Dummy Vehicle Sensor-Sensitive Layer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle dummies for testing driver assistance systems are not cost-effective and durable enough to withstand multiple collision tests while accurately simulating real vehicles, as they often suffer damage to radar-reflecting elements during collisions.

Innovation Solution

A dummy vehicle with a shell structure comprising a transparent outer layer made of light foam material and a sensor-sensitive inner layer, where the inner layer is designed to reflect radar signals and is protected from collisions by the outer layer, allowing for multiple uses and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the dummy vehicle uses a simple structure for cost-effective production, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to realistically simulate vehicle sensor characteristics deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsensor signal reflection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope structure is segmented into multiple layers: an outer layer for mechanical protection and shape maintenance, and an inner layer for sensor signal reflection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material construction with different layers having different properties - the outer layer provides structural integrity while the inner layer provides radar reflectivity. This composite approach enables realistic sensor simulation without requiring complex single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the dummy vehicle uses a robust outer layer to withstand collisions, then durability is improved, but the sensor signal transparency to the inner layer may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision resistanceVSAvoidsensor signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope structure is divided into functional layers where the outer layer handles mechanical stress from collisions while the inner layer handles sensor signal reflection. This segmentation allows the outer layer to be robust for collision resistance while maintaining overall sensor signal transparency through proper material selection and layer design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different layers of the envelope structure have different local qualities optimized for their specific functions - the outer layer has high mechanical strength for collision protection, while the inner layer has high radar reflectivity for sensor simulation, resolving the contradiction between robustness and signal transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the sensor-sensitive inner layer is exposed to directly receive sensor signals, then measurement precision is improved, but the layer is vulnerable to collision damage reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor signal detection accuracyVSAvoidcollision protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope structure segments the sensor-sensitive inner layer from direct collision exposure by placing it inside the outer layer. This allows the inner layer to maintain its sensor signal detection function while being protected from collision damage, enabling both measurement precision and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer layer serves as a protective cushion that absorbs collision impacts before they reach the sensor-sensitive inner layer. This beforehand cushioning protects the fragile inner layer from damage while allowing it to function accurately for sensor signal detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the dummy vehicle uses expensive durable materials for the inner layer, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of sensor-sensitive layerVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope structure segments the expensive sensor-sensitive inner layer from direct collision exposure, allowing the use of more durable materials for this layer without proportionally increasing overall cost. The outer layer absorbs collision impacts, protecting the expensive inner layer and reducing long-term replacement costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer layer provides beforehand cushioning that protects the expensive inner layer from collision damage. This protection extends the service life of the costly sensor-sensitive materials, improving reliability while the modular design allows for cost-effective production and replacement strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution enables the dummy vehicle to withstand collisions without damaging the sensor-sensitive inner layer, ensuring accurate sensor signal reflection and prolonged use, while maintaining dimensional stability and protecting the collision partner, thus addressing the need for a cost-effective and durable testing solution.

Implementation Method 1

The outer layer (104) is transparent to sensor signals from sensors (108, 110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the inner layer (105) is designed to be sensor-sensitive to sensor signals from sensors (108, 110) of the driver assistance system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Sensor signals can be emitted that penetrate the outer layer and are then exclusively reflected by the inner layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3980744B1Dummy vehicle comprising a sensor-sensitive layer
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 4ACTIVESYST
  • EP3980744B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dummy vehicle (100) for carrying out tests for driver assistance systems. The dummy vehicle (100) has a vehicle element (101) which reproduces part of a simulated vehicle. The vehicle element (101) forms a shell structure (103), said shell structure having an outer layer (104) and an inner layer (105). The outer layer (104) is closer to the exterior in the shell structure (103) than the inner layer (105). The outer layer (104) is transparent to sensor signals of sensors of the driver assistance system, and the inner layer (105) is sensor-sensitive to sensor signals of sensors of the driver assistance system.