Overhead Obstacle Avoidance System for Large Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for large vehicles, such as trucks and tractor-trailer units, are either too expensive, difficult to use, or ineffective in preventing collisions with overhead obstacles like bridges and overpasses, leading to potential damage and injury.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance system equipped with an ultrasonic sensor and processing unit that measures the overhead distance and compares it to the vehicle's height, producing an alarm if the obstacle is lower than the vehicle's tallest portion, allowing operators to avoid hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If previously developed obstacle detection systems are implemented, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into discrete sensor units mounted at specific locations (front, rear, and sides of the trailer) that independently measure clearance to overhead obstacles, with each sensor handling a specific detection zone
Solution Approach 2:
A simple wireless communication intermediary transmits clearance measurements from distributed sensors to the driver, using basic radio frequency communication rather than complex wired systems or advanced processing networks
2Measurement precision
If advanced detection systems are installed, then overhead obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are designed to be self-contained units that autonomously perform measurements and transmit data without requiring complex calibration or integration procedures, allowing installation by standard technicians rather than specialized engineers
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units are designed as universal, standardized components that can be mounted at various locations on different vehicle types using standard mounting hardware, making the system adaptable to multiple truck and trailer configurations without custom installation procedures
3Reliability
If comprehensive obstacle detection is implemented, then safety against collisions is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses relatively inexpensive ultrasonic or infrared sensor units with simple electronics and basic wireless transmitters, accepting that these components may have limited operational life but providing cost-effective collision avoidance through replacement rather than repair of complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement devices or sophisticated electronic radar systems with simpler ultrasonic or infrared distance sensors that use acoustic or electromagnetic waves for clearance measurement, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate detection capability
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 effectively prevents collisions with overhead obstacles by providing a reliable, inexpensive, and easy-to-install solution for tall vehicles, reducing damage and risk to vehicles, other road users, and infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transducer mounted on a vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is operative to measure the overhead distance between an obstacle above of the vehicle and the ultrasonic transducer itself
Data Source
AI summary
A collision avoidance system for use with vehicles includes a sensor mounted on a moving vehicle, wherein the sensor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor itself; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle, and wherein the processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle.