Optical Surface Sensor for Stationary Vehicle Hazard Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to effectively warn drivers and occupants about hazardous roadway conditions, such as slippery surfaces, when the vehicle is stationary, as they rely on vehicle movement to function, leading to potential accidents during parking or exiting.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an optical surface sensor that determines the underlying surface conditions and a stoppage ascertainment unit to output a warning signal when the surface is hazardous and the vehicle is stationary, using light of different wavelengths to detect specular and diffuse reflections, and a stoppage ascertainment unit to determine vehicle movement or stationarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical surface sensors or mechanical/acoustic sensors are used to detect roadway surface conditions, then information about the actual surface under the vehicle can be obtained, but these sensors can only provide satisfactory results when the vehicle is moving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroadway surface detection accuracyVSAvoidapplicability when vehicle is stationary

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a stationary optical sensor system that emits light downward onto the roadway surface and detects reflected light, rather than relying on motion-based detection. This allows the system to function effectively whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and adaptability to stationary conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If temperature-based warning systems are used to alert drivers about slippery roads, then drivers receive advance warning before hazardous conditions occur, but the warnings are of general nature and independent of actual roadway state, leading to them being frequently ignored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarning effectivenessVSAvoidspecificity of roadway condition information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the indirect temperature-based warning system with a direct optical detection system that uses light emission and reflection analysis to sense actual roadway surface properties. This substitution provides specific, real-time information about the actual surface condition (wet, icy, snowy, dry) rather than general temperature-based alerts, making the warnings more credible and actionable for drivers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameter from temperature (which only indicates general cold conditions) to optical reflection characteristics (which directly indicate specific surface conditions). By analyzing how light reflects off the roadway surface, the system can distinguish between different hazardous conditions and provide targeted warnings corresponding to the actual detected state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If slip-based warning systems are used that ascertain slip values on rotating wheels, then warnings about slippery surfaces can be provided, but the system can only be used when the vehicle is moving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslipperiness detection capabilityVSAvoidusability when vehicle is stationary

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical slip-based detection system (which requires wheel rotation) with an optical sensing system that emits light onto the roadway surface and analyzes reflected light characteristics. This optical system can detect surface conditions without requiring vehicle movement, enabling hazard detection whether the vehicle is moving or stationary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides timely warnings to vehicle occupants about hazardous surfaces, enhancing safety by alerting them before exiting or engaging/disengaging trailers, even when the vehicle is stationary, by accurately assessing surface conditions and movement status.

Implementation Method 1

detecting light of the at least one wavelength reflected on the underlying surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8890713B2Device and method for outputting a signal when there is a hazardous underlying surface under a vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 ZF CV SYST EURO BV

AI summary

A method and a device for outputting a signal when there is a hazardous surface under a vehicle includes providing an optical surface sensor for determining one or more parameters of the underlying surface, a stationary-state-determining device for determining whether the vehicle is stationary or is to be brought to a standstill, and an output device that outputs a signal if the underlying surface has been determined to be hazardous on the basis of the parameter(s), and the vehicle is stationary or is to be brought to a standstill.