; and
a potting compound surrounding the transceiver means within the housing, the potting compound having a cure time less than that of a heat curable potting compound, wherein the potting compound is a UV cured potting compound. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An object detection apparatus comprising:
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transceiver means for transmitting a signal and receiving a return signal reflected off of an object within a range of the transceiver means;
an optically clear housing disposed about the transceiver means;
a potting compound surrounding the transceiver means within the housing, the potting compound having a cure time less than that of a heat curable potting compound;
means for mounting the transceiver means on a support, the mounting means including a holder coupled to the transceiver means, the holder having an end facing exteriorly of an exterior surface of the support and disposed adjacent an end of the transceiver means; and
heating means, carried by the end of the holder, for elevating the temperature of at least the end portion of the transceiver means to remove meltable material disposed on the transceiver means. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
the end of the holder having an enlarged end flange engageable with the support and disposed exteriorly of an exterior surface of the support.
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10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the transceiver means transmits an ultrasonic signal.
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11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the potting compound is a UV cured potting compound.
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12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the optically clear housing is transmissive to UV light.
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13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the potting compound is a single component ultraviolet light curable self leveling silicone sealant.
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14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the optically clear housing is formed from an amorphous polymeric material.
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15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the amorphous polymeric material exhibits good resistance to chemicals and flexural fatigue, and possesses high strength and stiffness over the temperature range typical in automotive applications.
Specification