Side-View Mirror Collision Prediction During Vehicle Maneuvers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-view mirror protection systems do not effectively address the risk of damage when a vehicle is in motion, particularly during maneuvers like reversing into a parking spot or navigating multi-lane highways, as they do not account for the vehicle's turning path and protrusion distance of the mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the turning path characteristic of a vehicle and the probability of collision with objects using dimensional parameters and sensor data, issuing alerts or executing preventive maneuvers to avoid damage, including the use of geofences to prevent collisions with stationary objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the side-view mirror protrudes further from the vehicle body, then the driver's field of view is improved, but the risk of collision with objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side-view mirror is designed to dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. The mirror extends to provide optimal viewing during normal driving, then automatically or manually retracts before detected collision risks (such as narrow garages or tight spaces), resolving the contradiction between maintaining good visibility and avoiding collision damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential collision risks using sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, or cameras) before the vehicle enters hazardous zones. When risk is detected, the mirror is commanded to retract in advance, preventing collision before it occurs. This preliminary protective action allows the mirror to maintain its extended position for viewing without permanently exposing it to damage risks
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle performs tight turning maneuvers, then the vehicle's maneuverability is improved, but the probability of side-view mirror collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle state (steering angle, speed, gear position) and environmental conditions using sensors. When the system detects a tight turning maneuver or identifies narrow spaces ahead, it provides feedback by commanding the mirror to retract, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts mirror position to real-time driving conditions and prevents collision during aggressive maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the driver's maneuvering intentions and the mirror's physical state. It processes sensor data about the environment and vehicle dynamics, then mediates by automatically adjusting mirror position to prevent collision during tight turns, allowing the driver to focus on maneuvering without directly controlling the mirror
3Reliability
If automatic mirror folding is implemented, then protection during parking is improved, but the system does not address collision risks during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to universally protect the mirror across all vehicle operating states - both stationary (parking) and moving (driving). It integrates with the vehicle's existing mirror folding mechanism for parking protection while adding motion-phase protection through sensor-based collision risk detection and automatic mirror retraction commands during driving maneuvers, making the protection system versatile across all conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods to protect a side-view mirror of a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor includes obtaining a first dimensional parameter associated with a body portion of a vehicle (for example, a width or a length of the vehicle) and a second dimensional parameter associated with a side-view mirror attached to the vehicle (for example, a protrusion distance of the side-view mirror). A turning path characteristic associated with a movement of the vehicle may then be determined, followed by determining a probability of a collision between the side-view mirror and an object located outside the vehicle. Determining the probability may be based on the first dimensional parameter, the second dimensional parameter, and the turning path characteristic. If the probability of the collision exceeds a threshold value, an alert may be issued, or a preventive maneuver executed in order to prevent the collision.