Capacitive Sensor System for Vehicle Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sensor systems lack the capability to effectively emit distinct electrical fields for precise object detection and alignment, particularly in complex environments like parking areas with conductive elements, which limits their ability to autonomously position and brake in relation to targets.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor system integrated into a skid plate or bumper, featuring first and second sensors that emit different electrical fields, allowing for selective activation and deactivation to project varying distances, enabling precise object detection and autonomous vehicle alignment and braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor system is used for object detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and detection accuracy are insufficient for complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple sensor types (first sensors and second sensors) with different detection ranges and functions. First sensors detect objects at a first distance while second sensors detect objects at a second distance, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision across different ranges without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between first sensors and second sensors based on detection needs and operating conditions. The controller selectively activates different sensor types to optimize detection accuracy for specific scenarios while managing system complexity through adaptive sensor selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors with different detection ranges are used, then the detection coverage and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both first sensors and second sensors are integrated into a single sensor system that can perform multiple detection functions. The system provides universal detection capability across different distances by selecting appropriate sensor types based on the detection task, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection space is segmented into different ranges, with first sensors covering a first distance and second sensors covering a second distance. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific range while the overall system achieves versatile detection coverage through coordinated sensor selection
3Ease of operation
If electrical fields are emitted for object detection, then non-contact detection capability is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system emits electrical fields periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The controller activates first or second sensors based on specific detection needs and operating conditions, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining non-contact detection capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical field emission is dynamically controlled based on detection requirements. The system switches between different sensor types and activation states to optimize energy usage, emitting fields only when and where detection is needed rather than maintaining constant field emission across all sensors
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables accurate detection of conductive elements and targets, allowing for autonomous vehicle positioning and self-alignment, as well as safe braking by emitting electrical fields that project different distances, enhancing vehicle navigation and safety in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor system integrated into a skid plate or bumper, featuring first and second sensors that emit different electrical fields
Implementation Method 2
The sensor system emits a first electrical field from each of the first sensors when the first sensors are active and the second sensor is inactive. The sensor system emits a second electrical field when the first sensors are active and the second sensor is active
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle assembly includes a sensor system of a bumper or a skid plate. The sensor system includes a plurality of first sensors and at least one second sensor. The sensor system emits a first electrical field from each of the first sensors when the plurality of first sensors are active and the at least one second sensor is inactive. The sensor system emits a second electrical field when the plurality of first sensors are active and the at least one second sensor is active. The first electrical field projects a first distance from the skid plate. The second electrical field projects a longer, second distance from the skid plate.