Ultrasonic Sensor Beam Steering via Phase Delay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic sensors for road vehicles have limited range and vertical coverage, often compromising horizontal or vertical detection capabilities, and extending range typically comes at the cost of reducing coverage.
Innovation Solution
A dual transceiver ultrasonic sensor system with a common waveform generator and phase delay mechanism allows for beam steering by adjusting the phase delay between transducers, enhancing the detection field of view and range while maintaining or increasing coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the range of conventional ultrasonic sensors is extended, then the detection distance increases, but the horizontal or vertical coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple transceivers (at least two) that operate together as a unified array. Each transceiver contributes to the overall detection capability, allowing the system to achieve both extended range and maintained coverage through coordinated operation of segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase delay control as an additional dimension of operation. By controlling the phase relationship between multiple transceivers, the system can steer the acoustic beam in different directions (vertical or horizontal planes), effectively adding a spatial dimension control mechanism that allows simultaneous achievement of extended range and maintained coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view of conventional ultrasonic sensors is increased, then the coverage area expands, but the detection range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic phase delay control to adjust the beam direction in real-time. By dynamically changing the phase relationship between transceivers, the acoustic beam can be steered to cover different angular regions while maintaining optimal detection range, making the coverage area adjustable without sacrificing range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transceiver array by introducing controllable phase delays. This parameter modification allows the system to achieve different beam patterns and coverage areas while maintaining the detection range, effectively decoupling the trade-off between coverage and range.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple separate ultrasonic sensors are used to increase coverage, then the field of view expands, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transceivers are merged into a single integrated sensor unit with shared control electronics. The phase delay control mechanism unifies the operation of multiple transceivers, allowing them to function as a coordinated array rather than separate sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining expanded coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common phase delay control mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls the beam direction, adjusts the coverage area, and maintains detection range. This multi-functional control system eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each transceiver, reducing device complexity while achieving universal coverage enhancement.
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
The system provides a larger vertical or horizontal field of view, enabling detection of obstacles beyond the limitations of conventional sensors without sacrificing range, and allows for more detailed object detection through phased beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
external ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection. These sensors provide a static acoustic detection field to identify obstacles within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
obstacle detection through phase delay between transducers, enhancing the detection field of view and range
Implementation Method 3
a first controllable phase delay element positioned to receive the waveform from the waveform generator and provide a phase delayed waveform to the first ultrasonic waveform
Implementation Method 4
the phase delay may sequenced to sweep or step the ultrasonic signal through an arc
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for ultrasonic object detection. In one embodiment, a sensor includes at least two transducers driven by a common waveform generator and configured to process received echoes, from an object, using a common echo detector. By providing the wavefront 180 degrees out of phase to one transducer relative to the other transducer, a dual detection lobe may be provided and thereby provided two detection volumes. By varying the phase delay from one transducer relative to other, the detection beam (volume) may be steered or swept. Without phase delay, a relatively higher strength acoustic detection signal may be transmitted by the two or more transducers.