Guided Soft Target System for Crash Avoidance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crash avoidance technology testing systems face challenges in replicating realistic crash scenarios while minimizing hazards and equipment damage, and in providing a consistent radar and sensor signature for various collision types, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A Guided Soft Target system comprising a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form attached to a programmable, autonomously guided Dynamic Motion Element, which can replicate pre-crash motions and follow predetermined trajectories, ensuring realistic and safe collision scenarios with consistent sensor signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid target vehicle is used to simulate real-world collision partners, then the sensor signature and appearance are realistic, but the physical risk to test personnel and damage to equipment increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material parameters of the target vehicle by using a lightweight soft body structure instead of a rigid vehicle. This transformation maintains the visual and radar signature characteristics while fundamentally altering the impact properties to reduce harm during collision testing
Solution Approach 2:
The soft collision partner is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable target that can withstand multiple low-speed impacts without permanent damage. The inexpensive construction allows for repeated use in testing scenarios where the target may be struck, eliminating the need for expensive, durable rigid targets
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lightweight soft target is used to minimize damage, then physical risk is reduced, but the aerodynamic stability and sensor signature consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the soft collision partner. The body structure incorporates specific geometric features and surface characteristics in key areas to maintain aerodynamic stability and consistent sensor signatures, while other areas remain soft and compliant for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The soft collision partner uses composite construction combining lightweight soft materials with structural elements that provide aerodynamic stability. This composite approach allows the target to maintain its shape and sensor signature characteristics while remaining safe for collision testing
3Reliability
If a complex guided motion system is added to replicate realistic pre-crash motions, then the test scenario realism improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The soft collision partner is designed as a universal platform that can be used in multiple test scenarios without requiring complex scenario-specific mechanisms. The simple guided motion system can replicate various pre-crash motions through programmable control, making the system versatile across different testing needs
Data Source
AI summary
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.