Side Mirror Radar-Camera Assembly for Uninterrupted Truck Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in providing uninterrupted sensor fields of view due to trailer obstruction, high vibration, and heavy cargo, which affect object detection and safe autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles with strategically positioned cameras and sensors, including a side mirror assembly with multiple cameras and sensors, and a rigid support structure to withstand vibrations, ensuring an uninterrupted 180° field of view and precise object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are positioned on the side mirror assembly to achieve uninterrupted field of view, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras (first camera on side mirror, second camera on roof, third camera on rear, fourth camera on front) into a unified sensor assembly system that functions as an integrated object detection network. This merging approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage and reliable detection while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is segmented into multiple functional components positioned at different locations: side mirror assembly, roof-mounted cameras, rear-mounted camera, and front-mounted camera. Each segment performs specific detection functions and the results are combined to achieve complete coverage, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable segments.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are positioned to provide 180° uninterrupted field of view, then coverage area is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional field of view coverage to three-dimensional spatial positioning by mounting cameras at multiple vertical and horizontal locations (side mirror at side position, roof cameras at elevated position, rear and front cameras at different depths). This dimensional approach allows comprehensive coverage while providing manufacturing tolerance through spatial redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces processing systems as intermediaries that receive data from multiple cameras with potentially overlapping or adjacent fields of view. These intermediaries stitch and integrate the images to create a seamless 180° coverage, thereby reducing the precision requirements for individual camera positioning while maintaining overall system performance.
3Reliability
If side mirror assembly includes multiple sensors, then sensing capability is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional side mirror for visual monitoring and as a mounting platform for multiple sensors (cameras, radar, lidar). This universal design allows the assembly to perform multiple functions simultaneously, improving sensing capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated sensor mounts that would increase overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the side mirror structure with sensor mounting functions, combining what would traditionally be separate components (mirror and sensors) into a single integrated assembly. This merging reduces the total weight compared to having separate mirror and sensor systems, while maintaining enhanced sensing capability through the integrated multi-sensor configuration.
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.