Pivoting Mirror-Mounted Sensor Arm for Rear Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face difficulties in easily adjusting the position of sensors for effective detection of objects around the vehicle, particularly when mounted equipment obstructs the sensor's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design that includes a sensor positioned below the outside mirror, supported by a separate arm and pivotable mechanism, allowing easy adjustment of its position using a control part to ensure effective detection despite varying mounted equipment sizes and road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor is integrated with the mirror arm supporting the outside mirror, then the structure is simplified, but the sensor's position adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into two separate components: a mirror arm for supporting the outside mirror and a support member for supporting the sensor. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the sensor position without affecting the mirror arm structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is configured to be movable relative to the vehicle body, enabling dynamic adjustment of the sensor's position. This dynamic capability allows the sensor to be repositioned according to different detection requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If the sensor is positioned high to avoid interference from mounted equipment, then the structure is simpler, but the detection of low-height objects becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support member enables the sensor to be positioned at low heights close to the ground, allowing effective detection of low-height objects such as pedestrians and bicycles while maintaining structural simplicity through the straightforward support configuration.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned low close to the ground, then detection of low-height objects is effective, but air resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member can be dynamically adjusted to optimize the sensor's position, allowing it to be positioned low for detection effectiveness when needed while potentially being repositioned to reduce air resistance under different operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a vehicle cabin where the driver sits, a sensor that is arranged below an outside mirror of the vehicle cabin and detects a region behind the vehicle; a sensor arm that is provided separately form the mirror arm supporting the outside mirror and is a support member that supports the sensor; and a support mechanism that pivotally supports the sensor arm relative to the vehicle cabin.