Mounting for proximity radar

• US 6,508,325 B1
• Filed: 03/20/2000
• Issued: 01/21/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Schwarz, Paul M., Teal, Richard Graham, Evans, Robert John
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dunn, David R.
• Application Number:
  US09/531,290
• Time in Patent Office: 1,037 Days
• Field of Search: 180/167, 180/169, 280/762, 293/4, 293/118, 293/155, 293/142, 293/145, 293/152, 293/153, 340/435, 340/436, 340/903
• US Class Current: 180/167
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/006 using a distance sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/008 for anti-collision purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9327 Sensor installation details

Abstract

A sensor carrier assembly for supporting one or a plurality of sensors to facilitate mounting the plurality of sensors to the vehicle. The sensors are mounted to a carrier or mounting beam which is then in turn mounted directly to the vehicle. The mounting beam mounts directly to the vehicle and a bumper covers the mounting beam. Alternatively, the sensor mounts externally to a vehicle body part, such as a bumper. Fastening points for attaching the carrier assembly to the vehicle are preferably placed in proximity to the sensors to assist in maintaining proper orientation of the sensors.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a plurality of sensors for operation of a radar system, each sensor including at least one of a transmitter for generating a radar signal and a receiver for detecting the radar signal upon reflection from an object;

a carrier having an elongate shape and formed in sections, each section interconnected by a hinge, each of the plurality of sensors being mounted to the carrier, wherein the carrier is operable to be mounted to the vehicle to orient the sensors in a predetermined position on the vehicle, wherein the carrier mounts to an end of the vehicle and wherein the carrier either mounts to the bumper or mounts to the vehicle and is covered by the bumper;

fasteners for attaching the carrier to the vehicle, said fasteners disposed in proximity to each sensor to maintain a predetermined alignment and orientation of each sensor with respect to the vehicle, wherein a fastener is positioned directly behind a sensor when the carrier is mounted to the vehicle, wherein the fasteners further comprise one of a clip or a threaded fastener to secure the carrier to the vehicle; and

a processor receiving signals from the plurality of sensors and determining if an object is in proximity to the vehicle.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the carrier further comprises a wire holder for supporting wires connected to sensors.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the wire holder comprises one of clips or grooves supported by the carrier.

4. A sensor assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a plurality of sensors for operation of a radar system, each sensor including at least one of a transmitter for generating a radar signal and a receiver for detecting the radar signal upon reflection from an object;

a carrier having an elongate shape and formed in sections, each section interconnected by a hinge;

a plurality of recesses formed in the carrier, the recesses receiving one or a number of each of the plurality of sensors to attach the sensors to the carrier, wherein the carrier is operable to be mounted to the vehicle to orient the sensors in a predetermined position on the vehicle;

a fastener mounted in proximity to the sensor for maintaining a predetermined orientation of the sensor, wherein the fastener is positioned directly behind the sensor when the carrier is mounted to the vehicle, wherein the fastener further comprises one of a clip or a threaded fastener to secure the carrier to the vehicle; and

a processor receiving signals from the plurality of sensors and determining if an object is in proximity to the vehicle.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the recesses are sealed to protect the plurality of components received therein.

6. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the carrier further comprises a wire holder for supporting wires interconnecting the respective sensors.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the wire holder comprises one of clips or grooves supported by the carrier.

8. The assembly of claim 7 further comprising a resilient material disposed between the carrier and the vehicle, the resilient material reducing vibration between the carrier and the vehicle.

9. A sensor assembly system comprising:

a first vehicle;

a first plurality of sensors;

a first carrier, each of the first plurality of sensors being mounted to the first carrier, wherein the first carrier is mounted to the first vehicle to orient the first plurality of sensors in a predetermined position on the vehicle;

a second vehicle, the second vehicle being attached to and towed behind the first vehicle;

a second plurality of sensors;

a second carrier, each of the second plurality of sensors being mounted to the second carrier, wherein the second carrier is mounted to the second vehicle to orient the second plurality of sensors in a predeted position on the vehicle; and

an interconnect circuit which senses the presence or absence of the connection of the second plurality of sensors and selectively disabling at least one of said first plurality of sensors when said second plurality of sensors are connected.

10. The sensor assembly system of claim 9 further comprising an interconnect circuit, the interconnect circuit receiving input from each of the first and second plurality of sensor, the interconnect circuit selecting for output all or a portion of the input from one of the first and second plurality of sensors.

11. The sensor assembly system of claim 10 wherein when the interconnect circuit detects input from the second plurality of sensors, the interconnect circuit selects the output from all or a portion of the input from the second plurality of sensors and a portion of or none of the input from the first plurality of sensors.

12. The sensor assembly system of claim 10 wherein when the interconnect switch detects input from only the first plurality of sensors, the interconnect switch selects the output from the input from the first plurality of sensors.

13. The sensor assembly system of claim 9 wherein the first and second plurality of sensors comprise sensors for a radar system.

14. The sensor assembly system of claim 13 wherein at least one sensor of the first and second plurality of sensors for the radar system further comprises at least one of a transmitter for generating a radar signal and a receiver for detecting the radar signal upon reflection from an object.