Vehicle Occupant Detection via Ride Height and Camber Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensing systems are ineffective in detecting occupants left behind, particularly those not seated, as they add weight and cost to the vehicle and fail to account for occupants in other areas, such as cargo compartments, and are not effective in hot or cold car situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensing system utilizing existing sensors to detect ride height and camber positioning changes, along with other vehicle characteristics, to determine the presence of occupants, transmitting alerts when differences in sensor data indicate an occupant may be left behind, without the need for seat-based sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seat-based sensors (weight or pressure sensors) are added to detect occupant presence, then detection capability is improved, but vehicle weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing vehicle sensors (ride height sensors, camber sensors, acceleration sensors) that were originally designed for other vehicle functions and repurposes them for occupant detection. This multi-functional use of sensors eliminates the need for dedicated seat-based sensors, thereby avoiding additional weight while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own existing sensor infrastructure to perform occupant detection, rather than relying on external or additional sensing components. The vehicle's suspension and steering sensors, already present for vehicle control purposes, serve dual functions by also detecting occupant presence through changes in ride height and camber angle.
2Measurement precision
If seat-based sensors are used to detect occupants, then detection in seated positions is improved, but detection of occupants not in seats or moving around is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle interior into multiple detection zones by using sensors positioned at different locations (front ride height sensor, rear ride height sensor, camber sensors). Each sensor monitors specific areas, and the system integrates data from all sensors to achieve comprehensive coverage of the entire vehicle interior, including cargo compartments and seating areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional seat-based detection to three-dimensional volumetric detection by measuring changes in ride height (vertical dimension) and camber angle (angular dimension). This allows detection of occupants anywhere within the vehicle's three-dimensional space, not just when seated on specific seats.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing sensors are used to detect ride height and camber, then additional manufacturing cost is avoided, but detection of occupants left behind after vehicle is turned off is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and stores sensor data (ride height, camber angle, acceleration) at the moment the vehicle is turned off and the driver exits. This baseline data is saved in memory for later comparison. When the vehicle is restarted or the system is activated again, the stored baseline is compared against current sensor readings to detect any changes that indicate an occupant may have been left behind.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor readings and compares them against the stored baseline data from when the vehicle was shut down. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect changes in vehicle characteristics that indicate the presence of an occupant, even after the vehicle has been turned off, by identifying deviations from the expected baseline state.
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
Effectively detects potential occupants in all areas of the vehicle, including cargo compartments, without adding weight or cost, and alerts individuals of potential dangers in hot or cold conditions, enhancing safety by preventing unsafe situations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vehicle sensors disposed on a vehicle to detect a ride height of the vehicle or a camber positioning of one or more wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle sensing systems and methods of sensing a potential presence of an occupant left behind in a vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle sensing system includes sensors to detect a ride height or camber positioning, a processing device, and storage medium including programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to obtain a first string of data from the sensors before a driver has entered the vehicle and the vehicle has been turned on, obtain a second string of data from the sensors after the vehicle has moved a distance, the vehicle has been turned off, and the driver has departed from a vicinity of the vehicle, compare the first string of data to the second string of data to determine if a difference exists, and when the difference exists, transmit an alert to external devices, the alert indicating a potential occupant being left behind in the vehicle.