Vehicle Radar Sensor Misalignment Detection Using Movable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar sensor misalignment detection methods in ADAS systems are inefficient, often requiring extended time to build statistical confidence and are unable to detect azimuthal misalignment without vehicle movement, making them prone to delayed detection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus with a 3-axis accelerometer and a movable support system that allows for angular adjustment, enabling rapid misalignment detection and correction by comparing acceleration signals from two different positions, allowing for detection and correction of pitch, roll, and yaw misalignment while the vehicle is stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If statistical analysis of target objects is used for misalignment detection, then detection capability is achieved, but detection time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the statistical analysis method (which requires accumulating data over time) with a mechanical measurement system using accelerometers and a movable support. This substitution enables immediate misalignment detection through physical measurement rather than statistical inference, resolving the time delay contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accelerometers as intermediary measurement devices that directly sense misalignment conditions. These intermediaries provide immediate quantitative data about sensor alignment status, eliminating the need for time-consuming statistical analysis of target objects.
2Measurement precision
If linear accelerometer measurements are used for yaw misalignment detection, then detection is possible, but the vehicle must be moving and accelerating which delays detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the support structure movable, allowing it to change position relative to the vehicle body. This dynamic capability enables the system to perform measurements in multiple configurations, including stationary positions, making detection available regardless of vehicle motion state and resolving the operational constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs misalignment detection immediately upon vehicle startup or at predetermined moments before driving begins. By conducting measurements in advance (preliminary action) when the vehicle is stationary or in controlled conditions, the system eliminates the delay caused by waiting for specific driving scenarios to occur.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the radar sensor is fixed rigidly to the vehicle, then alignment stability is maintained, but damage resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable support that allows the radar sensor to change its position and orientation relative to the vehicle body. This dynamic mounting enables the sensor to absorb impact forces through position adjustment rather than rigid fixation, simultaneously maintaining alignment stability through active control while increasing damage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure provides a cushioning mechanism that protects the radar sensor from damage. By allowing controlled movement and position adjustment, the system cushions against impact forces that would otherwise cause damage to a rigidly fixed sensor, resolving the contradiction between stability and damage resistance.
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 rapid detection and correction of radar sensor misalignment within seconds of ignition, improving system reliability and reducing the risk of damage by allowing for immediate adjustment of the radar sensor's alignment, even when the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
a first 3-axis accelerometer fixed in position relative to the radar sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A radar apparatus for use in a vehicle (1) comprises a radar housing (6) which houses a radar sensor (7), a first 3-axis accelerometer (8) fixed so it cannot move relative to the radar sensor (7); a movable support (9) that comprises a first part (10), a second part (12), and an actuator (13) in which in use the first part (10) is fixed relative to the body (11) of the vehicle, the second part (12) is fixed relative to the radar housing (6), and the actuator is operable to move the second part relative to the first part around an axis that is fixed relative to the vehicle body by an actuator, and a signal processing apparatus (15) configured in use to determine a misalignment of the radar sensor from one or more of the signals output from the first 3-axis accelerometer (8) and one or more signals output from a second 3-axis accelerometer (16) fitted to the vehicle (1), in which the signals used are captured at different moments in time when the second part of the movable support is in two different positions.