Satellite Sensor System for Autonomous Vehicle Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crash sensors fail to detect minor impacts in autonomous vehicles, leading to a lack of instruction for the vehicle to pull over after such incidents, as these impacts do not trigger the occupant restraint system.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor system comprising an electronic control unit with accelerometers for severe impact detection and satellite sensors at various vehicle locations to confirm minor impacts, which can trigger the vehicle to pull over in autonomous mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crash sensors are used to detect severe impacts, then the occupant restraint system can be activated appropriately, but minor impacts cannot be detected and the vehicle cannot be instructed to pull over in autonomous mode
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into two distinct subsystems: conventional crash sensors for severe impact detection and satellite sensors for minor impact detection. Each subsystem is optimized for its specific detection range, with satellite sensors positioned at multiple locations (front, rear, left, right) to cover minor impacts that conventional sensors miss
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of detection capability by introducing satellite sensors that operate in parallel to conventional crash sensors. This creates a multi-level detection architecture where satellite sensors handle low-severity events and conventional sensors handle high-severity events, expanding the overall detection coverage across different impact severity dimensions
2Measurement precision
If conventional crash sensors are used, then severe crashes are detected, but the system lacks the capability to detect minor impacts that do not trigger the occupant restraint system
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensor types are deployed at different locations based on local detection needs. Satellite sensors are positioned at the front end, rear end, left side, and right side of the vehicle to specifically detect minor impacts at these vulnerable locations, while conventional crash sensors remain positioned for severe impact detection
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU serves multiple functions by processing data from both satellite sensors and conventional crash sensors. It can detect both minor and severe impacts, determine appropriate responses (pull over instruction or restraint activation), and manage the overall sensor system, reducing the need for separate control units
3Extent of automation
If the vehicle operates in autonomous mode, then it can detect and respond to severe crashes, but it cannot respond to minor impacts by pulling over without restraint system activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback processing where the ECU continuously monitors satellite sensor data, compares it against threshold values for minor impacts, and automatically generates pull-over instructions when minor impacts are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables reliable autonomous response to minor impacts without human intervention
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
Effectively detects minor impacts and instructs the vehicle to pull over in autonomous mode, ensuring safety without unnecessary activation of the occupant restraint system.
Implementation Method 1
a first accelerometer constructed and arranged to measure longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle during a severe impact event with the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a second accelerometer constructed and arranged to measure lateral acceleration of the vehicle during a severe impact event with the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A crash sensor system for a vehicle capable of operating in an autonomous mode includes an electronic control unit (ECU) having a processor circuit. The ECU triggers an occupant restraint system of the vehicle in the event of a severe impact event with the vehicle. Satellite sensors are electrically connected to the ECU and are mounted at the front end, the rear end, the right side and the left side of the vehicle near or on an outer surface thereof to detect low severity impact event with the vehicle that does not cause activation of the occupant restraint system. The processor circuit executes an algorithm to confirm, via data from the plurality of satellite sensors, whether the low severity impact event with the vehicle occurred and if so, the ECU triggers a brake controller and a steering controller to cause the vehicle, while in the autonomous mode, to pull over and stop.