Side Mirror Camera Assembly for Blind-Spot-Free Truck Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in providing uninterrupted and reliable sensor fields of view due to vibrations, blind spots caused by trailers, and the need for precise object detection under varying road conditions, which are not adequately addressed by existing sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles featuring a side mirror assembly with multiple cameras and sensors, including a first camera opposite the direction of travel, a second camera forward, a third camera perpendicular to the direction of travel, and a fourth camera on the roof, providing an uninterrupted 180° field of view, along with radar and lidar sensors, and a rigid support structure to withstand vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple cameras are mounted on the side mirror assembly to expand field of view, then object detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cameras (first camera for rearward view, second camera for forward view, third camera for side view) are integrated into a single side mirror assembly housing, combining multiple detection functions into one consolidated unit that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive object detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a traditional side mirror and a multi-camera sensor platform, enabling the same structure to provide rearward viewing, forward viewing, and side viewing capabilities through its integrated camera system
2Measurement precision
If cameras are positioned to eliminate blind spots, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera within the assembly is positioned with specific local optimization: the first camera targets rearward detection, the second camera targets forward detection, and the third camera targets side detection, with each position carefully configured to eliminate specific blind spots while maintaining overall system simplicity
3Reliability
If rigid support structure is used to withstand vibrations, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes composite materials that combine high strength and high stiffness properties with reduced weight, enabling the structure to withstand road vibrations and maintain sensor reliability while minimizing the additional weight burden on the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles includes a side minor assembly configured to mount to a vehicle. The side mirror assembly includes a first camera having a field of view in a direction opposite a direction of forward travel of the vehicle; a second camera having a field of view in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle; and a third camera having a field of view in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The first camera, the second camera, and the third camera are oriented to provide, in combination with a fourth camera configured to be mounted on a roof of the vehicle, an uninterrupted camera field of view from the direction of forward travel of the vehicle to a direction opposite the direction of forward travel of the vehicle.