Retractable 360-Degree LIDAR Sensor for Vehicle Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision avoidance systems in vehicles are limited by a field of view of less than 90 degrees, and integrating 360-degree sensors like LIDAR is challenging due to aesthetics, cost, and operational issues such as dirt and weather interference.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor system combining a forward-looking RADAR sensor and a 360-degree LIDAR sensor that can be protracted from a retracted position to provide a radial scan, coupled with a controller to identify critical situations and initiate evasive maneuvers, while being protected from debris and elements by positioning beneath the vehicle's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are used to achieve 360 degree field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable LIDAR sensor that can dynamically change its position between retracted and protracted states. This dynamic positioning allows a single sensor to achieve 360-degree field of view when protracted, eliminating the need for multiple fixed sensors while maintaining the benefit of wide coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If LIDAR sensor is exposed to achieve 360 degree scan, then the field of view is improved, but the sensor is exposed to dirt, debris, and weather elements
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR sensor is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to retract into a protected position when not in use and extend to a protracted position when scanning is required. This dynamic state change enables the sensor to maintain wide field of view coverage while minimizing exposure to harmful environmental factors during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system protracts the LIDAR sensor only when a critical situation is detected and a 360-degree scan is necessary. This preliminary action approach ensures the sensor remains in a protected retracted state during normal operation, avoiding exposure to dirt, debris, and weather elements, and only becomes exposed when absolutely necessary for collision avoidance.
3Area of stationary object
If the sensor is protracted to scan surrounding area, then the field of view is improved, but the sensor is more exposed to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR sensor transitions between retracted and protracted positions dynamically based on operational needs. When protracted, it achieves maximum scan area coverage for comprehensive collision detection. When retracted, it is protected from environmental contaminants. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing full scan area only when necessary while minimizing exposure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system protracts the sensor only after detecting a critical situation requiring 360-degree scanning. This preliminary assessment ensures the sensor remains protected during normal driving conditions and is exposed to environmental factors only when the potential benefit of comprehensive scanning outweighs the risk of contamination.
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 field of view beyond 90 degrees, improves collision avoidance capabilities by quickly identifying and responding to primary and secondary critical situations, and reduces exposure to environmental factors, enabling faster and more effective evasive driving maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning sensor (such as a 360-degree LIDAR sensor)
Implementation Method 2
radially sweep or monitor a second area
Implementation Method 3
a forward-looking sensor (such as a long-range RADAR sensor)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for avoiding a collision. A first sensor is located, for example, in a front portion of a vehicle and is configured to monitor a first area. A second sensor is located, for example, in a top portion of the vehicle and is configured to execute a 360-degree sweep of the area surrounding the vehicle. In a first position, the second sensor is retracted below an outer surface of the vehicle. In a second position, the second sensor is protracted above the outer surface of the vehicle. A controller is configured to detect a critical situation using the first sensor, detect zero or more additional critical situations using the second sensor, and initiate an evasive driving maneuver to avoid each of the critical situations.