Inertia Sensor Misalignment Detection for Forward-Looking Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle sensor systems face challenges in accurately determining misalignment, with current methods being complex, costly, or time-consuming, leading to mismeasurements that can cause customer dissatisfaction and system performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A misalignment detection sensor assembly comprising a forward-looking sensor and an inertia sensor, where the inertia sensor measures acceleration along a fixed axis related to the forward-looking sensor's sensing direction, allowing for calculation of a misalignment angle by comparing acceleration signals with predetermined thresholds, and a signal processing system to determine and compensate for misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second radar system is used to sense stationary objects along the side of the road for misalignment detection, then misalignment can be detected, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the misalignment detection function from a separate radar system and integrates it into the existing forward-looking sensor assembly by adding an inertia sensor. This eliminates the need for a second radar system while maintaining misalignment detection capability, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward-looking sensor assembly is given multiple functions: it continues to perform its primary forward-looking detection function while simultaneously performing misalignment detection through the integrated inertia sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated misalignment detection equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical axis alignment with light cone is used for radar system alignment, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures (optical axis alignment with light cone) with a simpler inertial measurement-based alignment method. The inertia sensor automatically detects misalignment through acceleration measurements, eliminating the need for time-consuming optical alignment procedures while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by using the inertia sensor to automatically detect and quantify misalignment conditions. This eliminates the need for external alignment equipment and manual adjustment procedures, making the alignment process faster and more autonomous.
3Device complexity
If sensor misalignment is not properly compensated, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the inertia sensor continuously monitors for misalignment conditions and provides information to the control system. The control system then applies compensation to the sensor readings based on the detected misalignment, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained without requiring complex mechanical realignment procedures.
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 solution efficiently detects and compensates for misalignment, ensuring accurate sensing of surrounding conditions, thereby enhancing system performance and reducing customer dissatisfaction by providing a cost-effective and efficient method for aligning forward-looking sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an inertia sensor configured to sense acceleration along a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A misalignment detection sensor assembly is provided, which includes a forward-looking sensor having a sensing direction along a first axis and an inertia sensor configured to sense acceleration along a second axis, the second axis having a fixed relationship with respect to the first axis. A misalignment detection system uses the misalignment detection sensor assembly and a signal processing system to calculate a misalignment angle between the first axis and the direction of forward motion of the sensor assembly. A method of detecting angular misalignment of a forward-looking sensor assembly is also disclosed, which includes measuring acceleration along an axis having a fixed relationship with respect to the sensing axis of the forward-looking sensor assembly and comparing the acceleration measurement with a predetermined threshold.