UWB Parking Assistance for Autonomous Space Finding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In large parking lots and multi-storey car parks, finding and accessing suitable parking spaces is challenging due to reduced visibility, varying space sizes, and the need for manual guidance, which complicates the parking process for vehicles like minibuses.

Innovation Solution

A comfort system utilizing UWB module units for communication and detection, enabling autonomous navigation to free parking spaces by exchanging data with external devices and using UWB technology for precise location determination and obstacle avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual guidance systems are used in parking garages, then parking space availability can be indicated, but the complexity of the parking process increases and automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated parking guidanceVSAvoidparking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's own sensors and processing systems are used to detect parking spaces and guide the vehicle, eliminating the need for external attendants or complex centralized guidance systems. The vehicle performs the guidance function itself through its detection and navigation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical guidance systems are replaced with electronic sensor-based detection and automated navigation systems. The patent uses optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic sensors to detect parking spaces and electronic control systems to automate the guidance process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If parking space information is provided without vehicle-specific data, then information exchange is simplified, but the suitability of parking spaces for specific vehicles cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle-specific parking space matchingVSAvoiddata exchange complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's dimensions and characteristics are pre-stored in its control system before entering the parking garage. This allows the vehicle to automatically compare its specifications with available parking space dimensions and selectively identify suitable spaces without complex real-time data exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized data interface serves as an intermediary between the vehicle's detection system and the parking space information system. This interface enables efficient data exchange by using predefined parameters for vehicle dimensions and parking space characteristics, simplifying the matching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the vehicle searches for parking spaces at reduced speeds, then energy consumption is reduced, but the time required to find and access parking spaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking process speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system operates at full capability to identify all available parking spaces, but the vehicle only navigates to the most suitable one. This partial action approach allows comprehensive detection without requiring continuous high-speed operation throughout the entire parking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors detection results and provides feedback to adjust the search strategy. When parking spaces are detected, the system feedback-controls the vehicle's navigation to guide it directly to the selected space, optimizing the balance between search thoroughness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3981670A1Comfort system with parking assistance for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3981670A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3981670A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3981670A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a comfort system (10) for a vehicle (100) with at least one UWB module unit (11) for providing at least one vehicle function (F), in particular a navigation function (Fn) in a vehicle (100), comprising: a UWB antenna (11.1) for performing communication (K) and/or detection (D), wherein the vehicle function (F) can be activated depending on the communication (K) and/or detection (D); a UWB transceiver (11.2), in particular electronic, for transmitting and/or receiving electrical signals from the UWB antenna (11.1) that are specific for communication (K) and/or detection (D); and a processing device (11.3), in particular electronic, for controlling the UWB transceiver (11.2) in order to perform communication (K) and/or detection (D) through the UWB antenna (11.1). and an interface, in particular an electronic one (11.4) for transmitting a result of the detection (D) and/or communication (K) to a control unit (12), in particular a vehicle-side control unit, in order to trigger the vehicle function (F) depending on the detection (D) and/or communication (K). Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a corresponding vehicle (100) and a method.