Method and system for preventing vehicle door impact

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for preventing vehicle door collisions, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the distance between the vehicle and an external object, particularly between adjacent vehicles; calculating the maximum opening angle of the door based on the distance; and limiting further opening of the door by applying a damping force based on the maximum opening angle. The invention also relates to a system for preventing vehicle door collisions, for performing the method according to the invention. This invention enables more accurate calculation of the maximum opening angle of the door when the vehicle is tilted relative to an external object, particularly an adjacent vehicle, to prevent door collisions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a method for preventing collisions with vehicle doors and a system for performing said method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicle side doors are typically outward-opening. Therefore, drivers or passengers need to pull or push the door outward to enter or exit the vehicle, and generally, they open the door to its maximum angle for easy entry and exit. However, in real-life parking scenarios, especially in congested urban areas, parking spaces may be small, resulting in limited distances between vehicles and adjacent vehicles or obstacles. If passengers are not careful or use excessive force, the vehicle's side door can easily collide with adjacent vehicles or obstacles, such as surrounding walls. In severe cases, this can cause deformation and dents to the vehicle itself and / or adjacent vehicles, resulting in unnecessary economic losses and even personal injury.

[0003] In existing technologies, distance detection devices, such as radar or laser distance sensors, are typically placed on the outer edge of the door, away from the hinge. These sensors detect the distance between the outer edge of the door (the edge on the outer side of the door opposite the hinge) and obstacles, such as the distance between adjacent vehicles and the door width. The maximum opening angle of the door is then calculated using trigonometric functions (such as the sine formula). However, this design severely limits sensor placement; for example, sensors can only be placed as close as possible to the outer edge of the door, leading to highly complex wiring schemes for sensor control and power supply. Furthermore, when adjacent vehicles are parked at an angle relative to the vehicle, a discrepancy exists between the maximum opening angle calculated using a simple sine formula and the actual maximum opening angle, potentially resulting in the inability to successfully avoid a door collision. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in view of one of the above disadvantages and / or other possible disadvantages not mentioned herein, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for preventing collisions of vehicle doors, particularly preventing collisions between vehicle doors and adjacent vehicles, and a system for performing said method.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing vehicle door collisions is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0006] - Detect the distance between the vehicle and external objects at at least two locations on one side of the vehicle, especially the distance between adjacent vehicles;

[0007] - Calculate the maximum opening angle of the door based on the distance; and

[0008] - Based on the maximum opening angle, damping force is applied to limit further opening of the door.

[0009] Compared to existing technologies, according to the present invention, the distance to objects outside the vehicle, especially between adjacent vehicles, can be detected at at least two locations on one side of the vehicle. For example, existing distance measuring devices located on the side of the vehicle body, such as distance measuring devices in the form of any type of camera or distance sensor, can be used to detect the distance to objects outside the vehicle, especially between adjacent vehicles. Furthermore, even if an additional distance measuring device is required, it can avoid the need to install it on a movable door, especially at the confined outer edge of the door, but rather it can be installed, for example, on a fixed part of the vehicle body shell on one side. Therefore, the wiring scheme for controlling and powering the distance measuring device is greatly simplified, and the installation of the distance measuring device is facilitated.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the tilt angle between the vehicle and the external object, particularly the adjacent vehicle, is calculated based on the distance between the at least two locations and the difference between the at least two locations and the corresponding distances between them and external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles. The maximum opening angle of at least one door on the side of the vehicle facing the external object is then determined, taking into account the tilt angle. Because parking often involves vehicles parked at an angle to adjacent vehicles, the vehicle and external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, are no longer parallel but at an angle. In this case, the distances from different locations on one side of the vehicle to external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, may be different, especially the distances from the outer edges of each door to external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, are no longer equal. Therefore, to accurately calculate the maximum opening angle of each door, the influence of the aforementioned tilt angle or angle needs to be considered. Here, firstly, distance measuring devices installed at at least two locations on one side of the vehicle are used to detect the distances between these at least two locations and objects outside the vehicle, particularly adjacent vehicles. Then, the difference between the at least two distance values ​​is calculated. Subsequently, given a pre-defined distance between the at least two distance measuring devices, the tilt angle between the vehicle and objects outside the vehicle, particularly adjacent vehicles, is calculated. Finally, based on the distances between the detection locations of the distance measuring devices and objects outside the vehicle, particularly adjacent vehicles, the distances between the detection locations (usually pre-defined according to the installation locations of the distance measuring devices), the door width (usually known), and the calculated tilt angle, the maximum opening angle of at least one door of the vehicle is calculated using trigonometric functions (e.g., the sine theorem). This allows for a more accurate calculation of the maximum opening angle of each door, preventing door collisions.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, a damping force applied to the door hinge is controlled based on the determined maximum opening angle. This damping force acts in the opposite direction to the pivoting direction of the door hinge when the door is opened. Here, the application of the damping force can be controlled by detecting the pivoting angle of the door hinge and thus the opening angle of the door (e.g., using an angle sensor). As the maximum opening angle of the door approaches, the applied damping force increases significantly, making it impossible to open the door further. Additionally, a force sensor can be used to detect the thrust acting on the door handle, and the magnitude of the corresponding damping force can be adjusted according to changes in this thrust to more reliably ensure that the door opening does not exceed the determined maximum opening angle. In particular, locking the door hinge via an actuator is a vibrating a locking device to lock the door hinge when it is detected that the door has opened to the determined maximum opening angle, thereby keeping the door hinge within the allowable maximum pivoting angle and preventing door collisions.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, when the door is opened to its maximum opening angle, a warning is issued so that the user is aware of the potential danger of a door collision and thus ceases to apply force to the door handle. In particular, an auditory warning is considered, such as using a separately configured buzzer to issue a sound prompt or issuing a voice prompt through the vehicle's in-vehicle speakers. Alternatively, the warning can also be visually displayed on the central control display screen indicating that the corresponding door has been opened to its maximum angle.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, when the maximum opening angle of at least one vehicle door is less than a predetermined door opening angle, predetermined distances between the at least two detection positions and external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, are calculated based on the predetermined door opening angle and the distance between the at least two detection positions. Here, the predetermined door opening angle can be set according to a door opening angle that allows the user to easily alight from the vehicle. Then, based on at least one of the calculated predetermined distances to external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, the position of the vehicle relative to the external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, is adjusted. This prevents the door from colliding with external objects, particularly adjacent vehicles, when it is opened, while simultaneously facilitating the user's smooth alighting.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for preventing collisions with vehicle doors is provided, for performing the method according to the first aspect, the system comprising at least:

[0015] - Distance measuring devices are used to detect the distance between a vehicle and objects outside the vehicle, especially between adjacent vehicles. In particular, distance measuring devices are constructed as distance sensors, such as laser distance sensors and radar distance sensors commonly used in automotive technology.

[0016] - Control unit, used to calculate the maximum opening angle of the door and control the opening of the door, especially to control the pivoting of the door hinge, wherein the control unit may include a computing unit and a storage unit, and is particularly integrated into the vehicle computer (ECU) or a component of the vehicle computer;

[0017] - The actuator, particularly including an actuator and a door limiter, is used to limit the opening of the door from exceeding the maximum opening angle, wherein the door limiter may include, for example, a locking device for locking the door hinge in the maximum permissible pivot position.

[0018] Optionally, the system may also include a reminder device for issuing a reminder when the door is opened to its maximum opening angle. The reminder device may be installed separately on the door or as part of the vehicle's central control system, and may, for example, issue a voice prompt or display a visual prompt on the central control display screen.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle, particularly a passenger car, is provided having the system described in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of its principles, features, and advantages. The drawings include:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary application scenario of the method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of calculating the maximum opening angle of a car door based on one embodiment of the method of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a system for preventing door collisions is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and at least one exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary application scenario of the method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As can be seen, when parking, vehicle 1 can only park non-parallel to adjacent vehicle 2 due to external objects, such as adjacent vehicle 2 parked at an angle. This creates an angle α between the two vehicles, resulting in significantly different distances between the front and rear doors of vehicle 1 and adjacent vehicle 2, leading to different maximum opening angles for the front and rear doors. To prevent collisions with adjacent vehicle 2 when the doors are opened, at least one distance measuring device 3, specifically two distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2, are used to detect the distance to adjacent vehicle 2. The distance measuring device 3 is, for example, constructed as a laser distance sensor, and distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2 are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the front and rear of vehicle 1. Then, the maximum opening angle of each door of vehicle 1 is calculated based on the detected distances to adjacent vehicle 2.

[0029] Furthermore, according to an extension scheme, in Figure 1 In this system, when vehicle 1 is parked in a parking space next to adjacent vehicle 2, the distance to adjacent vehicle 2 can be detected in real time by means of distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2 on the side facing adjacent vehicle 2. When the maximum opening angle of at least one door (e.g., the front door) calculated based on the detected distance is less than a predetermined door opening angle (the predetermined door opening angle is set, for example, according to the minimum door opening angle that allows the user to get out of the car easily), a reminder is issued through a reminder device not shown in detail, so that the driver can readjust the parking posture of the vehicle as needed; or in the case of automatic parking, vehicle 1 directly and autonomously readjusts the parking posture of the vehicle so that the maximum opening angle of the door is calculated to be at least not less than the predetermined door opening angle after the adjustment, so that the user can get out of the car smoothly. Here, the predetermined distances between the two distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2 and the adjacent vehicle 2 can be calculated based on the predetermined door opening angle, the tilt angle α between the two vehicles, and the distance between the two distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2. Then, the position of the vehicle 1 relative to the adjacent vehicle 2 is adjusted according to at least one of the predetermined distances.

[0030] Figure 2A flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the method for preventing vehicle door collision according to the present invention is shown. According to the first embodiment, the following method steps are performed when the vehicle 1 is parked or after it has stopped:

[0031] In step S1, the distance between the vehicle 1 and objects outside the vehicle, especially adjacent vehicles 2, is detected at at least two locations on one side of the vehicle using a ranging device 3.

[0032] In step S2, the maximum opening angle of each door of vehicle 1 is calculated based on the detected distance;

[0033] In step S3, based on the calculated maximum opening angle, a damping force is applied to limit further opening of the door to prevent the door from colliding with objects outside the vehicle, especially adjacent vehicle 2.

[0034] Here, in step S1, if the vehicle 1 is parked parallel to the adjacent vehicle 2, the distance M between each door and the adjacent vehicle 2 can be accurately detected by any distance measuring device 3 arranged on the side of the vehicle 1 facing the adjacent vehicle 2. This is because when the vehicle 1 and the adjacent vehicle 2 are parallel, the distance detected by the distance measuring device 3, for example, arranged on the outer side of the vehicle body, is also equal to the distance detected by the distance measuring device 3 directly arranged at the outer edge of the door. Then, based on this distance and the known door width B, the maximum opening angle β of each door can be calculated, for example, using the sine formula.

[0035]

[0036] If adjacent vehicle 2 is relative to vehicle 1, as in Figure 1 As shown, parking at an angle, calculating the maximum opening angle of each door based on the distance detected by the ranging device 3 located at the outer edge of the door to the adjacent vehicle 2 will result in an error between the calculated maximum opening angle and the actual achievable maximum opening angle. This is because the current tilt angle of the vehicle 1 relative to the adjacent vehicle 2 is not taken into account. Depending on whether the front or rear of the adjacent vehicle 2 is closer to the vehicle 1, the calculated maximum opening angle may be too small or too large. Especially if the calculated maximum opening angle is too large, the risk of the door colliding with the adjacent vehicle 2 when opening may not be avoided. Therefore, in step S1, the distance to the adjacent vehicle 2 needs to be detected at at least two locations.

[0037] Then, in step S2, the tilt angle α between the vehicle 1 and the adjacent vehicle 2 is calculated based on the difference between the distance between the at least two positions and the corresponding distance between the at least two positions and the adjacent vehicle 2. Taking the tilt angle α into account, the maximum opening angle of at least one door on one side of the vehicle is determined. The specific calculation process can be found below. Figure 5 The description.

[0038] Finally, in step S3, the damping force applied to the door hinge is controlled according to the calculated maximum opening angle. When the door opens close to the calculated maximum opening angle, the applied damping force is significantly increased, preventing the user from opening the door further. Optionally, when the maximum opening angle is reached, the door hinge is locked by the locking device of the door limiter, thereby keeping the door hinge within the maximum allowable pivot angle to avoid door collision.

[0039] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention is shown. This second embodiment is related to... Figure 2 The difference in the first implementation is that, in an additional step S4, when the door is opened to its maximum opening angle, a reminder is issued to the user, making the user aware of the potential danger of a door collision, so that the door is not opened further, or during parking, the user is reminded that they are too close to the adjacent vehicle 2 and cannot get out of the car yet, and need to wait for further adjustment of the vehicle's posture.

[0040] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the method for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention is shown. This third embodiment is related to... Figure 2 The difference in the first embodiment is that, after step S3 in the first embodiment, the following steps are also performed:

[0041] In step S4, a predetermined door opening angle is set to allow the user to get out of the vehicle smoothly. Based on the predetermined door opening angle and the distance between at least two detection positions, the predetermined distances between the at least two detection positions and objects outside the vehicle, especially adjacent vehicles 2, are calculated.

[0042] In step S5, the position of the vehicle 1 relative to external objects, especially adjacent vehicles 2, is readjusted according to at least one of the predetermined distances, so that each door can be opened to at least a predetermined door opening angle as needed, thereby facilitating the user to get out of the vehicle.

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of calculating the maximum opening angle of a car door based on one embodiment of the method of the present invention is shown. Figure 5As can be seen, there is an angle (equal to ∠α) between one side of vehicle 1 (represented by lines P5 and P8) and the side of the adjacent vehicle 2 (represented by lines P1 and P4) parked at an angle. A distance measuring device 3 is positioned at two points P5 (e.g., at the front of the vehicle) and P8 (e.g., at the rear of the vehicle) on one side of vehicle 1. Of course, the distance measuring device 3 can also be positioned at other locations on one side of vehicle 1. Using the two distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2 to detect the distances M1 (i.e., length P1P8) and M2 (i.e., length P4P5) between the vehicle and the adjacent vehicle 2, and given the door width B (i.e., length P6P7) and the pre-defined distance between the installation positions P5 and P8 of the two distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2, ∠α can be calculated using the following formula:

[0044]

[0045] Then, calculate the distance M3 (i.e., length P2P7) from the door hinge P7 to the adjacent vehicle 2, where M3 is proportional to M1:

[0046]

[0047] Given M3, length P3P7 (corresponding to door width B), and ∠β (the complementary angle of ∠α), ∠δ can be calculated using trigonometric functions, such as the sine theorem, according to the following formula:

[0048]

[0049] Then, calculate ∠θ, that is

[0050] ∠θ=180°-∠β-∠δ

[0051] Since ∠θ is the complementary angle of the maximum opening angle ∠γ, the maximum opening angle ∠γ of at least one door on one side of the vehicle can be easily calculated.

[0052] Needless to say, the two distance measuring devices 3.1 and 3.2 mentioned above can be optionally installed at any location other than the outside of the door, as long as they are installed on the same side of the vehicle body. It is known that by using the known distance between the two distance measuring devices and appropriately adjusting the aforementioned formula, the maximum opening angle ∠γ of the door can be obtained.

[0053] In addition, Figure 5The diagram also shows, with dashed lines, the predetermined distances between the two detection positions P5' and P8' on vehicle 1 and their corresponding points P4 and P1 on adjacent vehicle 2, calculated based on the predetermined door opening angle ∠γ', the tilt angle α between the two vehicles (i.e., the angle between the straight line P1P4 representing the side of the adjacent vehicle 2 and the straight line P5'P8' representing the side of the newly adjusted vehicle 1), and the distance between the detection positions P5' and P8' of the two ranging devices. These predetermined distances are the distance between the new detection position P5' and point P4 (i.e., the length P4P5') and the distance between another new detection position P8' and point P1 (i.e., the length P1P8'). Then, the position of vehicle 1 relative to adjacent vehicle 2 is adjusted according to at least one of these predetermined distances. Specifically, the length P4P5' is used to adjust the distance between vehicle 1 and adjacent vehicle 2 (because the maximum opening angle of the front door is relatively small). Furthermore, from... Figure 5 It can be schematically concluded that the adjusted maximum opening angle of the car door (i.e., the predetermined door opening angle ∠γ') is greater than the original maximum opening angle ∠γ.

[0054] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a system for preventing vehicle door collisions is shown. The system 10 for preventing vehicle door collisions according to the present invention includes at least:

[0055] - Distance measuring device 3 is used to detect the distance between the vehicle 1 and objects outside the vehicle, especially adjacent vehicles 2. The distance measuring device 3 is constructed, for example, as a laser distance sensor or a radar distance sensor. Optionally, the distance measuring device 3 can be an existing distance measuring device set on the side of the vehicle body, for example, in the form of any type of camera or distance sensor.

[0056] - The control unit 4, including a computing unit 7 and a storage unit 8, is used to calculate the maximum opening angle of the door by means of the computing unit 7 and control the opening process of the door, especially the pivoting of the door hinge, using the detected distance transmitted by the ranging device 3. The control unit 4 is integrated, for example, in the vehicle computer (ECU).

[0057] -Actuator 5, particularly including an actuator and a door limiter, is used to limit the door opening to no more than the maximum opening angle. Actuator 5 can, for example, apply a damping force acting opposite to the door opening direction to the door hinge via the actuator, and, if necessary, lock the door hinge in the maximum permissible pivot position via the locking device of the door limiter; and

[0058] - Optional reminder device 6, used to remind the user according to the output command of control unit 4 when the door is opened to the maximum opening angle, such as outputting auditory and / or visual reminder information. The reminder device 6 can be set on the door alone or constructed as part of the vehicle central control system, such as issuing voice prompts through the in-vehicle speakers or displaying visual prompts on the central control display screen.

[0059] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only, and the invention is not, in its broader sense, limited to the specific details, representative structures, and exemplary embodiments shown and described. Rather, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and substitutions without departing from the basic spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for preventing a vehicle door from colliding, the method comprising the following steps: - Detect the distance between the vehicle (1) and an external object at at least two locations on one side of the vehicle body; - Calculate the maximum opening angle of the door based on the distance; and - Based on the maximum opening angle, damping force is applied to limit further opening of the door. in, The tilt angle between the vehicle (1) and the external object is calculated based on the difference between the distance between the at least two positions and the corresponding distance between the at least two positions and the external object. Taking into account the tilt angle, determine the maximum opening angle of at least one door of the vehicle (1), and When the maximum opening angle of at least one door is less than the predetermined door opening angle, the predetermined distances between the at least two positions and the objects outside the vehicle are calculated based on the predetermined door opening angle and the distance between the at least two positions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping force applied to the door hinge is controlled based on the calculated maximum opening angle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the door is opened to its maximum opening angle, issue a warning and / or lock the door hinges in the maximum pivot position.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The position of the vehicle (1) relative to the external object is adjusted according to at least one of the predetermined distances.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The position of the vehicle (1) relative to the external object is adjusted according to at least one of the predetermined distances.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, characterized in that, The external object is the adjacent vehicle (2).

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The external object is the adjacent vehicle (2).

8. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The external object is the adjacent vehicle (2).

9. A system for preventing a vehicle door from colliding, for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-8, the system comprising: - Distance measuring device (3) is used to detect the distance between the vehicle (1) and objects outside the vehicle; - Control unit (4), used to calculate the maximum opening angle of the door and control the opening of the door; and - Actuator (5) is used to limit the opening of the door from exceeding the maximum opening angle.

10. The system for preventing door collisions according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a reminder device (6) for issuing a reminder when the door is opened to the maximum opening angle.

11. The system for preventing vehicle door collisions according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The ranging device (3) is constructed as a laser distance sensor or a radar distance sensor; and / or The control unit (4) includes a computing unit (7) and a storage unit (8); and / or The actuator (5) includes an actuator and a door limiter, wherein the door limiter includes a locking device for locking the door hinge in the maximum pivot position.

12. A vehicle (1) comprising a system for preventing door collisions according to any one of claims 9-11.

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