Adjustable Suspension for Dynamic Sensor Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles equipped with external sensors face limitations due to fixed fields of view, which can result in objects of interest being partially or completely obscured, especially when the vehicle is at varying orientations or encountering topographical changes, leading to reduced accuracy and effectiveness in navigation and object detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable suspension system that allows the vehicle to tilt, thereby increasing the effective field of view of sensors by bringing objects of interest into the sensor's range, utilizing a combination of sensor data, tilt rate, and tilt angle control to maintain accuracy and passenger comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensors are mounted in a fixed manner on the vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view coverage is limited and objects of interest may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suspension system with the sensor mounting system, merging two existing vehicle systems. The sensors are mounted on the suspension assembly rather than being fixed to the vehicle body, allowing the sensor position to be adjusted through suspension movement without requiring a separate sensor positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static sensor mounting system to a dynamic one by utilizing the movable suspension components. The sensors are positioned on suspension elements that can change position relative to the vehicle body, enabling the field of view to be dynamically adjusted based on suspension movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle maintains a fixed orientation, then the stability is improved, but the sensor field of view cannot adapt to topographical changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic movement of the suspension system to adapt the sensor field of view to varying terrain conditions. As the suspension moves in response to topographical changes, the sensors mounted on it automatically adjust their orientation and position, providing adaptability without requiring active control of vehicle orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system performs dual functions: maintaining vehicle stability on varying terrain while simultaneously adjusting the sensor field of view. The sensors benefit from the suspension's natural movement in response to terrain changes, without requiring a separate mechanism to adjust their positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If the suspension is adjusted to tilt the vehicle for better sensor coverage, then the field of view is improved, but passenger comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes partial suspension movement to achieve the necessary sensor positioning adjustments. Rather than requiring extreme or excessive suspension travel to maximize field of view, the system uses moderate, controlled movements that are sufficient for sensor coverage while remaining imperceptible or minimally noticeable to passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle body and the sensors, absorbing and smoothing out the movements required for optimal sensor positioning. This intermediate mechanism allows the sensors to achieve better coverage while the vehicle body remains relatively stable, minimizing passenger discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a control system to utilize a movable suspension to increase sensor coverage. The control system can detect an object of interest that is partially, or completely, outside the field of view of one or more sensors on the vehicle. The system can then use the movable suspension to raise one portion of the vehicle and/or lower another portion of the vehicle to bring the object of interest at least partially into the field of view of the sensor, increasing the effective field of view of the sensor. When an object of interest is determined to be significant (e.g., a traffic or street sign), the system can attempt to bring the object of interest into view of the sensor by tilting the vehicle. The system can use different tilt rates and/or tilt angles depending on whether the vehicle is occupied or not.