Side Mirror Camera Assembly for Blind Spot-Free Truck Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in providing uninterrupted and reliable sensor fields of view due to vibrations, blind spots, and maneuverability issues, which are critical for safe autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles, comprising a side mirror assembly with multiple cameras and sensors, including a first camera opposite the direction of travel, a second camera forward, a third camera perpendicular to the direction of travel, and a fourth camera on the roof, providing an uninterrupted 180° field of view, along with radar and lidar sensors, and a rigid support structure to withstand vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are mounted on the side mirror assembly to provide wide field of view, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cameras (first camera for rear view, second camera for forward view, third camera for side view) are integrated into a single side mirror assembly housing, combining multiple sensing functions into one consolidated unit that provides comprehensive 180-degree coverage while managing complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides traditional side viewing capability while also housing multiple cameras for autonomous driving perception, and includes radar and lidar sensors, making it a multi-functional integrated sensor platform
2Reliability
If cameras are positioned to eliminate blind spots, then the detection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cameras are pre-oriented during manufacturing to specific angles that guarantee blind spot-free coverage. The first camera is oriented to capture rear views, the second camera forward views, and the third camera side views, with predetermined orientations that ensure complete 180-degree coverage when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple cameras with different field of view parameters and orientation angles. By varying the orientation parameters of each camera (rear-facing, forward-facing, side-facing) and combining their coverage areas, the system achieves complete blind spot elimination while managing individual camera precision requirements
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor assembly is designed to withstand vibrations, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a rigid mounting bracket, vibration-damping elements, and flexible connection points. This segmented approach allows each component to handle specific vibration challenges independently while maintaining overall sensor assembly stability
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles includes a side mirror assembly configured to mount to a vehicle. The side mirror assembly includes a first camera having a field of view in a direction opposite a direction of forward travel of the vehicle; a second camera having a field of view in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle; and a third camera having a field of view in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The first camera, the second camera, and the third camera are oriented to provide, in combination with a fourth camera configured to be mounted on a roof of the vehicle, an uninterrupted camera field of view from the direction of forward travel of the vehicle to a direction opposite the direction of forward travel of the vehicle.