Retractable Autonomous Truck Sensors for Blind-Spot Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges with sensor placement that leads to increased drag, lower fuel efficiency, and potential blind spots due to the size and fixed position of sensors, limiting their field of view and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive sensor system that deploys and retracts sensors based on operating conditions and driving scenarios, using a control system to determine the likelihood of objects in proximity and adjust sensor position for optimal aerodynamic profiles and enhanced detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed externally on the vehicle to enhance detection capabilities, then sensor effectiveness is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements retractable sensors that can dynamically change their position between extended and retracted states. The control system selectively deploys sensors based on operational conditions, extending them when detection capability is prioritized and retracting them when aerodynamic efficiency is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between sensor effectiveness and fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control system proactively determines when sensor deployment is necessary based on predicted operational conditions and environmental factors. By anticipating situations where enhanced detection is needed, the system pre-deploys sensors before they are strictly required, optimizing both detection effectiveness and aerodynamic performance throughout the vehicle's operation
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed externally on the vehicle to enhance detection capabilities, then sensor effectiveness is improved, but the vehicle experiences increased drag
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable sensor mechanism allows the vehicle to dynamically adjust its aerodynamic profile by retracting sensors when high detection performance is not required. This reduces the vehicle's aerodynamic drag coefficient during conditions where standard sensors suffice, while still maintaining the capability to extend sensors when enhanced detection is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors multiple parameters including vehicle speed, environmental conditions, and sensor performance metrics to dynamically adjust sensor deployment status. By changing the physical state of sensors between extended and retracted positions based on these parameters, the system optimizes the balance between detection effectiveness and aerodynamic drag reduction
3Device complexity
If sensors are fixed in position on the vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but blind spots are created and detection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable sensors that can change their spatial position relative to the vehicle body. By transitioning from fixed to movable sensor mounting, the system eliminates blind spots and improves detection capability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of straightforward mechanical retraction mechanisms and control logic
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.