Radar Sensor Antenna Control for Energy Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensor arrangements in vehicles face challenges in maintaining long-term operation and energy efficiency while maintaining detection capabilities, particularly in frequency ranges like 77 GHz to 81 GHz, where energy consumption is high without compromising temporal resolution or increasing latency.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor arrangement with a microcontroller that switches between energy-saving and detection modes by controlling the antenna activation sequences, reducing energy usage in energy-saving mode through fewer antenna activations while ensuring minimal latency in detection mode by activating all antennas as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar sensors operate continuously in detection mode to maintain high temporal resolution and fast response, then detection capability and temporal resolution are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating mode adjustable and adaptable to different situations. The control unit dynamically switches between first operating mode (reduced temporal resolution) and second operating mode (high temporal resolution) based on detection needs, allowing the system to optimize between energy consumption and detection performance in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the radar sensor by implementing at least two different operating modes with different temporal resolutions. The control unit can select between these modes, effectively changing the operational parameters to balance energy consumption and detection capability based on environmental conditions and vehicle state
2Use of energy by moving object
If radar sensors operate in energy-saving mode with reduced antenna activation to lower energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but detection latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the temporal resolution parameter based on the operational context. When switching from energy-saving mode to detection mode, the system adapts the temporal resolution to ensure that detection latency remains acceptable for the current situation, such as when obstacles are detected or vehicle speed increases
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the operational state and environmental conditions, and based on this feedback, decides when to switch between operating modes. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains appropriate detection latency by switching to higher temporal resolution modes when needed, while operating in energy-saving mode when conditions permit
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmitting antennas are activated simultaneously to improve detection coverage and resolution, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna operation into different groups or sequences. Instead of controlling all transmitting antennas simultaneously with equal complexity, the system divides the control into manageable sequences where different subsets of antennas are activated in different time slots or operational modes, reducing the instantaneous control complexity while maintaining overall detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by cycling through different antenna activation sequences. The control unit activates transmitting antennas in a periodic manner, switching between different patterns of antenna operation, which reduces the complexity of continuous full-array control while maintaining detection coverage through systematic sampling
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
The solution reduces energy consumption in energy-saving mode without compromising the ability to detect moving objects, allowing for extended sensor operation while maintaining high temporal resolution and flexibility in existing radar sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
Radar technology has been known since the early 20th century. It is based on the principle of emitting electromagnetic waves, receiving the echo of the emitted electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
receiving the echo of the emitted electromagnetic waves, and evaluating the received signal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a radar sensor arrangement (1) for object detection. It comprises: - an antenna arrangement (2) with a receiver circuit (5) having a number of receiving antennas (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) and with a transmitter circuit (3) having a number of transmitting antennas (4A, 4B, 4C), - a central control circuit (7) with a microcontroller (8). The microcontroller (8) is configured to operate the antenna arrangement (2) in one of at least two predefined different operating modes. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.