Rider-Mounted Sensor for Expanded Detection Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems for small vehicles, such as bicycles, are limited in obtaining information about their surroundings, particularly when the vehicle changes direction suddenly, like at turn-back corners or on gradients, as they can only gather data within a restricted range.
Innovation Solution
A detection device comprising a sensor unit that obtains environmental information using electromagnetic waves and is mounted on the rider, allowing for broader range data collection, including directions other than the current travel direction, via a mount attached to the rider's helmet or eyewear, and a control system that adjusts data collection based on the rider's head movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sensor device is attached to the handlebar, fork, or mudguard, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensor can only obtain information in a limited range with respect to the traveling direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches the sensor device to the rider's head (helmet or eyewear) instead of the vehicle body, changing the detection dimension from vehicle-fixed to rider-mounted. This allows the sensor to capture environmental information in multiple directions including side views, not just the forward traveling direction, thereby expanding the effective detection area without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rider's head and body serve as an intermediary carrier for the sensor device. By mounting the sensor on the rider rather than the vehicle, the system gains the ability to detect environments in directions other than the traveling direction, such as when the rider looks sideways or the vehicle changes direction suddenly
2Reliability
If the sensor device is fixed to the vehicle body, then the mounting is stable, but the device cannot properly obtain information when the traveling direction is suddenly changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor device dynamic by attaching it to the rider's head rather than fixing it to the vehicle body. The sensor's orientation now changes with the rider's head movements and gaze direction, allowing it to adaptively track and capture environmental information in the directions the rider is actually looking, including during sudden direction changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including eye movement detection and head movement detection to dynamically adjust the sensor's detection range and direction. This feedback loop ensures the sensor continuously captures relevant environmental information based on the rider's actual orientation and attention direction
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor device detects only the current traveling direction, then the detection system is simple, but it cannot cope with turn-back corners or sudden gradient changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of environmental information in multiple directions by mounting the sensor on the rider's head. This allows the system to detect potential hazards or features in side directions before the rider actually turns or changes direction, providing advance information for better control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The rider-mounted sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects environmental information in the forward direction, side directions, and can track the rider's line of sight. This multi-functional capability allows a single sensor system to handle various scenarios including straight traveling, turn-back corners, and sudden gradient changes without requiring separate detection systems
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 the detection device to effectively gather and process information about the vehicle's surroundings even during sudden direction changes, enhancing safety and control by providing comprehensive environmental data to the control system.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device obtains the environmental information by receiving an electromagnetic wave reflected by a detection object in the surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device includes sensor device configured to obtain environmental information about surroundings of a small vehicle, an output unit outputting the environmental information to a control device of the small vehicle, and a mount configured to be attached to a rider of the small vehicle so as to hold the sensor device and the output device.