Carrier Bracket for Multi-Sensor Radar Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar sensors for vehicle corner applications are limited by design constraints, leading to narrow functional capabilities and the need for custom designs for specific applications, which increases development time and costs due to the requirement for multiple RF certifications.
Innovation Solution
A carrier bracket system that positions multiple short-range radar sensors or antennas around the vehicle's bumper/fascia to expand the field of view beyond 180 degrees, allowing for enhanced object detection and classification, while integrating electrical circuits and connections to save space and cost, and enabling customization for various vehicle designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radar sensors are positioned in a carrier bracket to expand field of view, then detection capability and field of view are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radar sensors are integrated into a single carrier bracket assembly, combining multiple sensing functions into one unified structure. This allows the system to achieve expanded field of view (greater than 180 degrees) while managing complexity through modular integration rather than separate mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier bracket is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple sensor types and configurations. The bracket provides standardized positioning and electrical connections that work across different sensor arrangements, reducing the need for custom mounting solutions for each application.
2Reliability
If custom radar designs are created for specific applications, then application performance is improved, but development time and certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized radar sensor design is created that can be deployed across multiple applications through the carrier bracket system. The universal design eliminates the need for separate custom designs for each application, reducing development time and RF certification requirements while maintaining reliable performance through standardized testing and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of sensor arrays within the carrier bracket to suit different applications. Rather than creating custom hardware designs for each application, the same sensor platform can be dynamically arranged and positioned to meet specific performance requirements, accelerating development cycles.
3Volume of moving object
If sensors are integrated with electrical circuits in the carrier bracket, then space and cost are saved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical circuits and connections are integrated directly into the carrier bracket structure, merging the mechanical mounting function with the electrical connection function. This consolidation eliminates separate wiring harnesses and connection components, saving space while the modular integration approach manages manufacturing complexity through standardized assembly processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular sensing system includes a control and a mounting carrier that is configured to support a plurality of sensor units at a vehicle so that the plurality of sensor units have respective fields of sensing exterior of the vehicle. The mounting carrier includes an electrical connector that is configured to electrically connect to an electrical connector of the vehicle. The sensor units are electrically connected to the electrical connector of the mounting carrier. The control, responsive to outputs of the sensor units, determines the presence of one or more objects within the field of sensing of at least one of the sensor units, and obtains height data pertaining to the height of the determined object. Responsive at least in part to the obtained height data, the control determines (i) that the determined object comprises a pedestrian, (ii) that the determined object comprises a curb and/or (iii) clearance information.