A response system and method for vehicle driving instability

Abstract

This invention discloses a response system and method for a vehicle experiencing instability. The system includes: a response device comprising a housing and a mass block disposed within the housing cavity; the housing moves synchronously with the vehicle, and the mass block is suspended inside the housing; a monitoring module for monitoring the motion trajectory of the mass block within the housing; an analysis module for analyzing and processing the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving state of the vehicle and predicting subsequent driving states; and a control module for issuing control signals based on the predicted subsequent driving states to control the vehicle to respond to the predicted impending instability. By reflecting parameters such as X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration, which reflect the vehicle's driving posture, onto the motion trajectory of the mass block relative to the housing through the response device, and by monitoring the motion trajectory of the mass block, the current driving state of the vehicle can be quickly analyzed and obtained, and subsequent driving states can be predicted, enabling a rapid response to potential instability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive safety technology, and specifically to a response system and method for when a vehicle becomes unstable during driving. Background Art

[0002] Based on the vehicle's handling stability, accidents involving instability during vehicle operation mainly fall into three categories, as well as combinations of these three categories, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0003] 1. Head-on downward collision, an accident pattern that evolves from pitching down, generally refers to a vehicle rushing from a high place to a low place, such as rushing head-on off a high bridge or down a mountain.

[0004] 2. Side rollover, an accident type that evolves from lateral tilting. This is the most common rollover type and also the most frequently observed in vehicle safety performance assessments in various countries. It represents a common type of safety accident.

[0005] 3. Side skidding, which evolved from lateral yaw, is a type of accident that generally occurs when a vehicle is on a road surface with a low coefficient of friction or when it loses control.

[0006] Existing response methods for vehicle instability mostly rely on multiple sensors to detect vehicle driving state parameters, such as acceleration signals in the X, Y, and Z directions, brake master cylinder pressure, wheel speed, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, etc., and then analyze and process them before responding. The entire process requires a large number of complex parameters and data to be analyzed, and the hardware requirements are also high, which is not conducive to the development of vehicle safety performance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a response system for when a vehicle becomes unstable, which can quickly analyze and obtain the current driving state of the vehicle, respond in advance to possible instability, and improve vehicle safety performance.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a response system for when a vehicle becomes unstable during driving, comprising: a response device, the response device including a housing and a mass block disposed in the cavity of the housing, the housing moving synchronously with the vehicle, and at least six springs disposed in the space around the mass block to suspend the mass block inside the housing;

[0009] The monitoring module is used to monitor the movement trajectory of the mass block within the housing;

[0010] The analysis module is used to analyze and process the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving status of the vehicle and predict the subsequent driving status.

[0011] The control module is used to issue control signals based on the estimated subsequent driving state to control the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending driving instability.

[0012] Preferably, both the monitoring module (4) and the analysis module (5) operate from the start of the vehicle until the vehicle is turned off. Six springs are spaced apart around the mass block.

[0013] In the aforementioned response system for vehicle instability, a mass block is suspended within a housing by six springs. This housing is then fixed within the vehicle and moves synchronously with the vehicle. During operation, parameters such as X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis accelerations, reflecting the vehicle's attitude, are reflected in the mass block's trajectory relative to the housing. A monitoring module tracks this trajectory, and an analysis module processes it to obtain the vehicle's real-time driving state and predict future states. A control module then responds to any potential instability, reducing the occurrence and potential losses from instability accidents. This entire response system requires no complex data acquisition; it quickly analyzes and acquires the vehicle's current driving state, predicts future states, and responds promptly to potential instability, significantly improving vehicle safety.

[0014] As an improvement to the response system for vehicle instability in this invention, the monitoring module includes a visual recognition and positioning system. This system is used to acquire the position information of the mass block relative to the housing in real time and output the motion trajectory of the mass block within the housing. Here, the motion trajectory refers to the motion trajectory of the mass block relative to the housing.

[0015] By using a visual recognition system to collect motion information of a mass block inside the shell and record its trajectory, long-term stable and reliable non-contact detection can be achieved, and the data collection process is also fast and efficient.

[0016] Furthermore, the visual recognition and positioning system includes a CCD camera, a lens, an image acquisition card, and an industrial control computer. The CCD camera, the lens, and the image acquisition card are used to perform real-time video acquisition of the movement of the mass block inside the housing. The industrial control computer is used to process and analyze the acquired video images to obtain the movement trajectory of the mass block inside the housing.

[0017] As another improvement to the response system for vehicle instability of the present invention, the control module issues a control signal based on the estimated subsequent driving state, controlling the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending instability by taking the following actions:

[0018] If the anticipated impending instability occurs between the first and second time points, a Level 1 response control signal is issued to control the vehicle to issue an alarm to the occupants.

[0019] If the anticipated impending driving instability occurs between the second and third time periods, a secondary response control signal is issued to control the vehicle to improve its maneuverability.

[0020] If the anticipated impending driving instability occurs within the third time period, an ultimate response control signal is issued to activate the vehicle's passive safety features, wherein the values ​​of the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period decrease sequentially.

[0021] By classifying anticipated driving instability according to time, a tiered response is implemented to provide drivers with ample reaction time and reduce the occurrence of accidents. Between the first and second time intervals, sufficient time exists for occupants to react before instability occurs; therefore, only an alarm is needed to warn occupants, especially the driver. Between the second and third time intervals, having passed the initial warning phase, the vehicle still exhibits a tendency to become unstable, and the time of instability is drawing closer. At this point, the driver can take emergency control measures to avoid instability; therefore, the vehicle automatically increases its controllability and adjusts its state in the opposite direction to cope with instability. Within the third time interval, instability is inevitable, requiring the activation of safety devices to protect occupants.

[0022] Furthermore, controlling the vehicle to issue alarm reminders to occupants includes one or more combinations of emitting an alarm sound, displaying an alarm signal on the central control screen, and the electric seatbelt retracting and shaking. The first-level response primarily focuses on alerting, with the alarm reminder method selected based on the specific vehicle configuration.

[0023] Furthermore, the control of the vehicle to improve driving stability includes one or a combination of increasing steering wheel steering assist and increasing steering gear angular ratio.

[0024] Vehicles are generally equipped with power steering, which increases external force to counteract steering resistance, allowing drivers to steer with less effort. Increased power steering makes it easier for drivers to control the vehicle, enabling them to make timely reverse maneuvers and prevent vehicle instability.

[0025] The steering gear ratio is the ratio of the steering wheel angle to the steering arm angle. Some vehicles are equipped with variable steering ratio, which adjusts the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed and steering angle. When the vehicle is initially stationary, at low speeds or with large steering angles, a smaller steering gear ratio is provided; conversely, when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds or with small steering angles, a larger steering gear ratio is provided, thereby improving vehicle steering stability. Increasing the steering gear ratio also improves vehicle stability during reverse maneuvers, ensuring safety.

[0026] Furthermore, controlling the activation of the vehicle's passive safety features includes activating seatbelt pretensioners and activating airbags, or a combination of both. Some vehicles are equipped with seatbelt pretensioners, which can instantly retract the seatbelt, tightening the slack portion while quickly securing the occupant and preventing forward movement. Almost all vehicles have airbags, which deploy to protect the occupants in the final response.

[0027] Furthermore, the deployed airbags include: a driver's airbag, a passenger's airbag, a curtain airbag, and side airbags. Preferably, the driver's airbag and the passenger's airbag deploy when a roll instability is imminent; and the curtain airbag and the side airbags deploy when a yaw or pitch instability is imminent.

[0028] As a further improvement to the response system for when a vehicle becomes unstable during driving, force sensors are provided at the connection points of the six springs and the housing. The force sensors are used to test the pressure exerted by the corresponding spring on the housing, and each force sensor is connected to a measuring circuit for measuring the resistance value of the corresponding force sensor.

[0029] The monitoring module acquires the position information of the mass block relative to the shell in real time based on the resistance values ​​of the six force sensors, and analyzes the motion trajectory of the mass block within the shell.

[0030] The force values ​​of six force sensors are monitored by a measuring circuit to obtain the force conditions of the six springs. Since there is a one-to-one correspondence between the force conditions of the six springs and the position of the mass block, the real-time position of the mass block can be obtained, and thus the motion trajectory of the mass block within the shell can be obtained. The entire structure is ingeniously designed.

[0031] Furthermore, the six springs include a first spring and a second spring arranged along the X direction of the vehicle, a third spring and a fourth spring arranged along the Y direction of the vehicle, and a fifth spring and a sixth spring arranged along the Z direction of the vehicle.

[0032] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a response method for when a vehicle experiences instability during driving, comprising:

[0033] Step 1: Secure the response device inside the vehicle;

[0034] Step 2: Monitor the movement trajectory of the mass block within the housing;

[0035] Step 3: Analyze and process the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving status of the vehicle and predict its subsequent driving status;

[0036] Step 4: Based on the estimated subsequent driving state, issue a control signal to control the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending driving instability.

[0037] In summary, the above-mentioned response system and method for vehicle instability reduces vehicle instability accidents and improves driving safety by incorporating a built-in response device in the vehicle to monitor and predict the vehicle's driving state and perform a graded response when instability is imminent. Furthermore, the entire response process reduces the use of sensors and signal acquisition and processing, significantly increasing the response rate and further enhancing driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0038] In the attached diagram:

[0039] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the vehicle's X, Y, and Z directions and its instability state.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the response device of the response system for when a vehicle becomes unstable during driving, as per the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the response system when a vehicle experiences instability during driving, as described in this invention.

[0042] In the diagram, 1 is the shell; 2 is the mass block; 31 is the first spring; 32 is the second spring; 33 is the third spring; 34 is the fourth spring; 35 is the fifth spring; 36 is the sixth spring; 4 is the monitoring module; 5 is the analysis module; and 6 is the control module. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions of the embodiments are for the purpose of helping to understand the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Figure 2-3 This invention illustrates a response system for a vehicle experiencing instability during driving, comprising:

[0046] The response device includes a housing 1 and a mass block 2 disposed inside the cavity of the housing 1. The housing 1 moves synchronously with the vehicle. At least six springs are arranged around the mass block 2 to suspend the mass block 2 inside the housing 1.

[0047] Monitoring module 4 is used to monitor the movement trajectory of mass block 2 within housing 1;

[0048] Analysis module 5 is used to analyze and process the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving status of the vehicle and predict the subsequent driving status.

[0049] Control module 6 is used to issue control signals based on the estimated subsequent driving state to control the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending driving instability.

[0050] Both monitoring module 4 and analysis module 5 operate from the moment the vehicle starts until it is turned off. Housing 1 is fixed to the vehicle's frame or body, and when the vehicle is stationary, mass block 2 coincides with the vehicle's center of mass.

[0051] During operation, parameters such as X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis acceleration, which reflect the vehicle's driving posture, are reflected in the motion trajectory of the mass block relative to the shell. The monitoring module tracks this trajectory, and the analysis module processes it to obtain the vehicle's real-time driving state and predict future driving conditions. The control module then responds to any potential instability by controlling the vehicle's actions, thereby reducing the occurrence and damage of instability accidents. The entire response system can quickly analyze and acquire the vehicle's current driving state and predict future driving conditions without complex data acquisition, responding promptly to potential instability and improving vehicle safety performance.

[0052] Optionally, the monitoring module 4 includes a visual recognition and positioning system. This system acquires the position information of the mass block 2 relative to the housing 1 in real time and outputs the motion trajectory of the mass block 2 within the housing 1. The visual recognition system collects the motion information of the mass block within the housing and records the motion trajectory, enabling long-term, stable, and reliable non-contact detection. The acquisition process is also fast and efficient.

[0053] The visual recognition and positioning system includes a CCD camera, a lens, an image acquisition card, and an industrial control computer. The CCD camera, lens, and image acquisition card are used to acquire real-time video of the movement of the mass block 2 inside the housing 1. The industrial control computer is used to process and analyze the acquired video images to obtain the movement trajectory of the mass block 2 inside the housing 1.

[0054] Optionally, the control module 6 issues control signals based on the estimated subsequent driving conditions to control the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending driving instability in three ways. The estimated impending driving instability is graded according to time, and a graded response is implemented for the impending instability, giving the driver sufficient response time and reducing the occurrence of accidents. The values ​​of the first, second, and third time intervals decrease sequentially.

[0055] ① If the anticipated impending instability occurs between the first and second time points, a Level 1 response control signal is issued to alert the occupants. This alert may be triggered by one or more of the following methods: emitting an audible alarm, displaying an alarm signal on the central control screen, or causing the electric seatbelts to retract and vibrate. The Level 1 response primarily focuses on alerting the occupants, with the specific alert method selected based on the vehicle's configuration.

[0056] ② If the anticipated impending driving instability occurs between the second and third time points, a secondary response control signal is issued to control the vehicle to improve its maneuverability, including increasing steering assist or increasing the steering gear ratio, or a combination of both.

[0057] Vehicles are generally equipped with power steering, which increases external force to counteract steering resistance, allowing drivers to steer with less effort. Increased power steering makes it easier for drivers to control the vehicle, enabling them to make timely reverse maneuvers and prevent vehicle instability.

[0058] The steering gear ratio is the ratio of the steering wheel angle to the steering arm angle. Some vehicles are equipped with variable steering ratio, which adjusts the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed and steering angle. When the vehicle is initially stationary, at low speeds or with large steering angles, a smaller steering gear ratio is provided; conversely, when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds or with small steering angles, a larger steering gear ratio is provided, thereby improving vehicle steering stability. Increasing the steering gear ratio also improves vehicle stability during reverse maneuvers, ensuring safety.

[0059] ③ If the anticipated impending instability occurs within the third time frame, a final response control signal is issued to activate the vehicle's passive safety features, including one or a combination of seatbelt pretensioners or airbags. Some vehicles are equipped with seatbelt pretensioners that instantly tighten the seatbelts, securing the occupants and preventing forward movement. Almost all vehicles have airbags, which deploy to protect the occupants during the final response.

[0060] The airbags that can be deployed include: driver's airbag, passenger's airbag, curtain airbag, and side airbags. Preferably, the driver's airbag and passenger's airbag deploy when a roll instability is imminent; and the curtain airbag and side airbags deploy when a yaw or pitch instability is imminent.

[0061] Optionally, force sensors are provided at the connection points of the six springs and the housing 1. The force sensors are used to test the pressure exerted by the corresponding springs on the housing 1, and each force sensor is connected to a measuring circuit for measuring the resistance value of the corresponding force sensor.

[0062] The monitoring module 4 acquires the position information of the mass block 2 relative to the shell 1 in real time based on the resistance values ​​of the six force sensors, thereby monitoring the motion trajectory of the mass block 2 within the shell 1.

[0063] Optionally, the six springs include a first spring 31 and a second spring 32 arranged along the X direction of the vehicle, a third spring 33 and a fourth spring 34 arranged along the Y direction of the vehicle, and a fifth spring 35 and a sixth spring 36 arranged along the Z direction of the vehicle.

[0064] The present invention provides a response method for when a vehicle experiences instability during driving, comprising:

[0065] Step 1: Secure the response device inside the vehicle;

[0066] Step 2: Monitor the movement trajectory of mass block 2 within shell 1;

[0067] Step 3: Analyze and process the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving status of the vehicle and predict its subsequent driving status;

[0068] Step 4: Based on the predicted subsequent driving conditions, issue control signals to control the vehicle to respond to the predicted impending driving instability.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit its scope of protection. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that after reading the present invention, they can still make various changes, modifications or equivalent substitutions to the specific implementation of the invention, but these changes, modifications or equivalent substitutions are all within the scope of protection of the pending claims of the invention.

Claims

1. A response system for when a vehicle experiences instability, characterized in that, include: The response device includes a housing (1) and a mass block (2) disposed in the cavity of the housing (1). The housing (1) moves synchronously with the vehicle. At least six springs are provided around the mass block (2) to suspend the mass block (2) inside the housing (1). Monitoring module (4), the monitoring module (4) is used to monitor the motion trajectory of the mass block (2) inside the shell (1); Analysis module (5), the analysis module (5) is used to analyze and process the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving status of the vehicle and predict the subsequent driving status; Control module (6), the control module (6) is used to send a control signal according to the estimated subsequent driving state, and control the vehicle to respond to the estimated upcoming driving instability. The monitoring module (4) includes a visual recognition and positioning system, which is used to acquire the position information of the mass block (2) relative to the shell (1) in real time and output the motion trajectory of the mass block (2) within the shell (1); The visual recognition and positioning system includes a CCD camera, a lens, an image acquisition card, and an industrial control computer. The CCD camera, the lens, and the image acquisition card are used to perform real-time video acquisition of the movement of the mass block (2) inside the housing (1). The industrial control computer is used to process and analyze the acquired video images to obtain the movement trajectory of the mass block (2) inside the housing (1).

2. The response system for a vehicle experiencing instability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module (6) issues a control signal based on the estimated subsequent driving state, controlling the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending driving instability by taking the following actions: If the anticipated impending instability occurs between the first and second time points, a Level 1 response control signal is issued to control the vehicle to issue an alarm to the occupants. If the anticipated impending driving instability occurs between the second and third time periods, a secondary response control signal is issued to control the vehicle to improve its maneuverability. If the anticipated impending driving instability occurs within the third time period, an ultimate response control signal is issued to activate the vehicle's passive safety features, wherein the values ​​of the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period decrease sequentially.

3. The response system for a vehicle experiencing instability according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the vehicle to issue an alarm reminder to the occupants includes one or more combinations of issuing an alarm sound, displaying an alarm signal on the central control screen, or the electric seat belt retracting and shaking. The control of the vehicle to activate passive safety features includes activating seat belt pretensioning or activating airbags, or a combination of both.

4. The response system for a vehicle experiencing instability according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control of the vehicle to improve driving stability includes one or a combination of increasing steering wheel power assist or increasing steering gear angular ratio.

5. A response system for a vehicle experiencing instability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The six springs include a first spring (31) and a second spring (32) arranged along the X direction of the vehicle, a third spring (33) and a fourth spring (34) arranged along the Y direction of the vehicle, and a fifth spring (35) and a sixth spring (36) arranged along the Z direction of the vehicle.

6. The response system for a vehicle experiencing instability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is fixed to the vehicle frame or body, and when the vehicle is stationary, the mass block (2) coincides with the center of mass of the vehicle.

7. A method based on the response system for a vehicle experiencing instability as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Secure the response device inside the vehicle; Step 2: Monitor the movement trajectory of the mass block (2) within the shell (1); Step 3: Analyze and process the motion trajectory to obtain the real-time driving status of the vehicle and predict its subsequent driving status; Step 4: Based on the estimated subsequent driving state, issue a control signal to control the vehicle to respond to the estimated impending driving instability.

Images