Ultra-Short Range Radar for Trailer and Overhead Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack effective methods to detect and prevent collisions with overhead objects and trailers, particularly in scenarios involving trailers hitched to vehicles, where jackknifing and improper coupling can occur, and when vertically opening rear doors may collide with objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ultra-short range radar (USRR) system that integrates with cameras and sensors to detect objects in three dimensions, determining their location and dimensions, and a remedial action module that generates alerts and adjusts vehicle steering and braking to prevent collisions, aligns trailers, and manages the opening of rear doors to avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultra-short range radar sensors are integrated to detect objects in three dimensions, then measurement precision and detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple USRR sensors with cameras and other detection devices into an integrated object detection system. The sensor fusion approach merges data from different sources to achieve three-dimensional object detection, resolving the contradiction by consolidating multiple functions into a unified system that improves precision while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The object detection system is designed to perform multiple functions including detecting overhead objects, trailers, and obstacles in three dimensions. The same USRR sensor array serves both collision prevention and trailer coupling assistance, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
2Reliability
If the remedial action module actively adjusts vehicle steering and braking to prevent collisions, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remedial action module continuously receives feedback from USRR sensors about object positions and vehicle state, then dynamically adjusts steering and braking commands. This closed-loop feedback control enables reliable collision prevention while managing complexity through iterative adjustment based on real-time sensor data rather than requiring overly complex pre-programmed control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to autonomously detect and correct its own trajectory by self-adjusting steering and braking based on sensor input. The vehicle essentially monitors and corrects its own state without external intervention, improving reliability while keeping the control architecture relatively simple through self-contained autonomous operation.
3Productivity
If the system provides comprehensive alerts and adjustments for trailer coupling, then operational efficiency and reliability are improved, but ease of operation decreases due to increased system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and guidance actions before actual trailer coupling occurs. USRR sensors detect the trailer position and guide the vehicle into proper alignment in advance, allowing the operator to complete coupling more efficiently. This preliminary automated positioning improves productivity while keeping the final coupling operation simple for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The object detection system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle operator and the physical trailer coupling process. It provides intermediate guidance information and automated positioning assistance that simplifies the complex task of trailer coupling, making the overall process more efficient while maintaining ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces and automated support functions.
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 effectively prevents collisions with overhead objects and trailers by providing timely alerts and adjustments to vehicle movement, ensuring safe coupling of trailers and preventing jackknifing and door collisions, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
based on radar signals from ultra-short range radar (USRR) sensors of the vehicle: identifying the presence of an object that is external to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-short range radar (USRR) system of a vehicle includes an object detection module configured to, based on radar signals from USRR sensors of the vehicle: identify the presence of an object that is external to the vehicle; determine a location of the object; and determine at least one of a height, a length, and a width of the object. A remedial action module is configured to, based on the location of the object and the at least one dimension of the object, at least one of: selectively actuate an actuator of the vehicle; selectively generate an audible alert via at least one speaker of the vehicle; and selectively generate a visual alert via at least one light emitting device of the vehicle.