Abstract: A method of installing a sensor pod on a vehicle includes aligning a sensor pod arm with a bracket attached to the vehicle, lowering the sensor pod arm onto the bracket, supporting the weight of the sensor pod on a support axle between the bracket and the sensor pod arm before rigidly coupling the sensor pod arm to the bracket, rotating the sensor pod arm into alignment with the bracket, and securing the sensor pod arm to the bracket. A method of uninstalling the sensor pod on a vehicle.

Abstract: A universal bracket for connecting a sensor pod and a vehicle. The universal bracket includes a first end having a surface for connecting to the vehicle, a second end for connecting to the sensor pod, three fixation points extending perpendicular to and through the surface for preventing lateral movement, vertical movement, and forward movement of the universal bracket with respect to the vehicle, the three fixation further preventing rotational movement of the universal bracket with respect to the vehicle, and at least one port extending from the first end to the second end, the at least one port configured to allow passage of one or more conduits extending from the vehicle to the sensor pod. A connecting assembly includes the universal bracket.

Abstract: A quick swap sensor pod for a truck having an arm having a protrusion with a lower surface, a pin receiving opening extending through the protrusion to the lower surface, the pin receiving opening having a depth and aligned vertically, and a conduit connector within the arm for coupling a conduit to the quick swap sensor pod. The arm is configured to rotate about an axis of the pin receiving opening between an initial position and a final position. In both the initial position and the final position, the depth of the pin receiving opening is configured to counteract a moment created by a weight of the quick swap sensor pod and the lower surface is configured to support the weight of the quick swap sensor pod.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing damage and debris in a sensor pod collision. The apparatus having a bracket configured to couple a sensor pod to a vehicle, the bracket having a post, a sensor pod arm rotatable about the post, a fastener for securing the sensor pod arm to the post, and a frangible fixation point spaced apart from the post, the frangible fixation point configured to break apart at a predetermined force.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for connecting sensors in a sensor pod to a vehicle. The connecting assembly has a conduit connector located on a housing of the sensor pod, a conduit configured to connect with the conduit connector and extending from the conduit connector to the vehicle, and a conduit connector point located at a connection between the conduit connector and the conduit. The conduit connector point has a first shear strength when the conduit is in tension and the conduit has a second shear strength when the conduit is in tension. The first shear strength is less than the second shear strength.