Under-Chassis Object Detection for Small Road Debris Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in detecting small objects on the road surface that can fit under the chassis, which can lead to potential hazards and safety risks during navigation.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle system equipped with an under-chassis object detection subsystem, including sensors like LIDAR, radar, and cameras, to identify objects beneath the vehicle and adjust trajectory or velocity to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensors are placed to allow autonomous vehicle navigation, then navigation capability is improved, but detection of small objects close to the road surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple sensor types (LIDAR, radar, cameras) positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each sensor type detects different characteristics of objects, and their data is integrated to achieve comprehensive detection of small objects that would be missed by a single sensor type alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new detection dimension by placing sensors on the underside of the vehicle chassis to detect objects in the space directly beneath the vehicle. This additional spatial dimension complements the forward-facing sensors, enabling detection of small objects that are obscured from the vehicle's perspective during normal navigation.
2Productivity
If the vehicle chassis passes over small objects, then vehicle operation is maintained, but safety and potential damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of small objects using multiple sensors before the vehicle reaches them. The control system processes sensor data in advance to identify hazardous objects, allowing the vehicle to take preventive actions such as slowing down or changing trajectory before encountering the object, thereby maintaining safety while preserving continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and provides real-time feedback to the control system. When small objects are detected, the feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of vehicle speed and trajectory to avoid damage while maintaining productive operation. The system continuously evaluates the situation and adjusts actions based on ongoing sensor input.
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
Enhances the safety and compliance of autonomous vehicles by enabling them to detect and respond to small road objects, preventing damage and ensuring safe navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include any of a LIDAR unit, a radar unit, and a camera
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include any of a LIDAR unit, a radar unit, and a camera
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle includes an under-chassis object detection system for identifying the presence of an object on a road that the autonomous vehicle is travelling upon. The under-chassis object detection system may include a LIDAR system. The object on the road that the autonomous vehicle is travelling upon is of a size that allows the vehicle's chassis to pass over the object on the road. The autonomous vehicle may react to the detected object on the road to operate the autonomous vehicle safely, such as by altering the vehicle's trajectory, by stopping the vehicle, or by communicating with a control center for further instructions.