Millimeter Wave Radar Obstacle Detection for Scooter Acceleration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of 'dockless' mobility apparatuses like electric scooters and bicycles has led to safety concerns due to inappropriate placement, novice users, and inconsistency in operation, resulting in a high rate of injuries and incidents, necessitating a technological solution to enhance safety.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a millimeter wave radar module for obstacle detection, coupled with a computing module to process sensor data and control the mobility apparatus's acceleration, allowing for real-time adjustments to avoid obstacles based on their location, type, and trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If millimeter wave radar and computing modules are added to detect obstacles and control acceleration, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing module serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data from the millimeter wave radar, determines obstacle presence, calculates safe acceleration levels, and controls the drive controller. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional module, the system achieves improved safety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing module acts as an intermediary between the millimeter wave radar sensor and the drive controller. It receives raw sensor data, processes this information to determine obstacle presence and characteristics, and then translates this into appropriate acceleration control commands, thereby mediating between detection and actuation functions.
2Reliability
If real-time obstacle detection and acceleration control are implemented, then collision risk is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic obstacle detection and acceleration control at specific transitions (e.g., when entering intersections or approaching potential hazards) rather than continuous operation. This periodic activation of the computing module and radar system reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective collision avoidance when most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing module dynamically adjusts acceleration parameters based on detected obstacle characteristics (distance, size, type). By changing acceleration parameters in real-time based on environmental conditions, the system optimizes energy usage by applying minimal necessary control rather than maximum continuous control, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
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 system effectively enhances safety by enabling the mobility apparatus to autonomously adjust its acceleration and braking in response to detected obstacles, reducing the risk of collisions and improving user safety in urban environments.
Implementation Method 1
A system incorporating a millimeter wave radar module for obstacle detection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and processes that use millimeter wave radar or other remote sensing to enhance mobility applications. Obstacles may be detected using remote sensing. Acceleration of a mobility apparatus may be controlled based on detection of the obstacle. The controlling may be performed based on characteristics of the obstacle, including location, type of obstacle, and/or trajectory of the obstacle.