Angled Vehicle Sensor Mounting for Three-Axis Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems relying on multiple sensors to detect impacts along three axes can leave movement undetected or delay detection, as they typically sense only two perpendicular directions, missing components along the third axis.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensors oriented at an angle greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees relative to the vehicle's lateral axis, allowing two-axis sensors to generate information indicative of movement along all three axes by sensing perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral axes, with a 45-degree angle being a specific example, enabling the electronic control unit to derive movement and force components along the Y and Z axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect impacts along three axes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single sensor perform multiple functions by orienting it at a 45-degree angle to detect impacts along all three vehicle axes (longitudinal, lateral, and vertical). The sensor's output is processed to derive impact components along each axis, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each axis and reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive impact detection capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are oriented at an angle greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees relative to the lateral axis, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a precise parameter - orienting the sensor at exactly 45 degrees relative to the vehicle's lateral axis. This specific angular parameter enables the sensor to equally detect components along the longitudinal and vertical axes. The ECU is programmed to process the sensor output according to this known orientation, deriving accurate impact components through mathematical calculations that account for the 45-degree angle, thus achieving comprehensive three-axis detection coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed safety system for a vehicle is discloses and includes at least one sensor for sensing movement and forces on the vehicle indicative of an impact along a first sensing axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a second sensing axis angled relative to a lateral axis of the vehicle. An electronic control unit is in communication with the at least one sensor and derives movement and force along the different axes from the information obtained relative to movement and forces along the second sensing axis. The electronic control unit uses the derived information to determine if a safety response is required based upon movement sensed by the at least one sensor and the information derived from information relating to movement along the second sensing axis.