Parked Vehicle Damage Localization Using ECU Sensor Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting damage on parked vehicles are sophisticated and expensive, requiring multiple sensors, which is not cost-effective for reliable location determination.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an electronic control unit with at least one acceleration sensor and one ultrasonic sensor to monitor and analyze signals along three perpendicular axes, determining the location of damage by comparing signal characteristics, such as amplitudes and time decay, to identify the affected area without the need for additional dedicated sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated sensors are used for detecting damage on parked vehicles, then the reliability of damage detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing anti-theft sensors (acceleration and ultrasonic sensors) to serve dual purposes: their original anti-theft function and new damage location detection function. This eliminates the need for dedicated damage detection sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability through signal characteristic analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges damage detection functionality into the existing anti-theft sensor system by combining acceleration sensor data with ultrasonic sensor data. This integration allows a single sensor system to perform both anti-theft monitoring and damage location determination, reducing the total number of components needed
2Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated sensors are used for detecting damage on parked vehicles, then the accuracy of damage location determination is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing anti-theft sensors are made multi-functional to also perform damage location detection, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sensors while maintaining accurate location determination through characteristic signal analysis of acceleration and ultrasonic data
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-theft sensor system serves itself by utilizing its own collected signal data for damage location detection. The acceleration and ultrasonic sensors already present in the vehicle are repurposed to provide damage location information without requiring external or additional sensing infrastructure
3Quantity of substance
If existing anti-theft ECU sensors are used for damage detection, then the cost is reduced, but the sensitivity to damage events may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by analyzing specific characteristics of the sensor signals (amplitude, frequency, time decay) to enhance the sensitivity of damage detection. By processing acceleration and ultrasonic signal parameters, the system can reliably detect damage events even though the original sensors were designed for anti-theft purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through signal characteristic analysis, where the processed acceleration and ultrasonic signals provide information about damage events. The analysis of signal amplitude, frequency, and time decay characteristics creates a feedback mechanism that enhances the sensors' ability to detect and locate damage
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 reliable and cost-effective determination of damage location on a vehicle using commercially available anti-theft ECU sensors, integrating damage detection into existing anti-theft systems without the need for additional hardware, improving sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
sensing acceleration signals along three perpendicular axes by the acceleration sensor
Implementation Method 2
sensing an ultrasonic signal by the ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods for determining the location of a damage applied to a parked vehicle using an acceleration sensor and an ultrasonic sensor provided at an electronic control unit within the interior of the parked vehicle.