Side Mirror Sensor Assembly for Blind-Spot-Free Lidar Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in providing uninterrupted and reliable sensor coverage due to vibrations, blind spots, and maneuverability issues, which are critical for safe autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly 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, complemented by lidar and radar for enhanced data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are positioned on the side mirror assembly to achieve uninterrupted 180° field of view, then blind spots are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras (first camera on side mirror, second camera on roof, third camera on A-pillar, fourth camera on rear) into a unified sensor assembly that collectively provides uninterrupted 180° field of view. This merging approach achieves comprehensive coverage while sharing the complexity burden across multiple integrated components rather than requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent distributes cameras across different spatial dimensions and locations (side mirror, roof, A-pillar, rear of vehicle) rather than concentrating them in one location. This multi-dimensional positioning strategy achieves complete 180° coverage by utilizing vertical, horizontal, and depth dimensions, reducing blind spots while distributing system complexity across multiple strategic positions.
2Measurement precision
If rigid support structure is used to withstand vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into multiple independent rigid components (side mirror assembly, roof mount, A-pillar mount, rear mount) rather than using a single complex rigid structure. Each segment independently withstands vibrations at its location, maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies rigid support structures locally at each camera position (side mirror, roof, A-pillar, rear) rather than requiring a single complex global structure. Each local rigid support is optimized for its specific vibration environment, achieving high measurement precision at each sensor location while keeping individual support components simple and manageable.
3Measurement precision
If lidars and radars are added for enhanced data accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types (cameras, lidars, radars) into a universal sensor assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The same physical mounting structures support different sensor types, and the integrated assembly processes data from all sensors to achieve enhanced object detection accuracy while managing overall system complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated sensor assembly as an intermediary structure that coordinates and harmonizes data from multiple sensor types (cameras, lidars, radars). This intermediary assembly manages the complexity of multiple sensors by providing a unified mounting platform, synchronization mechanism, and data integration interface, thereby achieving enhanced measurement precision while controlling system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are mounted on moving parts like side mirrors, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vibration damping mechanisms and rigid mounting structures as beforehand cushioning measures at each camera location (side mirror, roof, A-pillar, rear). These pre-installed vibration isolation and stabilization components protect the sensors from vibration-induced errors before they occur, maintaining reliability while allowing cameras to be positioned on adaptable locations for optimal field of view coverage.
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
The solution provides robust and reliable sensor coverage, reducing blind spots and enhancing object detection, enabling safe and efficient autonomous driving in varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the side mirror assembly further comprises a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
Implementation Method 2
the side mirror assembly further comprises at least one of a radar sensor and a lidar sensor
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.