Vehicle Attachment Point Positioning via Sensor Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack the ability to autonomously or driver-assistively position vehicle attachment points for securely tethering objects like hammocks, tents, and awnings, relying heavily on human estimation and potentially leading to suboptimal placement and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a vehicle control unit with wireless communication, processor, and memory to assess the vehicle environment using sensor data, such as LiDAR and radar, to determine optimal positioning of vehicle attachment points based on object and vehicle parameters, ensuring safe and efficient attachment of recreational items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If autonomous positioning of vehicle attachment points is implemented, then positioning precision and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls autonomous driving operations and simultaneously manages attachment point positioning for recreational activities. By making the control unit universal, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware while achieving precise attachment point positioning through integration with existing vehicle sensors and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own existing sensors, processors, and control mechanisms to determine attachment point positions. Rather than requiring external specialized equipment, the vehicle serves itself by leveraging its autonomous driving capabilities and onboard navigation systems to identify optimal attachment locations based on vehicle position, orientation, and environmental data.
2Device complexity
If manual estimation is used for attachment point placement, then device complexity remains low, but positioning precision and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical estimation and physical measurement with automated electronic positioning systems. Instead of relying on human judgment and manual placement, the system uses digital sensors, processors, and control algorithms to automatically determine precise attachment point locations, substituting mechanical human operation with electronic automation.
3Productivity
If autonomous attachment point positioning is implemented, then productivity and usability are improved, but loss of time for system setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments of the vehicle environment and pre-calculates optimal attachment point positions before the user needs to attach recreational equipment. By proactively evaluating sensor data, determining safe attachment locations, and preparing positioning information in advance, the system reduces the actual setup time when the user needs to quickly attach items like hammocks or tents.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and device for positioning a vehicle attachment point in a vehicle environment. On retrieving a plurality of object parameters relating to an object, a determination is made for a vehicle distance value relative to the vehicle attachment point in order to accommodate an object distance parameter that was retrieved from the plurality of object parameters. A vehicle environment assessment is then made relating to accommodating the physical characteristics of the object and the vehicle associated with the vehicle attachment point. Based on the assessment, vehicle attachment point positional data may be generated for positioning the vehicle attachment point relative to a vehicle environment based on at least the object distance parameter and the vehicle distance value.