Ultrasonic Sensor Automatic Braking for Pedestrian Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor systems in vehicles do not directly connect to the control unit, leading to delays in braking during slow movements, which can result in collisions with pedestrians, especially in environments like parking lots and construction sites, as the driver's reaction time and sensor detection delays can exceed 1 second, allowing the vehicle to travel significant distances before braking.
Innovation Solution
The device integrates ultrasonic sensors with a signal processing block, optical and/or acoustic signaling, and a control unit that includes an interconnecting block for automatic braking, allowing direct communication between the sensor system and the vehicle's control unit to initiate braking without driver intervention, utilizing memory for obstacle detection, imminent obstacle detection, temporary deactivation, and automatic braking blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect obstacles during reversing, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the response time is too slow due to driver reaction delay and manual braking action
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically brake itself when an obstacle is detected, eliminating the need for driver intervention. The control unit directly activates the brake system based on sensor input, allowing the vehicle to protect itself without human reaction delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical braking action (driver moving foot from accelerator to brake pedal, depressing clutch) is replaced by an automated electronic control system that directly actuates the brake system, dramatically reducing the time from obstacle detection to braking activation.
2Loss of time
If direct connection between ultrasonic sensors and control unit is implemented, then braking response time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes signals from ultrasonic sensors, monitors vehicle speed, controls braking systems, and manages engine operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ultrasonic sensor system, signal processing block, and vehicle control unit into an integrated system where the control unit directly receives sensor signals and automatically controls braking and engine functions, merging multiple subsystems into a unified control architecture.
3Reliability
If automatic braking is activated during slow vehicle movement, then safety during reversing is improved, but false alarms may occur in environments with tall grass or similar obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on vehicle motion state. The automatic braking function is specifically activated during slow movement (reversing or parking maneuvers) when the vehicle speed is below a threshold, and remains inactive during normal driving, allowing the system to adapt to different operational contexts and reduce false alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic braking function is applied selectively only during specific operational conditions (slow movement below threshold speed) rather than continuously, creating a localized application of the safety feature that reduces unnecessary activation while maintaining protection when needed.
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
This solution significantly reduces collisions with pedestrians by enabling automatic braking during slow vehicle movements, with the option for temporary deactivation by the driver and automatic reactivation, ensuring enhanced safety in environments with potential false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
Most vehicles are equipped with ultrasonic sensors to facilitate parking. The signal of these sensors, most commonly located in the bumper in the rear or possibly the front part of the vehicle, provides information for the evaluation unit about the presence and usually also the distance of the obstacle
Implementation Method 2
the measurement of the distance is done indirectly by measuring the time needed for the signal to travel between the sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device consists of ultrasonic sensors (1), a signal processing block (2), and further contains a control unit (4) for controlling the braking circuit (5) and the engine (6). A further interconnecting block (3) is formed by a memory (3.1), a block (3.2) for detection of moving obstacles, a block (3.3) for detection of imminent obstacle during slow movement, a temporary deactivation block (3.4) and an automatic braking block (3.5).