Multi-Face Automotive Radar for 360° Azimuth Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive radar systems have limited azimuth Field of View (FOV) of up to 180°, which restricts their effectiveness in applications like parking assistance systems, particularly failing to detect objects close or under the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece radar system with multiple radar subunits arranged on different faces of a body, each equipped with TX and RX channels, allowing for improved azimuth FOV coverage up to 360°, utilizing monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) for simplified construction and enhanced DoA measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If radar elements are arranged on a planar structure, then the radar system structure is simple, but the azimuth FOV is restricted to a maximum of 180°
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple radar subunits, with each subunit having its own transmitting and receiving channels. These subunits are distributed across different faces of a body, allowing each to cover a specific sector. This segmentation enables the system to achieve 360° azimuth coverage by combining the fields of view of individual subunits, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and extended FOV.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of radar elements to a three-dimensional distribution of radar subunits across multiple faces of a body. This spatial dimensionality change allows the system to overcome the 180° FOV limitation inherent in planar structures by positioning subunits at different orientations and locations, thereby achieving comprehensive 360° azimuth coverage.
2Ease of manufacture
If commonly used radars are installed in the bumpers, then the installation is simple, but significant blind zones exist under and in the direct vicinity of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into multiple subunits distributed across different faces of a body, with each subunit covering a specific sector. This segmentation allows the system to eliminate blind zones by ensuring comprehensive coverage of areas under and near the vehicle, while maintaining ease of installation as a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The body serves as an intermediary structure that holds and positions the multiple radar subunits in optimal orientations. This intermediary arrangement enables the radars to detect objects in previously inaccessible blind zones while maintaining a compact, easily installable configuration that can be mounted as a single element to the vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radar subunits are arranged on different faces of a body, then the azimuth FOV coverage is improved to 360°, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radar subunits, each with their own transmitting and receiving channels, are merged into a single integrated system mounted as one element on the vehicle. The control unit coordinates all subunits to work together, combining their individual fields of view to achieve 360° azimuth coverage while presenting a unified, manageable structure that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each radar subunit is designed with universal functionality, comprising both transmitting and receiving channels that can operate independently or in coordination with other subunits. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive 360° coverage through standardized, interchangeable components, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the increased number of subunits.
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 provides comprehensive 360° azimuth FOV, eliminating blind zones and enabling reliable detection of objects around and under the vehicle, enhancing parking assistance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The radar system may comprise respective transmitting and receiving entities with respective antennas, and a control unit, in order to detect objects and determine the distance to the detected objects
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system for a driver-assistance system of a vehicle includes a body with at least two side faces. Each one of the at least two side faces is oriented in a different direction. The radar system includes a separate radar subunit arranged on each one of the at least two side faces. Each one of the radar subunits includes at least one transmitting (TX) channel and at least one receiving (RX) channel.