Motorized Sensor Carrier Rotation for Autonomous Vehicle Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining optimal sensor coverage due to changes in motion, driving angles, and environmental factors, leading to blind spots and reduced field of view, which can compromise safety and navigation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor positioning platform that allows multiple sensors to be dynamically repositioned and rotated using a motorized payload carrier structure, enabling enhanced field of view and coverage by adjusting sensor placement in response to vehicle motion and environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensors are mounted at fixed locations on the autonomous vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the field of view and coverage are limited and blind spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed sensor mounts to dynamically adjustable sensor positioning systems. The sensors are mounted on movable platforms that can change their position and orientation in real-time, allowing the field of view to adapt as the vehicle moves, thereby eliminating blind spots while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled mobility rather than complete reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted at fixed locations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to changes in motion and environment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the sensor positioning system to automatically adjust and reposition sensors based on real-time vehicle motion and environmental conditions. The system uses feedback from vehicle sensors and processing systems to autonomously determine optimal sensor positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high adaptability to changing conditions.
3Loss of information
If sensors remain stationary, then the reliability of sensor placement is improved, but the loss of information due to blind spots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional sensor positioning platform that combines mounting structures, actuation mechanisms, control systems, and feedback sensors into a single integrated system. This platform can perform multiple functions including positioning sensors optimally, maintaining sensor orientation, and adapting to various vehicle motions, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added capability to eliminate blind spots.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for steering sensors in a payload carrier structure on an autonomous vehicle (AV) are described herein. An example method can include receiving, by a motor control system on the AV, instructions for controlling a motor on the motor control system to reposition the payload carrier structure from a first position to a second position; based on the instructions, sending, by a controller on the motor control system to a motor driver on the motor control system, a command instructing the motor driver to reposition the payload carrier structure from the first position to the second position; sending, by the motor driver to the motor, a control signal generated by the motor driver based on the command, the control signal controlling the motor to reposition the payload carrier structure to the second position; and moving, by the motor, the payload carrier structure and sensors to the second position.