Towing Device Extensions for Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving systems face challenges when towing a vehicle, as the rear-side surroundings information detection is often insufficient due to obstruction by the towed vehicle, necessitating suspension of autonomous driving functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of additional surroundings information detecting sensors on extensions of the towing device, which extend beyond the vehicle width, and a control device that integrates information from both vehicle-side and device-side sensors to enhance rear-side detection and control during towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle tows a towed vehicle, then the towing function is enabled, but the rear-side surroundings information detection becomes insufficient due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the detection system into a new spatial dimension by attaching device side surroundings information detecting sensors to the towing device that protrudes outward from the autonomous vehicle. This allows detection of rear-side surroundings information that would otherwise be blocked by the towed vehicle, resolving the information loss caused by towing operation.
2Measurement precision
If device side surroundings information detecting sensors are added to the towing device, then rear-side detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The towing device serves multiple functions: it enables the towing operation itself and simultaneously supports the mounting of device side surroundings information detecting sensors. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to address both the towing need and the detection need, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the towing device structure with the sensor mounting structure, integrating the device side surroundings information detecting sensors directly onto the towing device. This merging reduces the need for separate sensor mounting mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are detachably connected to the towing device, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the device side connector can be detachably connected to or disconnected from the vehicle side connector based on whether towing is required. This dynamic adaptability allows easy operation during attachment/detachment while maintaining reliable electrical connection during active towing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous driving device including: vehicle side surroundings information detecting sensors; a left-right pair of extensions provided to a towing device, the extensions extending further to a vehicle width direction outside than a vehicle width direction outside end portion of the towed vehicle; a left-right pair of device side surroundings information detecting sensors, the device side surroundings information detecting sensors being respectively provided to the left-right pair of extensions and detecting surroundings information; and a control device controlling travelling of the autonomous vehicle based on detection results of the vehicle side surroundings information detecting sensors, and, in cases in which the device side surroundings information detecting sensors are electrically connected to the control device, controlling travelling of the autonomous vehicle based on the surroundings information detected by the device side surroundings information detecting sensors in addition to surroundings information detected by the vehicle side surroundings information detecting sensors.