Carwash Entry Assistance Using Vehicle Path and Component Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack automated systems for detecting the approach of a car wash and assisting with the preparation and entry into the wash facility, requiring manual intervention and potentially suboptimal vehicle positioning.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with sensors and actuators, controlled by a controller, identifies the presence of a car wash, prepares the vehicle for entry by aligning and positioning components, determines a path, and assists the operator in maneuvering the vehicle into the wash facility, either autonomously or with guidance, using steering and transmission controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for vehicle entry into car wash, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to prepare itself automatically for car wash entry through sensor-based detection and actuator-controlled component positioning. The controller autonomously determines the entry path and coordinates steering and transmission actuators without requiring manual operator intervention, allowing the vehicle to service itself in the car wash entry process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the car wash facility in advance and automatically positioning vehicle components (such as mirrors and antennas) to predetermined positions compatible with car wash entry before the vehicle actually enters. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual intervention during the entry process.
2Productivity
If automated vehicle preparation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by integrating car wash detection, path determination, component positioning control, and steering actuation coordination into a single control unit. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one unified controller, improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensor feedback to detect the car wash facility and monitor vehicle position, with the controller continuously adjusting actuator commands based on this feedback to achieve precise component positioning and accurate entry path following. This feedback mechanism enables automated high-speed operation while maintaining control precision without requiring overly complex open-loop control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise component positioning is achieved, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated actuator-controlled positioning under electronic control. The controller commands actuators to move components to predetermined positions based on sensor input and pre-stored positioning data, achieving precise component positioning without the complexity of manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms or complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided for carwash detection and entry assistance of a vehicle. A system includes a controller that operates to identify the presence of the vehicle at a wash facility, and to determine whether an operator of the vehicle has accepted entry assistance. When the operator has accepted entry assistance, the controller prepares the vehicle for entering the wash facility, determines a path into the wash facility, and assists the operator in entering the vehicle into the wash facility via the path.