Multi-Height Sensor Parking for Overhead-Clearance RVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles (RVs) are prone to accidents during parking due to their height, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs, and existing technologies lack effective solutions for automated parking, especially for tall vehicles like RVs and tractor trailers.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with multiple sensors and a computing device that detects objects at various height ranges, determines the suitability of a parking space, and uses an automatic valet system to park the vehicle safely, considering both ground-level and overhead obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated parking systems are implemented for tall vehicles like RVs, then accident risk during parking is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple sensor arrays positioned at different heights on the RV, with each array detecting objects in specific height ranges. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's tall profile while keeping individual sensor units manageable in size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves as an intermediary that receives sensor data from multiple sensor arrays, processes the information to identify overhead obstructions, and controls the vehicle's movement accordingly. This intermediary component coordinates the complex interaction between sensors and vehicle control systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor arrays covering different height ranges are used, then detection accuracy for overhead obstructions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple sensor arrays, each responsible for a specific height range. The first sensor array detects objects in a first height range, while the second sensor array detects objects in a second height range that is at least partially greater than the first, enabling comprehensive coverage of the RV's tall profile including overhead obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends detection coverage into the vertical dimension by positioning sensor arrays at different heights on the vehicle. This multi-level arrangement allows the system to detect overhead obstructions that would be invisible to ground-level sensors alone, adding a vertical detection dimension to the parking assistance system.
3Ease of operation
If manual parking is used by inexperienced drivers, then operation simplicity is maintained, but accident risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the RV to park itself by automatically detecting overhead obstructions and controlling the vehicle's movement into the parking space. The computing device processes sensor data and autonomously manages the parking maneuver, allowing inexperienced drivers to benefit from automated safety features while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to methods and systems for parking a vehicle. An exemplary system includes a first plurality of sensors located on the vehicle and configured to detect first sensor data as a function of objects over a first height range, a second plurality of sensors located on the vehicle and configured to detect second sensor data as a function of objects over a second height range at least partially greater than the first height range, and a computing device configured to receive the first sensor data from the first plurality of sensors and the second sensor data from the second plurality of sensors, and determine the space proximal the vehicle is suitable for parking the vehicle as a function of the first sensor data, the second sensor data, and a height of the vehicle.