Vehicle Panel Flex Sensing for Low-Power Impact Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-driving vehicles face challenges in detecting low-level interactions with external objects while in a low-power state, such as being parked, as existing sensor systems are not designed to monitor and react to these interactions without draining the main power source, increasing the risk of damage or vandalism.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a low-power system using flex sensors integrated into exterior vehicle panels, powered by an auxiliary power source, which detect deformations caused by low-level interactions and trigger a wake-up alert to transition to a high-power state for further monitoring and action, utilizing an auxiliary power source like a rechargeable 12V battery to maintain system functionality without depleting the main power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the main sensor system is activated to detect low-level interactions, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and drains the main power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into two separate segments: a low-power detection system using flex sensors and auxiliary power source for basic monitoring, and a main sensor system using the main power source for comprehensive monitoring when needed. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain basic detection capability while parked without draining the main power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary auxiliary power source (such as a 12V battery) that specifically powers the low-power detection system. This intermediary power source acts as a buffer between the main power source and the detection system, enabling continuous monitoring without impacting the main battery charge.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle remains in a low-power state to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to detect and respond to interactions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the low-power detection system continuously monitor for interactions even when the vehicle is in a low-power state. The system is prepared in advance to detect events and trigger a wake-up signal, ensuring that the vehicle can respond promptly to interactions without maintaining full system power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the low-power detection system that continuously samples sensor data at reduced intervals compared to full operation. This periodic monitoring maintains adequate detection reliability for low-level interactions while consuming minimal power, and can transition to continuous monitoring when an event is detected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a low-power detection system is implemented using auxiliary power, then power source independence is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection functionality from the main complex sensor system and implements it as a separate, simplified low-power system using flex sensors and basic comparators. This extracted subsystem can operate independently on auxiliary power, reducing the complexity burden on the main system while maintaining 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
Enables the detection and response to low-level interactions, such as slow-speed collisions or vandalism, without draining the main power source, ensuring vehicle security and enabling appropriate actions, including alerting emergency services if necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a flex sensor (110) in an exterior panel (102, 104, 106, 108) of the vehicle... a magnitude of a sensor signal output by the flex sensor (110) is based on an amount of bending of the flex sensor (110)
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and system for vehicle security protection. The method comprises: determining, at a detector, a first sensor signal from a flex sensor in an exterior panel of a vehicle, wherein the flex sensor and detector are powered by a power supply of the vehicle, and wherein a magnitude of the first sensor signal is based on an amount of bending of the flex sensor; determining, at the detector, based on the first sensor signal, that the exterior panel of the vehicle is deformed; and outputting, from the detector, a first alert signal, wherein a first controller of the vehicle is configured to transition from a low-power state to a high-power state based at least in part on the first sensor signal.