Ultrasonic Sensor Assembly with Membrane Array for Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic sensors for vehicle parking face inaccuracies in distance calculation due to uncertainties in angle of incidence, and existing solutions requiring separate transmission and reception arrays increase space and visibility, compromising sound pressure levels and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement integrating a high-sound-pressure flexural vibrator as a transmitter and an ultrasonic sensor array on a membrane for angle-dependent detection, eliminating the need for separate components and allowing active damping for improved sound pressure and accuracy without additional space or materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate transmission and reception ultrasonic arrays are used to improve measurement precision, then angle determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and assembly space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission ultrasonic array and reception ultrasonic array into a single integrated sensor unit. The transmission array emits ultrasonic signals while the reception array detects reflected signals, both functions being housed in one assembly rather than requiring separate components. This merging maintains angle determination accuracy while reducing device complexity and assembly space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions: the transmission array generates ultrasonic waves for distance measurement, the reception array detects reflected waves for angle determination, and both arrays work together to provide comprehensive spatial information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated transmission and reception components.
2Measurement precision
If separate transmission and reception arrays are used to improve measurement precision, then angle determination accuracy is improved, but assembly space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission and reception arrays into a single compact sensor assembly, significantly reducing the area occupied on the vehicle compared to separate installations. The integrated design allows both functional arrays to share the same mounting space while maintaining their respective measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If additional damping materials are used to reduce decay time, then signal clarity is improved, but device complexity and assembly space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical damping approach (using additional damping materials) with an electronic control approach. The control circuit electronically manages the transmission and reception timing, and processes signals to achieve clear detection without requiring physical damping materials. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining signal clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit within the integrated sensor unit manages the decay time and signal processing internally without requiring external damping materials. The system uses its own electronic resources to achieve signal clarity, making the solution self-contained and reducing overall device complexity.
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
Achieves higher sound pressure levels with precise angle-dependent detection, reducing the need for additional components and damping materials, enabling reliable object detection at shorter distances without increasing assembly space.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitted ultrasonic signal is reflected by an object. The distance to the object is then determined via runtime calculation and triangulation. Known ultrasonic sensors typically have a piezo element that is connected to a membrane of the ultrasonic sensor. The membrane of the ultrasonic sensor can be made to vibrate by appropriately controlling the piezo element in order to emit acoustic signals.
Implementation Method 2
To receive the reflected signals, the vibrations of the membrane are converted into corresponding voltage signals from the piezo element.
Implementation Method 3
The transmitted ultrasonic signal is reflected by an object. The distance to the object is then determined via runtime calculation and triangulation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The sensor arrangement has a sound transducer arrangement (10) with an upper surface designed as membrane (12) that is adapted to radiate the surge waves. Another sound transducer arrangement has multiple sensor elements, which is formed as an array, particularly an ultrasonic array. The latter sound transducer arrangement is arranged on the membrane of the former sound transducer arrangement. The former sound transducer arrangement has a cup-shaped element (11) with an edge surface (14) and a bottom surface formed as the membrane. A piezoelectric element is arranged in contact with membrane. An independent claim is included for a method for detecting the surroundings, particularly of a vehicle, through a sensor arrangement.