Road Surface Interference Sensor Using Electrode Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle collision sensors, such as those described in JP2014-505629A, struggle to detect road surface interference effectively due to localized deformation causing minimal pressure changes, making it difficult to achieve sufficient detection performance.
Innovation Solution
A road surface interference sensor is installed below the vehicle's floor panel, utilizing a detection unit with a hollow insulator and multiple electrode lines that detect external forces based on the presence or absence of contact between these lines, allowing for accurate force detection through a short circuit when the lines come into contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hollow tube with pressure sensor is used to detect road surface interference, then the sensor structure is simple, but localized deformation causes minimal pressure changes making detection insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure detection system with an electrical contact detection system. Instead of measuring pressure changes through a hollow tube, the invention uses electrode lines that directly contact upon deformation, converting a mechanical measurement problem into an electrical signal detection problem. This substitution provides more reliable detection signals for localized deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from pressure change (continuous analog signal) to contact presence/absence (discrete digital signal). By using electrode lines that make or break electrical contact based on deformation, the system transforms the physical parameter being measured, enabling more sensitive detection of localized deformations that would produce minimal pressure changes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrode lines are used to detect external force through contact, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple electrode lines arranged along the insulator. Each electrode line segment can independently detect contact at its location, providing spatial distribution of deformation detection. This segmentation enables accurate identification of both presence and location of external forces while keeping each individual electrode line simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator serves multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation between electrode lines, structural support for mounting electrodes, and a deformable element that transmits external forces to the electrode lines. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several components into one integrated element.
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 sensor accurately detects external forces from the road surface by monitoring contact between electrode lines, improving detection accuracy and reducing malfunctions, while optimizing sensor sensitivity and minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit includes a hollow insulator and a plurality of electrode lines provided to an inner surface of the insulator. The detection unit is configured to detect the external force based on presence or absence of contact between the electrode lines.
Implementation Method 2
detect the external force based on presence or absence of contact between the electrode lines... the external force applied to the vehicle from a road surface side can be appropriately detected by a short circuit caused by the contact between the plurality of electrode lines
Data Source
AI summary
A road surface interference sensor includes a detection unit that is located below a floor panel of a vehicle and detects an external force applied to the vehicle from a side of a road surface. The detection unit includes a hollow insulator and a plurality of electrode lines located on an inner surface of the insulator, and detects the external force based on presence or absence of contact between the electrode lines.