Driver Assist Calibration for Changed Vehicle Ride Height

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle driver assist technologies (DAT) systems fail to operate effectively when a vehicle is modified from its factory setup, as changes in ride height or tire size alter sensor geometry and field of view, leading to inaccurate data and affected slip controls and powertrain output.

Innovation Solution

A system that dynamically adjusts factory-calibrated parameters of DAT features by retrieving and applying revised calibration data based on detected changes in ride height and tire size, using sensor data and communication with other vehicles or infrastructure to ensure accurate operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle is modified from factory setup (ride height or tire size changes), then the vehicle can be customized for specific needs, but the sensor geometry and field of view become inaccurate, causing DAT systems to fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle customizationVSAvoidsensor data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts calibration parameters based on detected ride height changes. The vehicle computer continuously monitors sensor data, detects ride height variations, and retrieves or calculates updated calibration data to maintain accurate sensor geometry and field of view despite vehicle modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes calibration parameters (sensor height, angle, field of view geometry) based on detected ride height modifications. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for physical changes to the vehicle and maintains measurement precision across different vehicle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If factory-calibrated parameters are used after vehicle modification, then the DAT systems operate with original settings, but the control states become inaccurate affecting slip controls and powertrain output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcontrol accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from sensor data to detect ride height changes and automatically adjusts calibration parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that control accuracy is maintained by continuously comparing actual sensor readings against expected values and making necessary corrections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle computer automatically detects ride height changes and retrieves or calculates appropriate calibration data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts to maintain reliability, eliminating the need for professional recalibration services after common modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11840241B1Adjusting driver assist technology based on vehicle ride height

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A system and method for providing calibration data for driver assist systems based on a changed ride height includes receiving sensor data from at least one of a camera, RADAR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and/or LiDAR sensor of the vehicle, determining that a ride height of the vehicle has changed based on the sensor data, retrieving calibration data for at least one driver assist system based upon the changed ride height; and operating the at least one driver assist system using the retrieved calibration data.