WO2022010511A1

WO2022010511A1 - Sensor mounting system

Info

Publication number: WO2022010511A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/048879
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rob CAMMACK; Chris McKULSKY; Taylor DIXON; Alton THEAD
Original assignee: Smartdrone Corporation
Priority date: 2020-07-09
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2022-01-13

Abstract

A sensor mounting system includes a mounting base installed on a surface of an object, using at least one mounting bracket, and a retractable platform attached to the mounting base via one or more locking mechanisms. The retractable platform is configured to house one or more sensors. The one or more locking mechanisms may be any of a rail and slide mount, a ledge and lock mechanism, and/or a threaded mount. The sensor mounting system further includes an electronic connection system associated with the retractable platform and configured to enable data communication between the one or more sensors of the retractable platform and the object.

Description

SENSOR MOUNTING SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/705,666, filed 9 July 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to mounting systems for sensors and, more particularly, to mounting systems that can be deployed in and/or on a variety of platforms to provide physical and electrical interfaces for the sensors to be deployed in or on said platforms.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Unmanned vehicles, whether for use in airborne, surface, or subsurface applications, are typically deployed in conjunction with one or more sensors or sensor modules. The sensor modules may be designed to collect data concerning an environment into which the unmanned vehicle is released as well as concerning the unmanned vehicle itself. The same is true for sensor modules associated with manned vehicles.

[0004] Although manned and unmanned vehicles can be employed in connection with a variety of different missions, it is often the case that a particular vehicle will be “purpose-built.” That is, individual manned and unmanned vehicles are often fitted with only a single sensor module such as a camera, LiDAR system, thermal imaging system, microphone, infrared sensor, magnetometer, multispectral sensor, radiation sensor, humidity sensor, velometer, temperature sensor, gas sensor, chemical sensor, etc. Even where such sensor modules are replaceable, it is often the case that only like kinds of the sensor modules can be fitted to the manned or unmanned vehicle because specialized mechanical and/or electrical mounting systems of the manned or unmanned vehicle are designed to accommodate only that kind of the sensor module. Moreover, current sensor mounting systems are often mechanically complex and/or require use of tools to mount/unmount the sensors or the sensor module from the manned or unmanned vehicle.

SUMMARY

[0005] In various embodiments, a sensor mounting system configured in accordance with the present invention allows for secure mechanical and electrical mounting of sensors to vehicles while at the same time accommodating speedy unmounting/mounting of the sensors in or on the vehicles. Additionally, in some embodiments the invention provides an apparatus for mounting sensors or sensor modules, which can be deployed on various kinds of vehicles.

[0006] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention provides a sensor mounting system having a mounting base installed on a surface of an object using at least one mounting bracket and a retractable platform attached to the mounting base via one or more locking mechanisms. The retractable platform is configured to house one or more sensors. Any one or more of a plurality of locking mechanisms may be employed, for example a rail and slide mount, a ledge and lock mechanism, and threaded mount. An electronic connection system associated with the retractable platform and configured to enable data communication between the one or more sensors of the retractable platform and the object is included.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for mounting sensors that includes a retractable platform attachable to a mounting base of an object via one or more locking mechanisms, the retractable platform being configured to house one or more sensors, where the one or more locking mechanisms may be any of a rail and slide mount, a ledge and lock mechanism, and a threaded mount. An electronic connection system associated with the retractable platform and configured to enable data communication between the one or more sensors of the retractable platform and the object is included.

[0008] According to some example embodiments, the rail and slide mount may include a rail on the mounting base and a slide on the retractable platform, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the slide on the retractable platform into the rail on the mounting base to attach the retractable platform with the object.

[0009] According to some example embodiments, the rail and slide mount may include multiple slides on the retractable platform and corresponding multiple rails on the mounting base, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the multiple slides on the retractable platform into the corresponding multiple rails on the mounting base to attach the retractable platform with the object.

[0010] According to some example embodiments, the rail and slide mount may further include one or more accessory lock mechanisms configured to secure the slide into the rail.

[0011] According to some example embodiments, the one or more accessory lock mechanisms may correspond to any of an adjustable screw attaching the retractable platform to the mounting base, a detent on the rail of the mounting base, a mechanical latch, a latch-and-teeth locking mechanism, a hook-and-loop attachment of the retractable platform to the mounting base, and a pin-and-detent locking mechanism.

[0012] According to some example embodiments, the rail and slide mount may include a rail on the retractable platform and a slide on the mounting base, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the slide on the mounting base into the rail on the retractable platform to attach the retractable platform with the object.

[0013] According to some example embodiments, the rail and slide mount may include multiple slides on the mounting base and corresponding multiple rails on the retractable platform, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the multiple slides on the mounting base into the corresponding multiple rails on the retractable platform to attach the retractable platform with the object.

[0014] According to some example embodiments, the ledge and lock mechanism may include a ledge in the mounting base, wherein the retractable platform is placed on the ledge in the mounting base to attach the retractable platform with the object.

[0015] According to some example embodiments, the retractable platform may be adhesively attached to the ledge of the mounting base.

[0016] According to some example embodiments, the ledge and lock mechanism may include one or more accessory lock mechanisms (e.g., such as those discussed above) configured to secure the retractable platform on the ledge.

[0017] According to some example embodiments, the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base using a combination of the rail and slide mount and the ledge and lock mechanism, in which a ledge on the mounting base acts as a guide for a slide on the retractable platform to engage a rail on the mounting base.

[0018] According to some example embodiments, the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base using a combination of the rail and slide mount and the ledge and lock mechanism, in which a ledge on the mounting base acts as a guide for a slide on the mounting base to engage a rail on the retractable platform.

[0019] According to some example embodiments, the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base using a combination of the rail and slide mount and the ledge and lock mechanism, and the mounting base includes a cover attached to a hinge of the mounting base for covering the ledge.

[0020] According to some example embodiments, in the threaded mount the retractable platform includes protruding threads that are rotatively engaged with one of matching internal threads, a threaded collar, or a multitude of threaded rails on the mounting base to attach the retractable platform with the object.

[0021] According to some example embodiments, in the threaded mount the retractable platform is locked with the mounting base via a spring associated with the retractable platform such that the retractable platform is pressable against the mounting base and rotatable in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for retracting the retractable platform from the mounting base.

[0022] According to some example embodiments, the object corresponds to a manned vehicle, an unmanned vehicle, a stationary installation, a human-wearable article, or an animal-wearable article.

[0023] According to some example embodiments, the one or more sensors may be a camera, a radar, a LiDAR sensor, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a magnetometer, a multispectral sensor, a radiation sensor, one or more weather sensors (such as a humidity sensor, velometer, temperature sensor, and the like), a gas sensor, a chemical sensor, and/or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

[0024] According to some example embodiments, the one or more sensors may be removably attachable on the retractable platform for calibration of the retractable platform according to one or more of the object or a desired function of the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 collectively show a sensor mounting system for mounting a LiDAR sensor on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a rail and slide mount with one or more accessory lock mechanisms, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a C-channel insert for the rail and slide mount of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a retractable platform including two slides and a mounting base including corresponding two rails, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows an example of a covering of a rail and slide to increase durability of a rail and slide mount, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows an example of a telescopic cover for a rail and slide mount, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary ledge and lock mechanism, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a latch-and-teeth locking mechanism for a ledge and lock mechanism to hold a retractable platform within a ledge, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows the ledge and lock mechanism of FIG. 8 an employing an adhesive, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows a hook and loop attachment for the ledge and lock mechanism of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows a retractable platform attached to a mounting base of a vehicle, using a combination of a rail and slide mount and a ledge and lock mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 13 shows an example of enclosing of a ledge to increase durability of a mount in a ledge and lock mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary threaded mount in which threads are located on an outside of a retractable platform, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 15 shows a threaded mount in which a retractable platform is locked with a mounting base via a spring, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 16 shows a threaded mount in which protruding threads lie on a mounting base of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, apparatuses and methods are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0042] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0043] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0044] The embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any heading utilized within this description is for convenience only and has no legal or limiting effect.

[0045] As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “For instance,” and “such as,” and the verbs “having.,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open ended, meaning that that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. The term “based on” means at least partially based. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

[0046] The following description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. Contemplated are various changes that may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed as set forth in the appended claims.

[0047] Described herein are sensor mounting systems for installing one or more sensors on an object and providing physical and electrical interfaces for the one or more sensors to be installed on the object. The object may correspond to a vehicle (such as a manned vehicle or an unmanned vehicle), stationary installation, human-wearable article, or animal-wearable article. The one or more sensors may include but are not limited to a camera, a radar, a LiDAR sensor, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a magnetometer, a multispectral sensor, a radiation sensor, one or more weather sensors (such as a humidity sensor, a velometer, a temperature sensor, and the like), a gas sensor, a chemical sensor, and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). In one embodiment, a sensor module having one or a combination of the aforesaid sensors is installed on the surface of the object. In a further embodiment, in addition to or replacing the one or more sensors, non-sensors such as a delivery pod can be installed on the sensor mounting system.

[0048] Some embodiments are based on a recognition that while proliferation of manned and unmanned vehicles affords significant opportunities for installing a variety of different kinds of sensor modules, an inability for vehicle owners/operators to rapidly swap out installed sensor modules in cases of sensor malfunction and/or new vehicle missions has led to increased costs (e.g., when multiple vehicles with redundant and/or different sensor modules must be kept on hand and/or installed) and complexities. To that end, some embodiments provide a sensor mounting system that allows for secure mechanical and electrical mounting of sensor modules to vehicles while at the same time accommodating speedy unmounting/mounting of the sensor modules in or on the vehicles.

[0049] For purposes of explanation, examples of the sensor mounting systems will be described with reference to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a LiDAR sensor. LiDAR sensors are used to measure terrain, tree cover, infrastructure condition, and the like. However, LiDAR sensors are quite expensive and using a LiDAR sensor in multiple scanning devices requires services of a skilled technician to mount/unmount the sensor, if it is even possible. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the LiDAR sensors may be securely mounted on the UAV in a manner that provides both physical and electrical connectivity while also permitting rapid and uncomplicated unmounting. Once unmounted, the LiDAR sensor may be mounted on another vehicle or the object, using a similar mounting arrangement. The senor mounting systems described herein may be employed in connection with human-worn articles such as backpacks, harnesses, etc.; animal-worn articles such as saddlebags; airborne, surface, and sub-surface vehicles; and/or stationary installations such as tripods, equatorial mounts, sidereal mounts, etc.

[0050] FIGs. 1 and 2 collectively show a sensor mounting system for mounting a LiDAR sensor 104 on a UAV 113, according to an embodiment of the invention. The UAV 113 includes a main body 102 and four motors 108 deployed at ends of respective motor arms 105, 110 and connected to the main body 102 via a pair of extension arms 109, 111. Further, the UAV 113 includes ancillary components such as a communication antenna 106. The sensor mounting system includes a mounting base installed on a surface of the object (e.g., UAV 113), using at least one mounting bracket. The UAV 113 includes a mounting enclosure 112 (also referred to as the mounting base) configured to retain a retractable platform. The retractable platform is attachable to the mounting base via one or more locking mechanisms. Further, the retractable platform is configured to house the one or more sensors. For example, the LiDAR sensor 104 and its GPS antenna 107 are carried in a retractable platform 117 via rails 103. The one or more locking mechanisms may be any of a rail and slide mount, a ledge and lock mechanism, and/or a threaded mount.

[0051] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, a mounting handle 101 may be used to guide complementary rails 116 on the retractable platform 117 to engage with the rails 103 of the mounting enclosure 112 when mounting the LiDAR sensor 104 to the UAV 113. When so mounted, an electronic connection system 114 associated with the retractable platform 117 enables data communication between the one or more sensors of the retractable platform 117, and the vehicle (i.e., UAV 113). Additionally, in an alternate embodiment, the electronic connection system 114 provides power as well as serial and network communications to the LiDAR sensor 104 from the UAV 113.

[0052] To that end, the rails 116 of the LiDAR sensor 104 (and their complements 103 on the UAV 113) are an example of the sensor mounting system of the present invention that provides a user interchangeability of vehicles/sensor modules for collection of data and other missions. By incorporating such a mount, the user can expect similar mechanical and electrical integration, regardless of the vehicle/equipment on which the sensor module is mounted. Further, the mount, which is a physical connection between the retractable platform and the vehicle, is distinguished from the electrical connection therebetween.

[0053] FIGs. 3-7 show exemplary rail and slide mounts for attaching a retractable platform 1003 to a mounting base 1002 of a vehicle 1001, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 shows the rail and slide mount with one or more accessory lock mechanisms, according to an embodiment of the invention. The mounting base 1002 is installed on a surface of the vehicle 1001, using at least one mounting bracket. According to an embodiment, the mounting base 1002 is installed on top surface of the vehicle 1001. The rail and slide mount includes a rail 1005 on the mounting base 1002 and a slide 1004 on the retractable platform 1003. The retractable platform 1003 is attached to the mounting base 1002 by a longitudinal insertion of the slide 1004 on the retractable platform 1003 into the rail 1005 on the mounting base 1002 to attach the retractable platform 1003 with the vehicle 1001. [0054] Further, the rail and slide mount includes the one or more accessory lock mechanisms to secure the slide 1004 into the rail 1005. The one or more accessory lock mechanisms correspond to a pin and or an adjustable screw 1007 that can attach the retractable platform 1003 to the mounting base 1002, a detent 1006 on the rail 1005 of the mounting base, a mechanical latch 1008, a latch-and-teeth locking mechanism, a hook-and- loop attachment of the retractable platform 1003 to the mounting base 1002, and a pin-and- detent locking mechanism. The adjustable screw and or a pin 1007 is configured to stop the slide 1004 from moving out of the rail 1005. The latch-and-teeth mechanism includes the mechanical latch 1008 and teeth 1009 combinedly configured to hold the slide 1004 within the rail 1005. The slide 1004 and the rail 1005 combination correspond to a dovetail insert. In an alternate embodiment, a C-channel insert is used in the rail and slide mount.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows an example of a C-channel insert which may be used in place of the dovetail insert for the rail and slide mount shown in FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the invention. The C-channel insert includes C shaped space 1101 in the retractable platform 1003 that can receive a C shaped slide 1102 of the mounting base 1002. Additionally, the rail 1005 and slide 1004 can be of complex geometries to limit degrees of freedom, so as to secure the slide 1004 into the rail 1005. Examples of the complex geometries include such geometries as squares, stars, triangles, points, hexagons, etc.

[0056] In FIG. 3, the rail 1005 is illustrated as a part of the vehicle 1001 and the slide 1004 as a part of the retractable platform 1003, however, the reverse is also possible in which the retractable platform 1003 includes the rail 1005 and the mounting base 1002 of vehicle 1001 includes the slide 1004. Within such a mount, orientation of the rail and slide may be vertical, horizontal, or askew. Additionally, though FIG. 3 depicts a straight rail and slide mount, a bend to the rail, forming a circular implementation or twist of the rail to constitute a corkscrew implementation may be provided.

[0057] Some embodiments are based on a realization that the rail and slide mount may include multiple slides on the retractable platform 1003 and corresponding multiple rails on the mounting base 1002 for effective secure of the retractable platform 1003 with the mounting base 1002. FIG. 5 shows a retractable platform 1203 having two slides 1201 and a mounting base 1204 having corresponding two rails 1202, according to an embodiment of the invention. The retractable platform 1203 is attached to the mounting base 1204 by a longitudinal insertion of the two slides 1201 on the retractable platform 1203 into the corresponding two rails 1202 on the mounting base 1204 to attach the retractable platform 1203 with the vehicle. Additionally, a rail can include a self-centering geometry across length of the design with a slight reduction of the rail’s inside dimension to align the retractable platform 1203 into the electrical connection on the vehicle.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows an example of a covering 1303 of a rail 1302 and slide 1301 to increase durability of the rail and slide mount, according to an embodiment of the invention. For such a covering 1303, a flexible material may be used.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows a telescopic cover 1401 for the rail and slide mount, according to an embodiment of the invention. The telescopic cover 1401 extends when a restorable platform 1403 and a mounting base 1402 are not mated, and retracts when the restorable platform 1403 and the mounting base 1402 are attached to each other.

[0060] FIGs. 8-13 show exemplary ledge and lock mechanisms, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 8, the retractable platform 2001 is secured to a vehicle 2002 utilizing a ledge 2003 on which the retractable platform 2001 is placed. The ledge 2003 can provide initial limitation of the degrees of freedom through geometric shapes and/or raised edges 2004. The ledge and lock mechanism further includes one or more accessory lock mechanisms configured to secure the retractable platform on the ledge. For example, a screw 2005 attaching the retractable platform 2001 to the ledge 2003, or a pin 2006 to stop the retractable platform 2001 from moving out of the ledge 2003 may be used.

[0061] FIG. 9 shows a latch-and-teeth locking mechanism 2101 for the ledge and lock mechanism to hold the retractable platform 2001 within ledge 2102, according to some embodiments of the invention. Further, a mechanical latch 2101 configured to retain the retractable platform 2001 in place on the ledge 2102 is also employed. Furthermore, the ledge and lock mechanism includes a pin-and-detent locking mechanism 2104 and a press- fit ball-in-socket to secure the retractable platform 2001 to the ledge 2103, and a flexible- band 2105 to secure the retractable platform 2001 to the vehicle. While FIGs. 8 and 9 show implementations of a flat straight ledge, the ledge and lock mechanism may incorporate a circular ledge, a triangular ledge, a wavy ledge, a mountain-shaped ledge, a gear teeth ledge, or any other complex geometry that acts as a ledge by which the retractable platform is affixed to the vehicle.

[0062] FIG. 10 shows the ledge and lock mechanism using an adhesive, according to an embodiment of the invention. A chemical adhesive 2202 is applied to a ledge 2201 in order to secure retractable platform 2200 to a vehicle 2203 or a mounting base of the vehicle 2203. To that end, the retractable platform 2200 may be adhesively attached to the ledge of the mounting base.

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a hook and loop attachment for the ledge and lock mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention. A hook 2304 and loop 2303 is used to secure a retractable platform 2300 to a ledge 2302 on a mounting base of a vehicle 2301. A hook and loop attachment utilizing steel or other metals can act as a vibration damping between the vehicle 2301 and the retractable platform 2300.

[0064] FIG. 12 shows a retractable platform 2401 attached to a mounting base of a vehicle 2400, using a combination of the rail and slide mount, and the ledge and lock mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention. A ledge 2404 on the mounting base of the vehicle 2400 acts as a guide on the retractable platform 2401 for a slide 2403 to engage a rail 2402 on the vehicle 2400. Alternatively, the retractable platform 2401 can be attached to the mounting base of the vehicle 2400 using a combination of the rail and slide mount, and the ledge and lock mechanism, in which a ledge on the mounting base acts as a guide for a slide on the mounting base to engage a rail on the retractable platform.

[0065] FIG. 13 shows enclosing of a ledge 2502 to increase durability of a mount attaching a retractable platform 2501 to a mounting base 2500 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. A hinge 2503 attached to the mounting base 2500 allows a covering 2504 to articulate and cover the ledge 2502. Additionally, a telescopic covering or a slide-over covering may actuate a cover 2505 over the ledge 2502. Both of these implementations can have springs included to provide a variety of ways to actuate the hinge 2503.

[0066] FIGs. 14-16 show exemplary threaded mounts, according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 shows a threaded mount in which threads 3003 are located on outside of a retractable platform 3001, according an embodiment of the invention. The threads 3003 located on the outside of a retractable platform 3001 mate with a threaded hole 3004 located on a mounting base 3002 of the vehicle. Likewise, in another embodiment, the threads 3003 mate with a multitude of threaded rails 3005 located on the mounting base 3002. Likewise, in another alternate embodiment, the threads 3003 mate with a threaded collar 3006 located on the mounting base 3002.

[00671 FIG. 15 shows the threaded mount in which the retractable platform 3100 includes protruding threads 3101, according to an embodiment of the invention. The protruding threads 3101 can be rotatively engaged with matching internal threads 3103 located on a mounting base 3102, to attach the retractable platform 3100 with the mounting base 3102. Similarly, in an alternate embodiment, the protruding threads 3101 can be rotatively engaged with a threaded collar 3104 located on the mounting base 3102. Likewise, in another alternate embodiment, the protruding threads 3101 can be rotatively engaged with a multitude of threaded rails 3105 located on the mounting base 3102, to attach the retractable platform 3100 with the mounting base 3102. According to an embodiment, the retractable platform 3100 can be locked with the mounting base 3102 via a spring associated with the retractable platform 3100. Specifically, the spring allows the retractable platform 3100 to be pressed against the mounting base 3102 to lock the retractable platform 3100 with the mounting base 3102. Further, according to an embodiment, the retractable platform 3100 locked with the mounting base 3102 using such lock can be withdrawn from the mounting base 3102 by pressing the retractable platform 3100 against the mounting base 3102 and rotating in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. To that end, the retractable platform 3100 is pressable against the mounting base 3102 and rotatable in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for retracting the retractable platform 3100 from the mounting base 3102.

[0068] FIG. 16 shows the threaded mount in which protruding threads 3201 lie on the mounting base 3200 of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention. The protruding threads 3201 can be rotatively engaged with matching internal threads 3203 located on a retractable platform 3202, to attach the retractable platform 3202 with the mounting base 3200. Likewise, in an alternate embodiment, the protruding threads 3201 can be rotatively engaged with a threaded collar 3204 located on the retractable platform 3202. Likewise, in another alternate embodiment, the protruding threads 3201 can be rotatively engaged with a multitude of threaded rails 3205 located on the retractable platform 3202.

[0069] Additionally, within the threaded mounts, a variety of final locking mechanisms can be included, for example a set screw, a pin to stop the unscrewing, a latch- and-teeth gear-like design, a mechanical latch, a pin-and-detent locking mechanism, a hook-and-loop attachment of the retractable platform 3202 to the, friction-material-locking (such as nylon) on the threads, and chemical adhesives to lock the threads together.

[00701 Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind of one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sensor mounting system, comprising: a mounting base installed on a surface of an object using at least one mounting bracket; a retractable platform attached to the mounting base via one or more locking mechanisms, the retractable platform configured to house one or more sensors, and the one or more locking mechanisms corresponding to one or more of a rail and slide mount, a ledge and lock mechanism, and a threaded mount; and an electronic connection system associated with the retractable platform and configured to enable data communication between the one or more sensors of the retractable platform and the object.

2. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail and slide mount comprises a rail on the mounting base and a slide on the retractable platform, and wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the slide on the retractable platform into the rail on the mounting base to attach the retractable platform with the object.

3. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail and slide mount comprises multiple slides on the retractable platform and corresponding multiple rails on the mounting base, and wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the multiple slides on the retractable platform into the corresponding multiple rails on the mounting base to attach the retractable platform with the object.

4. The sensor mounting system of claim 2, wherein the rail and slide mount further comprises one or more accessory lock mechanisms configured to secure the slide into the rail.

5. The sensor mounting system of claim 4, wherein the one or more accessory lock mechanisms correspond to one or more of: an adjustable screw for attaching the retractable platform to the mounting base, a detent on the rail of the mounting base, a mechanical latch, a latch-and-teeth locking mechanism, a hook-and-loop attachment for securing the retractable platform to the mounting base, and a pin-and-detent locking mechanism.

6. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail and slide mount comprises a rail on the retractable platform and a slide on the mounting base, and wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the slide on the mounting base into the rail on the retractable platform to attach the retractable platform with the object.

7. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail and slide mount comprises multiple slides on the mounting base and corresponding multiple rails on the retractable platform, and wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base by a longitudinal insertion of the multiple slides on the mounting base into the corresponding multiple rails on the retractable platform to attach the retractable platform with the object.

8. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the ledge and lock mechanism comprises a ledge in the mounting base, the mounting base being configured to receive the retractable platform on the ledge to attach the retractable platform with the object.

9. The sensor mounting system of claim 8, wherein theretractable platform is adhesively attached to the ledge of the mounting base.

10. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the ledge and lock mechanism further comprises one or more accessory lock mechanisms configured to secure the retractable platform on the ledge.

11. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base using a combination of the rail and slide mount and the ledge and lock mechanism, in which a ledge on the mounting base is configured as a guide for a slide on the retractable platform to engage a rail on the mounting base.

12. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base using a combination of the rail and slide mount and the ledge and lock mechanism, in which a ledge on the mounting base is configured as a guide for a slide on the mounting base to engage a rail on the retractable platform.

13. The sensor mounting system of claim 11, wherein the retractable platform is attached to the mounting base using a combination of the rail and slide mount and the ledge and lock mechanism and the mounting base includes a cover attached to a hinge of the mounting base for covering the ledge.

14. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein in the threaded mount, the retractable platform includes protruding threads that are rotatively engaged with one of matching internal threads, a threaded collar, or a multitude of threaded rails on the mounting base.

15. The sensor mounting system of claim 14, wherein in the threaded mount, the retractable platform is locked with the mounting base via a spring associated with the retractable platform, such that the retractable platform is pressable against the mounting base and rotatable in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for retracting the retractable platform from the mounting base.

16. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the object corresponds to one of a manned vehicle, an unmanned vehicle, a stationary installation, a human-wearable article, or an animal-wearable article.

17. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of a camera, a radar, a LiDAR sensor, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a magnetometer, a multispectral sensor, a radiation sensor, a humidity sensor, a velometer, a gas sensor, a chemical sensor, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

18. The sensor mounting system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are removably attachable on the retractable platform for calibration of the retractable platform according to one or more of the object or a desired function of the object.

19. An apparatus for mounting sensors, comprising: a retractable platform attachable to a mounting base of an object via one or more locking mechanisms, wherein the retractable platform is configured to house one or more sensors, and wherein the one or more locking mechanisms correspond to a rail and slide mount, a ledge and lock mechanism, and/or a threaded mount; and an electronic connection system associated with the retractable platform and configured to enable data communication between the one or more sensors of the retractable platform and the object.