Radar Sensor on Side Mirror for Agricultural Machine Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural machines with trailers or attachments face challenges in rearward visibility due to the obstruction caused by these attachments, leading to increased risk of collisions when overtaking vehicles, particularly in rural areas.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radar sensor on the side exterior mirror that extends beyond the trailer or attachment, allowing for comprehensive rearward detection of vehicles and providing a warning system to the driver to prevent collisions, without requiring additional sensors on the trailer or attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver uses the side mirror to observe traffic behind the machine, then the driver can detect vehicles approaching from behind, but the trailer or implement significantly restricts the driver's rearward field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual observation system (side mirror) with an electromagnetic sensing system (radar sensor). The radar sensor mounted on the side mirror detects vehicles approaching from behind and emits warning signals to the driver, compensating for the restricted field of vision caused by the trailer or implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radar sensor as an intermediary device between the trailer/implement obstruction and the driver. The sensor acts as a mediator that detects objects in the restricted zone and communicates this information to the driver through warning signals, effectively extending the driver's awareness beyond the physical limitations of the side mirror.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are mounted on the trailer or implement to extend detection range, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the side mirror a multi-functional component by integrating both its traditional reflective function and a new sensing function. The radar sensor mounted on the side mirror utilizes the existing mirror structure as a mounting platform, allowing the side mirror to serve both as a visual aid and as a carrier for the detection system, thereby avoiding additional sensors on the trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the side mirror and radar sensor into a single integrated assembly. The radar sensor is mounted on the side mirror housing, combining the visual reflection function of the mirror with the electromagnetic detection function of the sensor in one unified structure, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radar sensor is mounted on the agricultural machine rather than the trailer, then retrofitting is simplified, but the detection range along the trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the radar sensor on the side mirror, which is located laterally outward from the main body of the agricultural machine. This lateral positioning in the horizontal dimension allows the sensor to detect vehicles approaching from behind and alongside the trailer, effectively extending the detection range beyond what would be possible from a central mounting position on the machine body.
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
Enhances the driver's ability to detect approaching vehicles and avoid collisions by providing a wide detection range and warning signals, reducing the risk of accidents in various traffic conditions and environments.
Implementation Method 1
the environmental sensing device comprises a radar sensor, wherein the radar sensor is mounted on the side mirror and arranged such that a detection range of the radar sensor is directed laterally to the rear along the trailer or implement and beyond the trailer or implement
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural machine 1 with a trailer 2 and/or with an implement, with a side mirror 8 and an environmental sensing device. In order to enable a collision when the agricultural machine 1 turns with a vehicle 36 overtaking the agricultural machine 1 to be avoided more reliably, it is proposed that the environmental sensing device comprise a radar sensor 14, wherein the radar sensor 14 is mounted on the side mirror 8 and arranged such that a detection range 16 of the radar sensor 14 is directed rearward laterally along the trailer 2 or the implement and beyond the trailer 2 or the implement.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a self-propelled agricultural machine 1 in driving the agricultural machine 1, wherein a vehicle approaching the agricultural machine 1 from behind is detected by means of a radar sensor 14, wherein it is checked whether a turn signal 32 of the agricultural machine 1 is set, and wherein a warning signal is issued to the driver if the vehicle is detected as approaching on the side of the agricultural machine 1 on which the turn signal 32 is set.