Lidar Optical Deflection for Rear Vehicle Space Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicles equipped with Lidar sensors primarily focus on front detection, leaving the rear space uncovered, which is crucial for safe and comfortable operation, especially at high speeds, and for driver assistance systems like highway pilots that require wide-range detection.
Innovation Solution
A deflection arrangement for the surroundings sensor, utilizing an optical arrangement with mirrors to selectively change the detection range and direction, allowing the Lidar sensor to cover regions behind and beside the vehicle by introducing the optical arrangement into the detection-relevant beam path, while maintaining the original detection properties unchanged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Lidar sensors are integrated only at the front of the vehicle, then front detection coverage is improved, but rear space detection coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable optical arrangement (deflection arrangement) that can be dynamically positioned to redirect the detection range of the Lidar sensor. This allows the detection direction to change from facing forward to facing rearward, enabling the system to adapt to different detection needs without requiring separate fixed sensors for each direction. The optical arrangement can be moved into or out of the detection path as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement acts as an intermediary element between the Lidar sensor and the target objects. By introducing this intermediate optical component, the patent enables the sensor to indirectly detect regions that would otherwise be inaccessible, specifically the rear space behind the vehicle, while maintaining the sensor's original position and detection characteristics.
2Area of stationary object
If the detection direction is changed to cover rear space, then rear space detection is improved, but mechanical stress on the sensor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical arrangement serves as a mediator that redirects the detection beams without requiring physical movement of the Lidar sensor itself. This intermediary optical system absorbs the mechanical complexity, allowing the sensor to remain stationary while still achieving rear space coverage through optical deflection, thereby minimizing mechanical stress on the sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanically complex solution (physically moving or rotating the entire Lidar sensor system) with an optical solution (using a movable optical arrangement to deflect beams). This substitution reduces mechanical stress on the sensor system while achieving the same functional goal of expanding detection coverage to rear space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical arrangement is introduced into the detection range, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical arrangement is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned only when needed for rear space detection. This dynamic configuration enables the system to maintain simplicity during normal forward detection while providing enhanced versatility when the optical arrangement is activated, balancing complexity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement serves multiple functions: it can deflect the detection range to cover rear space, it can be positioned or removed as needed, and it maintains the original detection properties when not in use. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing significant versatility improvements without requiring completely separate systems for different detection scenarios.
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
Enables the Lidar sensor to provide comparable sensor data from both the front and rear spaces, enhancing the versatility and safety of driver assistance systems by expanding detection coverage without mechanically stressing the sensor system and allowing quick restoration of the original detection configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an optical arrangement (11) for the deflection of the detection direction (9) and the entire detection range (8)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including at least one optical surroundings sensor which has a detection range in a detection direction. The motor vehicle further includes a deflection arrangement for the surroundings sensor. The deflection arrangement includes an optical arrangement configured to deflect the detection direction and the entire detection range, and an adjustment device configured to move the optical arrangement into and out of the detection range of the surroundings sensor.