Vehicle Suspension Height Control for Pedestrian Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle collision prevention systems struggle to effectively mitigate pedestrian injuries due to unexpected movements and environmental factors, as they cannot adequately adjust the vehicle's suspension to absorb impact in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance apparatus equipped with a camera and processor that detects pedestrians and predicts collisions, adjusting the vehicle's suspension height to position critical areas, such as the hood, to minimize impact damage by controlling the suspension height based on pedestrian height and collision dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses fixed suspension height, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different collision scenarios and pedestrian heights
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adjustable system. The processor receives image data, determines pedestrian height and collision risk, and dynamically adjusts the suspension height accordingly. This allows the vehicle to adapt its suspension characteristics in real-time based on detected conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of suspension height based on detected conditions. The processor analyzes image data to determine pedestrian height and collision probability, then adjusts the suspension height parameter to optimize protection. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring complete system redesign.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle lowers suspension to protect pedestrians, then pedestrian safety improves, but vehicle stability and traction may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary suspension adjustment before collision occurs. By detecting pedestrians and assessing collision risk in advance, the processor pre-positions the suspension at an optimal height that balances pedestrian protection with vehicle stability. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to be prepared for protection without compromising stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image data and collision risk assessment as feedback to continuously optimize suspension height. The processor monitors detected objects, evaluates collision probability, and adjusts suspension accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that suspension height is optimized for both pedestrian protection and vehicle stability based on real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses traditional collision prevention systems, then basic detection is available, but real-time suspension adjustment to absorb impact is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the detection function (image sensor) with the control function (suspension adjustment) into an integrated system. The processor receives image data, determines collision risk and pedestrian height, and directly controls suspension adjustment. This merging creates a unified system that achieves reliable impact absorption while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A driver assistance apparatus includes an object detection sensor configured to acquire data in a driving direction of a vehicle or around the vehicle. The driver assistance apparatus also includes a processor that is configured to detect an object based on the acquired data and determine, based on the acquired data, a portion of the detected object that is expected to be impacted by the vehicle. The processor is also configured to provide, based on the determined portion of the detected object that is expected to be impacted by the vehicle, a height control signal that controls a suspension of the vehicle to adjust a height of at least a portion of the vehicle.