Vehicle Radar Deflectors for Obstructed Turn Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radar systems on vehicles have limited visibility when making turns, especially when another vehicle is in the adjacent lane, as their view of the intended turn lane is obstructed, hindering safe maneuvering and navigation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of radar deflectors strategically located near the front of the vehicle, which deflect radar signals at specific angles to avoid obstruction by adjacent vehicles, allowing the radar system to 'see' around them and provide a non-overlapping beamwidth for enhanced sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional radar is mounted on top of a vehicle to provide 360-degree coverage, then the radar can detect objects in most directions, but the view of the intended turn lane is obstructed when another vehicle is in the adjacent lane
Solution Approach 1:
Radar deflectors are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between the radar source and the target lane. These deflectors redirect radar signals around obstructing vehicles, enabling the radar to detect objects in the intended turn lane that would otherwise be blocked from direct view.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system transitions from direct line-of-sight detection to indirect detection via deflected signal paths. By changing the dimensional path of the radar signal through strategic deflection angles, the system overcomes the three-dimensional obstruction problem created by adjacent vehicles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radar signals are transmitted in all directions to ensure complete coverage, then detection capability is maximized, but the radar signals are blocked by vehicles in adjacent lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system dynamically adjusts signal transmission by incorporating deflectors that can be positioned or angled to redirect signals as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different traffic scenarios, directing radar energy around obstructions when necessary while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than uniformly transmitting signals in all directions, the system uses localized deflectors positioned at specific locations to redirect signals only where needed. This local quality approach concentrates radar energy in specific obstructed zones while maintaining overall coverage efficiency.
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 radar system to accurately detect objects in the intended turn lane, improving safety and navigation by providing a 360-degree field of view and allowing for safe vehicular maneuvers, even in scenarios where traditional radar systems would be obstructed.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic energy in a first direction by a radar located on a top portion of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
deflecting a portion of the transmitted electromagnetic energy in a second direction with a second beamwidth by a deflector mounted to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses that enable a radar system to transmit radar signals into lanes on a roadway in which a vehicle may turn. For example, when a car is making a protected right turn, that is a right turn when there is another vehicle traveling in the same direction in a lane adjacent to the lane of the turning vehicle, a traditional radar may have its view of the lane in which it is turning obscured by the vehicle in the lane adjacent to the lane of the turning vehicle. By using radar deflectors strategically located near the front of the vehicle, the radar signals may be deflected at angles to avoid being obstructed by the vehicle in the lane adjacent to the lane of the turning vehicle.