Distance Measurement Device Using Rotating Transmission Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies cannot simultaneously and accurately measure distances to a road surface and other objects using a single device, lacking the capability to alternate between these measurements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a transmission signal and a reference signal with specific shapes to determine physical variables by analyzing phase differences, allowing for flexible signal analysis and compensation of interference, enabling distance measurement to both road surfaces and objects with a single device by realigning the transmission path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single device is used to measure distances to both road surface and objects, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and accuracy deteriorate due to inability to alternate between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device alternates between measuring distances to the road surface and objects by periodically switching the transmission path orientation. The transmission path is rotated to point either at the road surface or at an object, enabling sequential measurements with a single device while maintaining measurement precision through systematic alternation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission path is made dynamically reconfigurable through rotation, allowing the device to adapt its measurement direction. This dynamic capability enables the same device to serve multiple measurement functions (road surface distance and object distance) by changing its operational state, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission path is realigned for each measurement type, then measurement versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves multi-functionality by using a single transmission path that can be rotated to measure both road surface distance and object distance. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple measurement tasks that would traditionally require separate dedicated devices, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission path incorporates rotational capability to dynamically change its orientation between pointing at the road surface and pointing at objects. This dynamic reconfiguration enables a single device to adapt to different measurement requirements, achieving versatility through a relatively simple rotational mechanism rather than through complex multi-device systems.
3Measurement precision
If phase difference analysis is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to signal analysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that simplifies the distance measurement process. By comparing the phase difference between the transmitted signal and the reference signal, the system achieves precise distance measurement without requiring complex signal analysis circuits, as the reference signal provides a stable baseline for phase comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the phase difference measurement to determine distance. The phase difference between the transmitted and received signals (compared against the reference signal) provides direct information about the distance, enabling precise measurement through a relatively simple feedback-based comparison mechanism rather than through complex signal processing.
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 precise distance measurement to both road surfaces and objects, improving driving dynamics control and safety by providing accurate leveling and pitching/rolling movement detection, while potentially dispensing with conventional level sensors and enhancing lane detection and surface condition assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a distance between the device and an object or a road surface at which a transmission signal from a transmitter is reflected and received by a receiving unit
Data Source
Figure 1~3a
Figure 3b~3d
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring a physical variable, in particular a distance, having the following steps: at least the first transmission signal (s1) with a predefinable first signal shape is transmitted over a first transmission link (190a) whose transmission function depends on the physical variable to be measured, wherein a first reception signal (s1') is obtained at an output of the first transmission link (190a), at least a first reference signal (sr) with a predefinable reference signal shape is transmitted over a reference transmission link (190r), wherein the reference transmission link (190r) preferably has a known transmission function, and wherein a reference reception signal (sr') is obtained at an output of the reference transmission link (190r), and the first reception signal (s1') and the reference reception signal (sr') are analysed in order to determine the physical variant.