Side Mirror Sensor Assembly for Blind-Spot-Free Truck Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-trailer trucks face challenges in maintaining uninterrupted sensor fields of view due to trailer obstruction, high vibration, and heavy cargo, which complicates autonomous driving by increasing blind spots and degrading sensor data quality.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles with strategically positioned cameras and sensors, including a side mirror assembly with multiple cameras and sensors, and a rigid support structure to withstand vibrations, providing an uninterrupted 180° field of view and enhanced object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are mounted on the side mirror assembly to expand field of view, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras (first camera for rearward view, second camera for forward view, third camera for side view) into a single side mirror assembly housing, integrating multiple sensing functions into one consolidated unit mounted on the vehicle's side mirror structure
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a traditional side viewing mirror and a multi-camera sensor platform, while also housing radar and lidar sensors, making the assembly a universal sensing hub for autonomous driving
2Loss of information
If cameras are positioned to achieve uninterrupted 180° field of view, then the blind spot reduction is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and rotatable mounting mechanisms for the cameras within the side mirror assembly, allowing dynamic positioning and orientation adjustment during installation and maintenance to achieve optimal field of view coverage without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes calibration and alignment procedures that use feedback from the captured images and sensor data to adjust camera orientations, ensuring that the combined field of view achieves uninterrupted 180° coverage while compensating for manufacturing variations
3Reliability
If rigid support structure is used to withstand vibrations, then the sensor data quality is improved, but the weight of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the construction of the side mirror assembly housing and support structure, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratios to provide sufficient vibration resistance while minimizing additional weight
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure is implemented selectively at critical locations where vibration resistance is most needed for sensor stability, rather than throughout the entire assembly, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining data quality
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for autonomous vehicles includes a side mirror 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.