Road Submergence Estimation via Acceleration Torque Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road surface submergence estimation systems face inaccuracies due to variations in wiper speed and difficulty in distinguishing between submerged and non-submerged road conditions, especially on depressed roads or during temporary changes like passing over bumps or puddles.
Innovation Solution
A road surface submergence estimation device that uses an acceleration acquisition sensor and torque acquisition sensor to determine if a submergence condition is met by calculating the difference between actual and theoretical vehicle acceleration, and further differentiates between submerged and non-submerged conditions using parameters such as acceleration difference values and changes in acceleration over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wiper speed is used to estimate precipitation amount, then the estimation can be obtained, but large errors occur due to driver behavior variations and time zone differences
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the core measurement task from the wiper system and relocates it to the acceleration sensor. Instead of using wiper speed (which is influenced by driver behavior), the system measures vehicle acceleration directly to detect road surface conditions, thereby eliminating the reliability problem associated with driver-dependent wiper operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical measurement approach (wiper speed measurement) with a sensor-based measurement approach (acceleration sensing). This substitution allows for objective, automated detection of road surface conditions without being influenced by driver behavior or manual operation variations
2Measurement precision
If precipitation amount is estimated to determine road submergence, then submergence information can be obtained, but accurate determination is difficult especially on depressed roads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of water on the road surface into a useful measurement signal. When wheels rotate on a submerged road, water creates resistance that reduces vehicle acceleration. By measuring this acceleration reduction, the system detects submergence conditions, turning the adverse effect of water into a beneficial detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces vehicle acceleration as an intermediary parameter to detect road submergence. Instead of directly measuring water presence or road surface conditions, the system measures the effect of water on vehicle motion (acceleration), providing an indirect but reliable indication of submergence that works consistently across different road types including depressed roads
3Measurement precision
If acceleration difference parameter is used to determine submergence, then submergence detection accuracy is improved, but false positives occur during temporary road surface changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and storage of acceleration data over a predetermined time period before making a submergence determination. By collecting acceleration data points over time and calculating the average, the system prepares in advance to distinguish temporary fluctuations from sustained submergence conditions, reducing false positives while maintaining detection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A road surface submergence estimation device including a motion sensor that acquires an actual acceleration of a vehicle; a torque acquisition sensor that acquires an actual torque transmitted from a driving source to wheels of the vehicle, the driving source being mounted in the vehicle; and an estimation processor that estimates that a road surface on which the vehicle is traveling is submerged when it is determined that a submergence determination condition is satisfied. The road surface submergence estimation device may also include a wireless communication device configured to either send submergence information to a central server, or receive additional submergence information from a central server.