Ultrasonic Sensor PCB Beamsteering for Vehicle Orientation Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor systems in vehicles face challenges in ensuring accurate installation and positioning, particularly with increasing numbers and stringent quality requirements, while also needing to be cost-effective and efficient.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit comprising a printed circuit board with at least two MEMS-based ultrasonic sensor elements that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to determine its orientation relative to a vehicle reference, using beamsteering and phase offset adjustments to enhance accuracy, and can be initiated by a control unit to check correct installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensor units are installed in a vehicle to improve measurement coverage and reliability, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the verification task into individual sensor unit orientations, where each sensor unit independently determines its own orientation relative to vehicle references. This segmentation allows parallel verification without requiring complex inter-sensor coordination, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor unit performs self-verification by autonomously determining its orientation using beamsteering and comparing it against predetermined orientation values. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external verification systems, improving reliability while minimizing additional device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If beamsteering technology is used to ascertain sensor orientation, then the manufacturing precision and installation accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical alignment and physical positioning references with acoustic beamsteering technology. By using electronic phase offset adjustments to steer ultrasonic beams, the system achieves precise orientation determination without complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, thus improving manufacturing precision while controlling device complexity through electronic rather than mechanical solutions.
3Measurement precision
If statistical models are used to check correct installation of multiple sensor units, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having each sensor unit independently determine its orientation and compare it against predetermined values before final system integration. This preliminary verification allows statistical models to work with pre-processed data, improving measurement precision while reducing the time burden on central processing systems.
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
Enables precise verification of sensor unit orientation and installation, improving accuracy and reliability through statistical models and compensating for environmental factors like temperature and altitude, ensuring correct positioning and reducing manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two sensor elements are configured to transmit and/or receive at least a first ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the first transmitted ultrasonic wave by means of the at least two sensor elements
Implementation Method 3
the sensor unit is configured to adjust a phase offset between the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 4
the sensor unit is configured to adjust a phase offset between the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave in order to ascertain the orientation of the sensor unit
Implementation Method 5
the at least two sensor elements are configured to transmit at least a second ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 6
the reflected wave can be received at the same ultrasonic array
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit configured to ascertain an orientation of the sensor unit. The sensor unit includes: a printed circuit board unit, at least two sensor elements. The at least two sensor elements are arranged on the printed circuit board unit. The at least two sensor elements are configured to transmit and/or receive at least a first ultrasonic wave. The sensor unit is configured to ascertain the orientation of the sensor unit in relation to a reference of a vehicle by adjusting the first transmitted ultrasonic wave using the at least two sensor elements.