Side Mirror Radar-Camera Assembly for Truck Blind Spot Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in providing an uninterrupted and reliable sensor field of view due to vibrations, blind spots caused by trailers, and the need for precise object detection under varying road conditions, which are not adequately addressed by existing sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles that includes a side mirror assembly with multiple cameras and sensors, such as radar and lidar, mounted in a rigid structure to withstand vibrations and provide a 180° uninterrupted field of view, combined with a roof-mounted camera for comprehensive coverage, and a support frame for stable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sensor structure is used to withstand vibrations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent sensor assemblies, each mounted on separate rigid structures (side mirror assemblies, roof mounts). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for vibration resistance independently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are positioned in three-dimensional space across multiple locations (side mirrors at ear level, roof-mounted cameras at elevated positions). This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions provides comprehensive coverage and vibration resistance without requiring overly complex single-structure designs.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to provide uninterrupted 180° field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cameras with different fields of view (narrow FOV for long-range detection, wide FOV for broad coverage) are merged into a unified sensor assembly. The overlapping fields of view are processed together to create continuous 180° coverage, improving detection precision while sharing common mounting structures to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: object detection, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, and collision avoidance. This multi-functionality allows a single complex assembly to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, managing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted on side mirror assemblies, then adaptability is improved, but stability worsens due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror assemblies incorporate locally optimized rigid mounting structures specifically at the sensor mounting points. While the overall mirror assembly remains adaptable for different vehicle configurations, the local sensor mounting areas are reinforced to provide stable, vibration-resistant sensor positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles includes a side minor 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.