Time-of-flight sensor towable device pitch detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior detection systems for vehicles fail to effectively monitor the stability of towable devices, such as trailers, using time-of-flight sensors, which is crucial for ensuring safe towing and preventing instability.
Innovation Solution
A detection system equipped with time-of-flight sensors and control circuitry that calculates the tilt of a towable device's contour, compares it to a threshold angle, and generates an output to adjust the lift unit or alert the user of unstable conditions, thereby maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional exterior detection systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the stability monitoring capability of towable devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The time-of-flight sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects the contour of the towable device, calculates tilt angles, and provides stability monitoring. This multi-functional approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single sensor type handles various detection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or optical detection systems with time-of-flight sensor technology. This substitution enables more precise and reliable stability monitoring by using electromagnetic wave propagation principles rather than traditional mechanical measurement methods.
2Reliability
If time-of-flight sensors are added to monitor towable device stability, then stability monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into functional modules: the time-of-flight sensor captures contour information, the control circuitry calculates tilt angles, and the system compares results against threshold values. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable stability monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the time-of-flight sensor to automatically detect and monitor stability conditions without requiring external intervention. The control circuitry autonomously processes sensor data, calculates angles, and generates alerts when thresholds are exceeded, enabling self-service stability monitoring.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lift unit adjusts the pitch of the floor to maintain stability, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the time-of-flight sensor continuously monitors the contour and tilt angle of the towable device, the control circuitry compares measured angles against predetermined thresholds, and the lift unit adjusts the floor pitch in response to detected instability. This closed-loop feedback ensures stability while managing control complexity through automated decision-making.
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
The system effectively monitors and maintains the stability of towable devices by adjusting the lift unit or alerting the user to potential instability, enhancing safety and preventing accidents during towing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one time-of-flight sensor configured to capture positional information about a contour of a towable device outside the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system for a vehicle includes at least one time-of-flight sensor configured to capture positional information about a contour of a towable device outside the vehicle. The detection system further includes control circuitry in communication with the at least one time-of-flight sensor. The control circuitry is configured to calculate a tilt of the contour based on the positional information about the contour. The control circuitry is further configured to compare the tilt to a threshold angle for the contour. The control circuitry is further configured to determine at least one stability condition of the towable device based on the comparison of the tilt to the threshold angle. The control circuitry is further configured to generate an output in response to determining the at least one stability condition.