Terrain Clearance Tracking With Ride-Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicle operators face challenges in navigating obstacles without a spotter, as blind spots and limited camera systems make it difficult to determine if upcoming terrain features like boulders or logs can be cleared without damaging the vehicle's fascia or underbody.
Innovation Solution
A clearance risk detection system that uses machine learning and air suspension to identify terrain objects, classify their clearability based on ride height, and provide visual or auditory indicators, optionally raising the vehicle's ride height to clear obstacles, while also offering an augmented reality view to assist the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If basic camera systems are used to assist off-road driving, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately judge obstacle clearability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes camera images to extract terrain object characteristics and calculates clearance risks. This mediator translates basic visual data into actionable clearance assessments, resolving the contradiction between simple camera hardware and accurate judgment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical camera systems combined with image processing algorithms. The mechanical approach of physical measurement is substituted by capturing images and computationally determining obstacle dimensions and clearance risks, achieving accurate judgment with simpler optical equipment.
2Measurement precision
If advanced camera systems with multiple sensors are deployed to improve obstacle detection, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single camera system multi-functional by processing it to achieve multiple objectives: detecting terrain objects, measuring their dimensions, calculating clearance risks, and providing navigation guidance. This universal approach allows one sensor to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require several specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational copy of the physical terrain environment by generating two-dimensional images and extracting virtual measurements from them. This digital replica allows accurate obstacle assessment without requiring physical measurement devices, maintaining detection precision while reducing hardware complexity.
3Measurement precision
If manual spotter assistance is used to navigate obstacles, then the navigation accuracy improves, but the operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle to self-assess obstacle clearability by equipping it with its own camera and computational system. The vehicle independently detects terrain objects, calculates clearance risks, and determines safe passage without external human assistance, achieving both accurate navigation and maintained driving speed through autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where the camera continuously monitors the terrain ahead, the system processes this visual information to assess clearance risks, and provides real-time guidance to the driver. This closed-loop feedback enables accurate obstacle navigation while maintaining operational efficiency through immediate information delivery.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time obstacle assessment and automatic ride height adjustment are implemented, then the vehicle protection improves, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of terrain objects and clearance risks before the vehicle reaches them. By detecting and evaluating obstacles in advance using the camera system, the vehicle can proactively adjust ride height or alert the driver, preventing damage without requiring continuous high-energy operation of suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning of the terrain ahead using the camera system at appropriate intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic assessment provides sufficient protection against obstacles while minimizing energy consumption by activating sensors and processing only when needed, rather than operating continuously.
Data Source
AI summary
A clearance risk detection system is provided in a vehicle. The clearance risk detection system is configured to: identify a terrain object in a vehicle travel path; classify the terrain object based on whether the host vehicle can clear the terrain object or cannot clear the terrain object; provide a first indicator that indicates that the host vehicle can clear the terrain object when appropriate; provide a second indicator that indicates that the host vehicle can clear the terrain object with a suggested raising of vehicle ride height when appropriate; automatically raise the vehicle ride height when appropriate; and provide a third indicator that indicates that the host vehicle cannot clear the terrain object even with raising vehicle ride height when appropriate.