Ultrasonic Sensor Frequency Switching for Cross-Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance devices with ultrasonic sensors face limitations in flexibility due to the need for ultrasonic sensors with the same resonance frequencies for cross measurements, restricting the use of sensors with different designs or installations, and limiting noise robustness and encoding possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance device with two ultrasonic sensors having different resonance frequencies, where a control device switches each sensor between operating modes to adapt the transmission frequency, allowing cross measurements without affecting individual sensor operations, enabling the use of sensors with different designs or installations and improving noise robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors with the same resonance frequency are used for cross measurements, then cross measurement capability is enabled, but flexibility in sensor design and installation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission frequency adjustable and switchable between different operating modes. The control device dynamically changes the transmission frequency of ultrasonic sensors based on the operational mode, allowing the system to adapt between single-sensor and cross-measurement configurations without physical modifications to the sensors themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the ultrasonic sensors dynamically. By switching the transmission frequency between different resonant frequencies corresponding to different sensors, the system enables cross measurements while maintaining the ability to use sensors with different designs and installations. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the same sensor to operate at different frequencies as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic sensors with different resonance frequencies are used to increase flexibility, then adaptability in sensor design and installation is improved, but cross measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes ultrasonic sensors universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions through frequency switching. A sensor can transmit at its own resonant frequency for single-sensor operation or switch to another sensor's resonant frequency for cross measurements. This multi-functionality allows the system to use sensors with different designs and installations while maintaining cross measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission frequency based on the required operational mode. The control device switches sensors between different operating modes, allowing the same physical sensor to adapt its frequency characteristics dynamically, thereby maintaining cross measurement capability regardless of the sensors' inherent resonant frequency differences.
3Reliability
If a narrow frequency spectrum is used for ultrasonic sensors, then robustness against extraneous noise is improved, but the ability to perform cross measurements with different sensor frequencies is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter dynamically based on operational requirements. During single-sensor operation, the sensor uses its narrow resonant frequency for noise robustness. During cross measurements, the transmission frequency is switched to match the receiving sensor's resonant frequency, maintaining the narrow bandwidth advantage while enabling cross-sensor communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically switches between different operational modes, changing the transmission frequency accordingly. This periodic frequency switching allows the system to maintain narrow bandwidth benefits during each operational phase while adapting to different measurement requirements over time.
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 cross measurements between ultrasonic sensors with different resonance frequencies, increases flexibility in sensor design and installation, and enhances robustness against extraneous noise by allowing adaptive frequency adjustment during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensor usually emits ultrasonic waves with the membrane's own resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
only allows a certain bandwidth when receiving, namely usually only a few kilohertz around the resonant frequency
Implementation Method 3
ultrasonic waves can be emitted by an ultrasonic sensor, which then reflect on an obstacle in the vicinity of the motor vehicle and return to the ultrasonic sensor as a reflected echo
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a driver assistance device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), having a first ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) including a membrane for emitting and receiving ultrasound waves, wherein the first ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) has a first resonance frequency (f1 to f4), and a second ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) including a membrane for emitting and receiving ultrasound waves, wherein the second ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) has a second resonance frequency (f1 to f4) that differs from the first resonance frequency (f1 to f4). A control device (8) controls the ultrasound sensors (3 to 6) and is designed to switch at least the first ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) between a first operating mode in which the first ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) emits the ultrasound waves at the first resonance frequency (f1 to f4), and a second operating mode in which the first ultrasound sensor (3 to 6) emits the ultrasound waves at the second resonance frequency (f1 to f4).