Telescopic Crossbar Blind Zone Detection for Unmanned Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vehicles face a detection blind zone when encountering obstacles that are too low or close, leading to potential safety risks due to inadequate sensor response.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a telescopic crossbar and vertical shaft connected by a pivot, where the crossbar rotates to drive the vertical shaft, allowing for detection of blind zones by determining the anticipated and actual detection times and missed detection positions, thereby identifying the blind zone based on the length and position of the vertical shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sensor detects obstacles at a distance, then the detection range is extended, but obstacles that are too low or too close fall into the blind zone and cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic crossbar structure that can dynamically adjust its length and position. By extending or retracting the crossbar, the system can adapt the detection coverage area to cover different spatial zones, including areas previously undetectable. This dynamic adjustment allows the sensor to scan previously blind zones while maintaining detection of distant obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a telescopic dimension to the crossbar structure, transforming a static two-dimensional detection plane into a dynamic three-dimensional detection volume. By adjusting the crossbar length along the telescopic direction, the system expands detection coverage into additional spatial dimensions, eliminating blind zones without compromising distant obstacle detection.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor scans the area frequently, then the detection coverage is improved, but the time consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by adjusting the telescopic crossbar to predetermined positions before conducting sensor scans. By pre-positioning the crossbar at optimal detection angles and distances, the system reduces the need for frequent repeated scans, thereby decreasing detection time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic crossbar enables dynamic adjustment of detection parameters in real-time. Instead of relying on frequent repeated scans, the system dynamically repositions the crossbar to cover different areas, achieving comprehensive detection coverage more efficiently and reducing total detection time.
3Area of stationary object
If the crossbar length is extended, then the detection coverage area is increased, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve extended detection coverage when needed while maintaining a compact form when retracted, reducing overall structural complexity compared to a permanently extended rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic crossbar employs a nested structure where smaller segments are housed within larger ones, similar to nested dolls. This nesting approach allows the crossbar to extend to large lengths for expanded detection coverage while maintaining a compact size when retracted, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and space requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables quick and accurate determination of blind zones with wide detection coverage and reduced missed detections, enhancing traffic safety for unmanned vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the crossbar rotating about the pivot to drive the vertical shaft to move
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for detecting blind zone of an unmanned vehicle. A specific embodiment of the method comprises: receiving a detection initiating request, the detection initiating request including: a position of the vertical shaft, a length of the vertical shaft and a set movement speed of the vertical shaft; detecting the vertical shaft; determining an anticipated detection time based on the position of the vertical shaft and the set movement speed; recording an actual detection time in response to detecting the vertical shaft; determining a missed detection position of the vertical shaft based on a time difference between the actual detection time and the anticipated detection time and the set movement speed, in response to confirming the actual detection time being different from the anticipated detection time; and determining a blind zone based on the length of the vertical shaft and the missed detection position.