Offset Sensor Array for Low-Speed Impact Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems lack the ability to accurately detect and differentiate impact objects, such as pedestrians, in real-time, leading to inadequate mitigation strategies during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with a sensor array and processing device that determines the shape and severity of an impact object by aggregating signals from offset sensors, allowing for identification of the object and deployment of appropriate mitigating actions, such as deploying external airbags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional impact sensors are used in vehicles, then collision detection is achieved, but the ability to accurately detect and differentiate impact objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged in arrays across different surfaces of the vehicle. Each sensor detects impact at its specific location, and the collective data from segmented sensors enables precise identification of impact object characteristics through pattern recognition of the impact pattern across the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point impact detection to multi-dimensional impact mapping by distributing sensors across multiple surfaces and orientations. This spatial distribution creates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional impact detection matrix, enabling the system to distinguish impact objects based on the spatial distribution and pattern of activated sensors.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed to improve impact object identification, then detection capability is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects impact presence, identifies impact object type, determines impact location, and characterizes impact severity. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified sensor array architecture that processes impact patterns across all sensors to derive multiple pieces of information from the same data set.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical or similar sensor elements distributed across the vehicle surface. Each sensor copies the basic detection function, and the collective responses are processed to create a comprehensive impact profile. This approach simplifies the overall system design by using repeated, standardized sensor units rather than complex single sensors.
3Loss of information
If impact sensors are installed on vehicle surfaces, then collision detection is enabled, but the ability to determine impact severity and object type is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are strategically positioned at specific locations on the vehicle surface where they can detect impacts from particular directions or against specific object types. Each sensor's location provides localized information about impacts in its vicinity, and the combination of local measurements from multiple sensors creates a complete picture of the impact event.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is pre-configured and calibrated before deployment to recognize specific impact patterns associated with different object types. The system establishes baseline detection thresholds and spatial patterns in advance, enabling rapid identification of impact objects during actual collisions without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system has a sensor array and a processing device. The sensor array includes a first group of sensors and a second group of sensors. The sensors of the first group are offset relative to the sensors in the second group. The processing device is configured to determine a general shape of an impact object based at least in part on signals received from the sensor array.