Soft Target Platform Steering for ADAS Testing Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soft target movement platforms for ADAS testing are heavy, complex, and lack maneuverability, posing safety risks for operatives and inefficiencies in simulating real-world scenarios of vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
Innovation Solution
A soft target movement platform with a steering assembly using differential torque from two drive motors and an undriven wheel actively turned by a steering motor, allowing for three-wheel steering and improved maneuverability, while maintaining a compact and space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex steering systems are added to improve maneuverability, then the platform can better imitate vulnerable road user behavior, but the weight and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into two independent components: differential steering mechanism (using drive motors on each wheel) and active caster steering mechanism (separate steering motor for each wheel). This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with optimized weight, avoiding the need for a heavy integrated steering system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel assembly is designed to be multi-functional, combining both drive and steer capabilities in a single wheel unit. This eliminates the need for separate steering mechanisms for each wheel, reducing overall system weight while maintaining full maneuverability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced steering systems with multiple components are implemented, then maneuverability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control is segmented into two independent control loops: differential steering control (controlling wheel speeds) and active caster steering control (controlling wheel orientations). This segmentation simplifies the control architecture by allowing each loop to operate independently, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The active caster wheels automatically adjust their orientation based on platform motion and steering commands, providing self-steering assistance. This reduces the complexity of mechanical steering linkages by using active control algorithms to manage the steering behavior.
3Ease of operation
If the platform is made lighter to improve safety and operational ease, then safety for operatives improves, but the platform may lack the stability needed for high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses active control of wheel orientations and differential wheel speeds to dynamically adjust stability parameters during operation. The active caster steering mechanism adjusts wheel casters in real-time to maintain stability during high-speed operation, while the overall platform weight is reduced for safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
A soft target movement platform 181 for carrying a soft target is provided. The platform comprises: a first drive motor 187; a first driven wheel 185 driveable by the first drive motor; a second drive motor 191; a second driven wheel 189 driveable by the second drive motor; and a steering assembly 101. The steering assembly comprises: a steering motor 47; and an undriven wheel 43 arranged to be actively turned about a steering axis by the steering motor. The platform is steerable by a differential torque from the first and second drive motors to the respective first and second driven wheels, and steering assistance is provided by actively turning the undriven wheel about the steering axis by the steering motor.