Embedded LiDAR Layout for Autonomous Vehicle Blind Spot Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sensor layouts in autonomous vehicles often compromise aesthetics and are prone to faults due to exposure, and different sensors create blind spots due to their unique operating principles.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous vehicle incorporates a combination of side and top laser radars, cameras, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonic sensors, with strategically embedded and tilted configurations to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of sensor damage while covering blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensors are provided outside the autonomous vehicle to achieve a better field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the vehicle styling is affected and the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds laser radars within the vehicle body structure, specifically integrating them into the side portions and top portion of the vehicle. This nesting approach allows the sensors to be housed within the vehicle's existing form rather than adding external protrusions, thereby maintaining vehicle styling while providing sufficient sensing capability through strategic internal placement and embedding
2Area of stationary object
If sensors are provided outside the autonomous vehicle to achieve a better field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the overall size of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser radars are embedded within the vehicle body, utilizing existing structural space rather than adding external extensions. This integration approach ensures that the sensing components are housed within the vehicle's overall dimensions, avoiding increases in length, width, or height while still achieving comprehensive environmental perception
3Area of stationary object
If sensors are provided outside the autonomous vehicle, then the field of view is improved, but sensors are prone to faults such as bumps
Solution Approach 1:
By embedding the laser radars within the vehicle body structure, the sensors are protected from external impacts, bumps, and environmental damage. The embedding provides physical protection while maintaining the necessary field of view through strategic positioning of the embedded sensors in side portions and top portion of the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The embedding structure acts as a protective cushion for the sensors, absorbing and distributing impact forces before they reach the sensitive sensor components. This beforehand protection reduces the risk of sensor damage from bumps and external forces
4Measurement precision
If different types of sensors are used, then specific sensing capabilities are improved, but sensing blind spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of sensors including laser radars, cameras, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonic sensors in a multi-sensor fusion system. This merging of different sensing technologies with complementary operating principles allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual sensors and eliminate blind spots through data fusion and cross-validation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where different sensor types perform overlapping functions to ensure comprehensive coverage. The combination of sensors with different operating principles (laser, electromagnetic, acoustic) creates a universal sensing system that can detect various objects and conditions, eliminating blind spots through functional redundancy
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 configuration improves the vehicle's attractiveness, reduces sensor faults, and ensures comprehensive environmental sensing, enhancing safety and the effectiveness of autonomous driving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of side laser radars respectively provided on a plurality of side portions of the autonomous vehicle, each of the plurality of side laser radars being partially embedded in a corresponding side portion of the plurality of side portions; and a top laser radar provided on a top portion of the autonomous vehicle and configured to obtain environmental information around the autonomous vehicle together with the plurality of side laser radars
Implementation Method 2
a first millimeter-wave radar provided on the front side of the autonomous vehicle and configured to collect a microwave image in front of the autonomous vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of ultrasonic radars respectively provided on the plurality of side portions of the autonomous vehicle and configured to collect an ultrasound image around the autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle includes: a plurality of side laser radars respectively provided on a plurality of side portions of the autonomous vehicle, each of the plurality of side laser radars being partially embedded in a corresponding side portion of the plurality of side portions; and a top laser radar provided on a top portion of the autonomous vehicle and configured to obtain environmental information around the autonomous vehicle together with the plurality of side laser radars. By providing the plurality of laser radars, a sensing blind spot of the autonomous vehicle may be avoided.