Distance Sensor Placement in Rearview Mirrors for Vehicle Proximity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance control systems in vehicles suffer from ground reflections that lead to incorrect signal evaluation and limited detection range due to ultrasonic sensors being integrated into bumpers, restricting their effectiveness, especially at high speeds and in measuring distances from leading vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The distance sensors are rearranged to be placed on the sides of the vehicle, particularly in the exterior rearview mirrors, allowing for two-dimensional measuring characteristics and enabling the detection of lateral parking spaces with reduced ground reflections, using either ultrasonic or image sensors for accurate object detection and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic sensors are integrated into bumpers, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but ground reflections occur causing incorrect signal evaluation and limited detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance sensor from the bumper integration and relocates it to the exterior rearview mirror housing. This separation removes the sensor from the ground-proximity environment that causes harmful reflections, while maintaining integration within another vehicle component (the mirror housing) to preserve ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior rearview mirror housing serves as an intermediary structure that positions the distance sensor at an elevated location away from ground reflections. The mirror housing acts as a mounting platform that mediates between the sensor and the vehicle body, providing both structural support and optimal sensor positioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic sensors are integrated into bumpers, then installation is simple, but detection range is limited due to ground reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the low-positioned bumper integration and relocated to the elevated exterior rearview mirror housing. This extraction from the ground-proximity environment eliminates the limiting factor of ground reflections, thereby extending the detection range while maintaining integration simplicity within the mirror housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical dimension of sensor placement by moving the sensor from a low position in the bumper to a higher position in the exterior rearview mirror housing. This dimensional change in vertical positioning elevates the sensor above ground reflections, extending the effective detection range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distance sensors are arranged on the front or rear of the vehicle, then forward and backward distance control is achieved, but lateral parking space detection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior rearview mirror housing serves multiple functions: it maintains the primary function of providing rearward visibility while simultaneously serving as a mounting platform for distance sensors that enable lateral parking space detection. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated component to perform both traditional mirror functions and new distance measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the distance sensing function with the existing exterior rearview mirror housing structure. By combining these functions in a single integrated component, the system achieves lateral parking detection capability without requiring separate sensor housings or additional structural elements.
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
This arrangement enhances the accuracy and range of distance control systems by minimizing ground reflections and enabling the detection of three-dimensional objects, facilitating safer lateral parking and preventing door collisions by providing reliable measuring data and alert mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The distance sensor may essentially have any type of measuring characteristic. According to one preferred embodiment, the distance sensor should, however, only determine the distance from objects
Implementation Method 2
The distances from surrounding objects can be derived by evaluating the image data in this case
Implementation Method 3
it would also be possible and particularly preferable to realize the distance sensor in the form of an image sensor such as, for example, a camera. The distances from surrounding objects can be derived by evaluating the image data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a vehicle (01) with a distance control system, wherein the distance control system features at least one distance sensor (08) for measuring the distance of the vehicle (01) from surrounding objects (02, 03, 05). A distance sensor (08) is arranged on at least one side of the vehicle (01) in the central region thereof, particularly in or on the exterior rearview mirror (06, 07).