Sensor pod with breathable cabin interface

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10514303-B2
Application number	US-201715637135-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 29, 2017
Priority date	Jun 29, 2017
Publication date	Dec 24, 2019
Grant date	Dec 24, 2019

Abstract

A pod includes a base, a plurality of sensor attachment fixtures, and a shell. The base is complementary in shape to a vehicle roof and includes a central opening therethrough. The sensor attachment fixtures are fixed to the base adjacent to an outer periphery of the base. The shell is fixed to and covers the base. The shell defines a cavity enclosing the sensor attachment fixtures and has a plurality of windows aligned with the sensor attachment fixtures.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A pod comprising:
a base complementary in shape to a vehicle roof and including a central opening therethrough;
a plurality of sensor attachment fixtures fixed to the base adjacent to an outer periphery of the base; and
a shell fixed to and covering the base and defining a cavity enclosing the sensor attachment fixtures and having a plurality of windows aligned with the sensor attachment fixtures.

2. The pod of claim 1 , wherein the central opening occupies substantially all of an area of the base inboard of the sensor attachment fixtures.

3. The pod of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fluid nozzles directed at the windows of the pod.

4. The pod of claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of air brush nozzles directed at the windows of the pod.

5. The pod of claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of fluid lines and pneumatic lines connecting to the nozzles.

6. The pod of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of cameras and LIDAR sensors are connected to the base at the sensor attachment fixtures.

7. The pod of claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of fluid nozzles directed at the windows of the pod.

8. The pod of claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of air brush nozzles directed at the windows of the pod.

9. The pod of claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of fluid lines and pneumatic lines connecting to the nozzles.

10. The pod of claim 2 , wherein a plurality of cameras and LIDAR sensors are connected to the base at the sensor attachment fixtures.

11. The pod of claim 1 , further comprising:
a vehicle body defining a passenger cabin therein and having a roof at a top of the passenger cabin; and
the base being disposed in the roof.

12. The pod of claim 11 , further comprising: a vented headliner disposed between the passenger cabin and the cavity.

13. The pod of claim 12 , wherein the central opening occupies substantially all of an area of the base inboard of the sensor attachment fixtures.

14. The pod of claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of fluid nozzles directed at the windows of the pod.

15. The pod of claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of air brush nozzles directed at the windows of the pod.

16. The pod of claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of fluid lines and pneumatic lines connecting to the nozzles.

17. The pod of claim 12 , wherein a plurality of cameras and LIDAR sensors are connected to the base at the attachment fixtures.

18. The pod of claim 12 , wherein the roof defines a pocket receiving the pod.

19. The pod of claim 12 , wherein the pod is connected to a vehicle air duct.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Krishnan Venkatesh
• Phinisee Rashaun
• Dellock Paul Kenneth
• Lobo Harry

Classifications

• B60S1/56

  specially adapted for cleaning other parts or devices than front windows or windscreens {(rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior including cleaning devices B60R1/0602)} · CPC title

• G01S2013/93273

  on the top of the vehicles · CPC title

• G01S17/931

  of land vehicles · CPC title

• B60R11/04 Primary

  Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle · CPC title

• B60R2011/004

  outside the vehicle · CPC title