Extendable Blind Spot Sensor for Trailer Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blind spot detection systems in vehicles are often disabled when a trailer is attached, as the trailer obstructs the rear corner blind spot sensors, preventing effective monitoring of the area.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of extendable blind spot sensors that can be manually or automatically adjusted to maintain an unobstructed field of view by extending or pivoting laterally and angularly, using mechanical actuators and controllers to reposition the sensors relative to the vehicle, ensuring continuous monitoring of the blind spot area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blind spot sensor is positioned at the rear corner of the vehicle, then it can effectively monitor the blind spot area, but the sensor becomes obstructed when a trailer is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The blind spot sensor assembly is made dynamically adjustable through an extendable arm mechanism that can pivot and extend laterally. The sensor assembly includes a motorized actuator that enables the sensor to move between a retracted position (when no trailer is present) and an extended position (when a trailer is attached), allowing the sensor to maintain an unobstructed field of view while preserving blind spot detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions the sensor positioning from a fixed two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional adjustable space. By adding the lateral extension dimension through the extendable arm, the sensor can move out from behind the trailer's obstruction plane, creating a new spatial relationship that eliminates the blocking effect while maintaining detection coverage
2Device complexity
If the blind spot sensor is fixed in position, then the system structure is simple, but the sensor field of view is blocked when a trailer is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a motorized actuator and control system that automatically detects trailer presence and adjusts the sensor assembly position accordingly. The control system receives signals from the trailer sensor and activates the actuator to extend or retract the sensor assembly, providing automatic adaptation without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a feedback mechanism where the trailer sensor detects whether a trailer is attached and sends this information to the control system. The control system then commands the actuator to adjust the sensor assembly position based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal sensor positioning regardless of trailer presence
Data Source
AI summary
Extendable blind spot sensors and methods of use are provided herein, which may include a blind spot sensor configured to monitor a blind spot of a vehicle and an extender in mechanical communication with the blind spot sensor. The extender is configured to move the blind spot sensor between a first position and a second position when a trailer is attached to the vehicle.