Side Mirror Camera Assembly for Uninterrupted Truck Sensor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in providing an uninterrupted and reliable field of view for autonomous driving due to vibrations, blind spots caused by trailers, and the need for precise object detection under varying road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles that includes multiple cameras and sensors, such as radar and lidar, mounted on a rigid structure with specific orientations to provide an uninterrupted 180° field of view, and additional sensors on the roof for comprehensive coverage, while withstanding high vibrations and maintaining precise object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are mounted on a rigid structure to provide uninterrupted field of view, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into multiple independent camera units (first camera, second camera, third camera) each with specific field of view orientations. This segmentation allows each camera to cover specific angular ranges, collectively providing uninterrupted 180° coverage while maintaining individual camera simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple camera systems are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly mounted on the rigid structure. The combination of first camera (forward direction), second camera (lateral direction), and third camera (rearward direction) creates a unified detection system that provides comprehensive coverage without requiring separate mounting structures
2Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on a rigid structure to withstand vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a mounting platform for all camera sensors, maintains precise relative positioning between cameras, and acts as a vibration-damping structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate vibration isolation components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process
3Area of stationary object
If cameras are oriented to provide uninterrupted 180° field of view, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera is assigned a specific local field of view orientation optimized for its detection task. The first camera covers the forward direction, the second camera covers the lateral direction, and the third camera covers the rearward direction. This localized optimization ensures comprehensive 180° coverage while keeping each camera's orientation simple and purpose-specific
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.