Trailer Radar Layout for Blind Spot Detection Behind Towed Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensors on vehicles are obstructed by trailers, reducing their field of view and causing unwanted reflections and interferences, which can lead to corrupted sensor data and impaired driver assistance system functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of additional trailer radar devices that extend the field of view of the radar system, allowing for the detection of objects in blind spot regions around the trailer and enhancing the system's ability to detect objects behind the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle-mounted radar devices are used for driver assistance, then detection capability is improved, but field of view is reduced due to trailer obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The radar detection system is segmented into two independent parts: vehicle-mounted radar devices for detecting objects in front of the vehicle, and trailer-mounted radar devices for detecting objects behind the trailer. This segmentation allows each radar system to operate independently in its optimal field of view, resolving the obstruction problem while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
2Reliability
If vehicle-mounted radar devices are used, then detection function is improved, but unwanted reflections and interferences occur due to trailer obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The radar detection function is extracted from the vehicle and placed directly on the trailer. By mounting radar devices on the trailer itself, the system eliminates the trailer as an obstructing element in the detection path, thereby removing the source of unwanted reflections and interferences while maintaining reliable detection of objects behind the trailer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trailer is towed by vehicle, then transportation capability is improved, but sensor data quality deteriorates due to radar obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system transitions from a single-dimension vehicle-centered radar approach to a two-dimension distributed radar network. Vehicle-mounted radars cover the front area while trailer-mounted radars cover the rear area, creating comprehensive spatial coverage in multiple dimensions and eliminating information loss caused by trailer obstruction.
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 enhanced field of view and improved detection capabilities of the driver assistance system lead to increased safety by reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing the system's ability to perform functions like emergency braking and automated overtaking.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave corner radar sensors can provide information to determine the distance of objects in a surrounding of the vehicle or the velocities of the object
Implementation Method 2
By measuring elevation and azimuth angles, radar sensors can even be used to determine locations of the object
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a driver assistance system for a vehicle. The driver assistance system comprises at least one trailer radar device configured to be disposed at a trailer towed by the vehicle and to generate radar sensor data. The driver assistance system further comprises an electronic control unit configured to be disposed in the vehicle and to be coupled with the at least one trailer radar device. The electronic control unit is further configured to receive the radar sensor data from the at least one trailer radar device. The electronic control unit is configured to generate an output signal and/or to control at least one function of the vehicle at least in part based on the radar sensor data received from the at least one trailer radar device.