Truck Blind-Spot Camera Layout for Articulated Trailer Maneuvers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated motor vehicles suffer from blind spots that are not visible to the driver, leading to potential accidents during maneuvers, particularly when the trailer or semitrailer is angled relative to the cabin, obstructing the view and increasing the risk of collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Installation of multiple cameras on the trailer and cabin, including first and second cameras on the sides of the trailer facing the cabin, a third camera at the rear, and a fourth camera on the passenger side of the cabin, connected to a video screen in the cabin, with presence detection sensors to activate the fourth camera at low speeds, providing a 360-degree view and alert systems to draw the driver's attention to potential hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver relies on rear-view mirrors for monitoring blind spots, then the device complexity is low, but the visibility in blind spots remains insufficient leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system of rear-view mirrors with an electronic video surveillance system comprising multiple cameras and a display unit. This substitution enables comprehensive blind spot monitoring through electronic imaging, significantly improving safety while accepting increased system complexity as a necessary trade-off for eliminating visibility dead zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mirror reflection to multi-dimensional video capture by deploying cameras at various positions (front, rear, sides) of the vehicle. This dimensional expansion provides comprehensive spatial coverage of blind spots, allowing the driver to monitor all areas around the vehicle through the display unit.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras are installed to cover all blind spots, then the visibility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle's surrounding space into multiple zones (front, rear, left side, right side) and assigns dedicated cameras to each zone. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all blind spots while organizing the system into manageable modules, making the complexity more controllable and the installation more systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The video display unit serves multiple functions: it displays images from various cameras simultaneously, provides panoramic views, shows real-time blind spot monitoring, and can integrate with other vehicle systems. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple capabilities into a single interface, reducing operational complexity despite the multiple cameras installed.
3Loss of information
If cameras are positioned to maximize blind spot coverage, then the visibility is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies predetermined optimal positions for camera installation (front bumper, rear bumper, side mirrors, roof) that are determined during the design phase. These pre-determined locations facilitate easier manufacturing and installation by providing clear guidance on where to mount cameras, reducing on-site decision-making and ensuring consistent blind spot coverage across different vehicle configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a safety system for trucks in general comprising cameras/sound/flashing alarms which are activated through sensors placed on points considered dangerous for the driver's safety, for safeguarding the motor vehicle, and above all for life and/or safety of third persons who might be involved in accidents.