Rotated Radar Module for Blind Spot and Cross Traffic Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle systems require expensive and complex hardware to effectively detect cross traffic and blind spot areas using multiple radar sensors, which increases manufacturing costs and circuit complexity.

Innovation Solution

A single radar module is used to detect both cross traffic and blind spot areas by rotating the radar module towards the rear of the vehicle, allowing it to cover both detection zones with minimal circuit complexity, and optionally incorporating ultrasonic sensors for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple radar sensors are used to detect both cross traffic and blind spot areas, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single radar sensor to perform both cross-traffic detection and blind-spot monitoring through software-based detection area switching. The radar sensor alternates between different detection patterns: one for cross-traffic in front of the vehicle and another for blind-spot areas on the sides, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by dynamically switching the detection area of the radar sensor based on the vehicle's operational context. The system adjusts the detection pattern in real-time, alternating between cross-traffic detection mode and blind-spot monitoring mode, allowing one sensor to adaptively cover multiple functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple radar sensors are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing costs by designing a universal radar sensor that serves multiple detection purposes. Instead of installing separate radar sensors for cross-traffic detection and blind-spot monitoring, the system uses one sensor with switchable detection patterns, directly reducing component costs and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of cross-traffic detection and blind-spot monitoring into a single radar sensor system. By merging these previously separate functions into one unified sensor with software-controlled detection area switching, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring coverage while minimizing hardware requirements and manufacturing expenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If dedicated radar sensors are used for each detection function, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains detection precision by dynamically configuring the radar sensor's detection area through software control. The system switches between different detection patterns that are optimized for specific functions (cross-traffic or blind-spot), allowing each detection mode to achieve appropriate precision without requiring separate dedicated sensors with fixed beam patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution reduces manufacturing costs and circuit complexity while maintaining effective detection of approaching traffic and blind spot objects, allowing for reliable monitoring of both cross traffic and blind spots using a single radar module per vehicle side.

Implementation Method 1

a radar module is provided in the vehicle for detecting cross traffic, the detection range of which is directed towards potential cross traffic. A radar module is understood here to be a unit consisting of a radar source and a radar sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

If cross traffic is indeed present and the radar signal is reflected off it, the radar sensor of the radar module receives this signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

at least one ultrasonic source and an associated ultrasonic sensor are provided for monitoring, in particular, the blind spot area. The ultrasonic source is designed to emit ultrasonic laterally from the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP2818376B1Motor vehicle with a device for detecting other road users
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2818376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2818376B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (12) with a radar module (50) whose detection range (52) is directed towards potential cross traffic (22). A first monitoring device (46) is designed to detect approaching cross traffic (22) based on a signal (L) from the radar sensor (54). The motor vehicle (12) also has a second monitoring device (48) that detects whether a traffic object is located in a blind spot area (36) of a side mirror (34). The invention is based on the objective of providing a detection device for detecting road users located to the side of the motor vehicle (12) that can be implemented with minimal equipment. For this purpose, the second monitoring device (48) is also coupled to the radar sensor (54) and designed to detect the traffic object in the blind spot area (36) based on the signal (L) from the radar sensor (54).For this purpose, the radar module (50) is arranged rotated towards the rear of the vehicle (H) so that its detection range (52) includes the blind spot area (36).