License Plate Radar Array for Sub-Degree Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensors installed in the front of vehicles face challenges with aerodynamic and aesthetic integration, material property variations affecting signal quality, and signal attenuation, which hinder high angular resolution and detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with a two-dimensional array of antennas, arranged on a large area behind the vehicle's license plate, providing improved angular resolution and reduced signal interference by optimizing antenna placement and material selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar sensors are installed in the front bumper or fascia to achieve high gain and high resolution at long distances, then detection performance is improved, but aerodynamic and aesthetic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The license plate serves as an intermediary carrier for the radar antenna array. By mounting the radar system on the license plate rather than directly on the bumper or fascia, the patent achieves high angular resolution (sub-degree level) while preserving the aerodynamic and aesthetic properties of the vehicle front. The license plate acts as a mediating structure that separates the radar installation from the main bodywork.
2Measurement precision
If radar sensors with larger physical apertures are used to achieve higher angular resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The license plate is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves its traditional identification purpose and acts as a mounting platform for the radar antenna array. This universal approach allows the same license plate structure to fulfill multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate radar housings or complex integration structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mounting location parameter from traditional front bumper/fascia positions to the license plate area. This parameter change enables the radar system to achieve larger effective aperture (275-310 mm length, 100-120 mm height) while simplifying integration, as the license plate provides a ready-made standardized mounting surface.
3Shape
If radar sensors are covered by radomes or bumpers to integrate into the outer shell, then aerodynamic properties are improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to material property variations and attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The radar antenna array is extracted from the traditional covered positions in the bumper or fascia and relocated to the license plate area. This extraction removes the radar system from the path of harmful material interactions with molded plastic parts and semi-metallic surface coatings, thereby eliminating signal attenuation and phase distortion caused by these materials.
4Shape
If radar sensors are installed behind the front bumper to improve aerodynamic properties, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but signal attenuation increases due to material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The license plate serves as an intermediary mounting structure that positions the radar antennas in a location with favorable electromagnetic properties. By using the license plate as the mounting intermediary rather than installing sensors directly behind the bumper, the patent avoids signal attenuation from thick bumper materials while maintaining aerodynamic performance.
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 system achieves sub-degree level resolution and enhanced radar performance with reduced manufacturing costs and aesthetic impact, compatible with various license plate standards, while minimizing signal distortions.
Implementation Method 1
Radar sensors are used in automotive applications to provide safety and comfort functions
Implementation Method 2
The varying material properties of the elements covering the radar sensors can massively influence the radar signal quality
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system for automotive applications includes multiple radar antennas. The radar antennas are arranged on a two-dimensional area. The two-dimensional area has a length of between 190 and 520 mm and a height of between 80 and 220 mm. At least two of the radar antennas are arranged on opposing edges of the two-dimensional area.