Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is sealed to prevent exterior environmental elements from harming the sensor hardware. Therefore, any heat generated from the sensors or equipment and/or exterior heat is sealed and trapped in the mounting structure. Thus, a way to cool the sensors is needed and to limit additions to the mounting structure is optimized by tapping into existing vehicle cooling systems to cool the sensors. Additionally, removal of the heated air by exhausting the air out from the mounting structure to aid in the cooling of the sensors is necessary.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount rear-facing sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the rear environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is secured to the vehicle by utilizing existing vehicle body structures. The vehicle body structures include rearward roof chassis parts that provide stability and security to the mounting structure.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is sealed to prevent exterior environmental elements from harming the sensor hardware. Therefore, any heat generated from the sensors or equipment and/or exterior heat is sealed and trapped in the mounting structure. Thus, a way to cool the sensors is needed and to limit additions to the mounting structure is optimized by tapping into existing vehicle cooling systems to cool the sensors. Additionally, removal of the heated air by exhausting the air out from the mounting structure to aid in the cooling of the sensors is necessary.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening for a sunroof and a roof cover that encloses sensor devices. The roof apparatus is mounted from the underside of the vehicle roof at the position for mounting a sunroof. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle. The height of the roof cover above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount rear-facing sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the rear environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is secured to the vehicle by utilizing existing vehicle body structures. The vehicle body structures include rearward roof chassis parts that provide stability and security to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening for a sunroof and a roof cover that encloses sensor devices. The roof apparatus is mounted from the underside of the vehicle roof at the position for mounting a sunroof. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle. The height of the roof cover above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras.