Side-View Mirror Collision Sensing for Automatic Evasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-view mirrors on vehicles are prone to damage due to their protrusion from the vehicle body, leading to frequent collisions with obstacles in parking lots and tight spaces, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
Integration of mirror collision anticipation sensors (MCASs) with side-view mirrors to detect imminent collision events, using various sensor technologies and prediction models to trigger automated mirror evasion maneuvers, such as folding the mirrors to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If side-view mirrors protrude from the vehicle body to provide enhanced visibility, then the driver's visibility and safety are improved, but the mirrors become more vulnerable to collisions with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The side-view mirror is designed with a motorized actuator that enables dynamic repositioning between an extended position (for optimal visibility) and a retracted position (for collision avoidance). The system transitions from a static mirror structure to a dynamic one that can adapt its position based on real-time environmental conditions detected by sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, or optical) to detect obstacles in advance before collision occurs. The control processor analyzes sensor data and triggers the motorized actuator to reposition the mirror proactively, performing the protective action before the harmful collision event takes place.
2Reliability
If automated sensor systems and motorized actuators are integrated to enable mirror evasion maneuvers, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified architecture: sensors serve both primary driving assistance and mirror collision detection; the control processor handles both general vehicle system communications and specific mirror control logic; the motorized actuator serves both mirror adjustment and collision evasion maneuvers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mirror adjustment mechanism with the collision evasion mechanism by using a single motorized actuator controlled by an integrated control processor. The sensor system is merged with the vehicle's existing obstacle detection infrastructure, consolidating multiple protective functions into one coordinated system rather than separate independent systems.
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
Effectively reduces the likelihood and severity of side-view mirror damage by proactively repositioning the mirrors to avoid collisions, enhancing vehicle safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
One or more mirror collision anticipation sensors (MCASs) are integrated with one or more side-view mirrors, or otherwise with a vehicle. The MCASs generate sensor signals based on detecting a proximate environment of the side-view mirrors.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for automatically detecting and responding to imminent damage to and/or from a vehicle's side-view mirror. One or more mirror collision anticipation sensors (MCASs) are integrated with one or more side-view mirrors, or otherwise with a vehicle. The MCASs generate sensor signals based on detecting a proximate environment of the side-view mirrors. A response processor can receive the sensor signals from the MCASs and can compute a present likelihood of an imminent collision event based on monitoring the sensor signals. The response processor can generate a trigger signal responsive to detecting that the present likelihood exceeds a predetermined trigger threshold and can output the trigger signal to a motor controller. The motor controller can execute an automated mirror evasion maneuver responsive to the trigger signal, including electromechanically repositioning the side-view mirrors relative to the vehicle's main body to hopefully avoid the imminent collision event.