Radar Sensor Antenna Control for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensors in vehicles face challenges in balancing energy consumption with the need for high temporal resolution during operation, and the need for high energy efficiency while maintaining effective object detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor arrangement with a microcontroller that switches between energy-saving and detection modes, using specific control sequences for transmitting and receiving antennas to minimize energy consumption without compromising detection performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radar sensor operates continuously in detection mode with all transmitting antennas activated, then the temporal resolution and detection accuracy are improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by switching the radar sensor between energy-saving mode and detection mode based on operational requirements. In energy-saving mode, transmitting antennas are deactivated or operated at reduced duty cycles, while in detection mode, full antenna activation occurs periodically when detection events are required. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by providing high temporal resolution only when necessary, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna activation state variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of transmitting antennas between fully active (detection mode) and partially/fully inactive (energy-saving mode) based on real-time requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between temporal resolution and energy consumption according to actual operational needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the radar sensor operates in energy-saving mode with reduced transmitting antenna activation, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the temporal resolution and detection capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the radar system monitors operational conditions, detection requirements, and energy status to intelligently switch between energy-saving mode and detection mode. The system uses feedback from detection events, object proximity, and operational priorities to determine when to activate full detection capability, thus maintaining detection accuracy when needed while optimizing energy efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting key operational parameters such as transmitting antenna activation state, duty cycle, and operational mode based on requirements. The system changes parameters dynamically - switching between different transmission control sequences that define different activation patterns for transmitting antennas, thereby adjusting the balance between energy consumption and detection performance as needed.
3Productivity
If more transmitting antennas are activated frequently, then the detection performance and temporal resolution are improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmitting antennas into distinct groups that can be independently controlled through different transmission control sequences. Each antenna or antenna group can be activated according to specific control sequences, allowing the system to manage complexity by treating antennas as separatable units with independent control logic rather than requiring simultaneous complex coordination of all antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the microcontroller's ability to execute multiple different transmission control sequences for the same antenna array. A single antenna arrangement can serve multiple functions by switching between different control sequences - from energy-saving patterns to full-detection patterns - thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection performance when needed.
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 achieves significant energy savings while maintaining minimal impact on temporal resolution and detection accuracy, allowing for extended sensor operation and reduced power consumption.
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 according to various criteria as needed
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.