Mirror Pod Sensor Arrangement for Autonomous Truck Platooning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous semitrailer trucks, the placement of sensors near the vehicle's plane of symmetry is not ideal due to the extended hood blocking the view of lane markings and objects, and when platooning, the camera on the follower truck is too close to the leader's trailer, limiting its field of view.
Innovation Solution
A suite of sensors, including lidar detectors and cameras, is placed adjacent to or within the exterior rearview mirror housings on both sides of the cab, providing overlapping fields of view to cover peripheral, blind spots, and the area in front of the lead vehicle, with cabling routed internally for connectivity to autonomy electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensors are mounted at the center position on the truck, then the sensor placement is simplified, but the extended hood blocks the forward view of lane markings and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple units distributed at different locations on the truck (center-mounted sensors for distant objects, side-mounted sensors for near-field blind spots). This segmentation allows each sensor to cover specific zones, collectively providing complete coverage without obstruction from the hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-center mounting point to a multi-dimensional distributed sensor arrangement. Sensors are placed not only at the center but also on the sides of the truck, utilizing lateral spatial dimensions to overcome the forward view blockage caused by the extended hood.
2Loss of energy
If the follower vehicle is positioned close to the leader in platooning, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the camera on the follower is too close to the leader's trailer, limiting its field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into multiple zones covered by different sensors. Side-mounted cameras and sensors on the follower vehicle capture images of the road down either side of the vehicle and the rear of the lead vehicle, ensuring that even when closely positioned, the system maintains awareness of all surrounding areas through distributed sensing.
3Loss of information
If sensors are placed in the mirror housing, then blind spot coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit mounted on the mirror housing. The mirror housing serves as both a structural support for the mirror and as a mounting platform for cameras and other sensors, combining visibility and sensing functions in one location to reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror housing is transformed into a multi-functional component that not only supports the rearview mirror but also houses cameras and sensors for autonomous driving. This universal use of the mirror housing structure eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach to arrange sensors needed for automated driving, especially where semitrailer trucks are operating in an autonomous convoy with one automated or semi-automated truck following another. The sensors are fitted to a location adjacent to or within the exterior rearview mirrors, on each of the left- and right-hand side of the tractor. The sensors provide overlapping fields of view looking forward of the vehicle and to both the left and right hand sides at the same time.