Vehicle Contact Detection Using Multi-Sensor Frequency Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting minor damage or contacts on vehicles are limited by strong sensor signals during driving maneuvers, making it difficult to distinguish small damages from driving-related signals, and current systems rely heavily on signal strength which is not effective for detecting minor impacts.
Innovation Solution
The method evaluates and compares signal strength-independent properties, such as frequency, from multiple sensors placed at different points on the vehicle to differentiate between minor damage and driving maneuvers, using acceleration signals to detect small and minor impacts by determining the frequency properties of the contact and comparing them with signal strength-dependent properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal strength is used for damage detection, then strong impacts are detected effectively, but minor contacts are masked by driving maneuver signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from signal strength (amplitude) to signal frequency characteristics. By analyzing frequency-dependent properties rather than signal magnitude, the system can distinguish minor contacts from driving maneuvers even when the latter produce stronger signals. This parameter transformation allows simultaneous detection of both strong impacts and subtle contacts that were previously masked.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then local damage can be distinguished from global maneuvers, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into multiple monitoring zones with sensors positioned at strategic locations (front, rear, sides). Each sensor monitors its local region, and by comparing signals from different segments, the system can distinguish local contacts from global driving maneuvers. This segmentation approach improves detection precision while keeping the system manageable through modular sensor placement.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If signal evaluation focuses on amplitude, then clear impacts are detected, but the ability to separate local excitations from global maneuvers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the signal evaluation from amplitude-based to frequency-based analysis. By examining frequency-dependent properties of the signals, the system can differentiate between local contact excitations and global driving maneuver signals. This parameter change enables simultaneous detection of impact severity and source differentiation, resolving the contradiction between detecting harmful factors and identifying their origins.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting contacts on a vehicle. In the method, signals from at least two sensor are evaluated and compared to one another, wherein at least one signal strength-independent property of the signals is taken into account.