Vehicle Gradient Signal Measurement Using Dual Laser Distance Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the climbing angle of a site in a vehicle's preview area, particularly in a moving reference system, are complex and require the use of laser scanners, which is not feasible for a simple and inexpensive dynamic determination.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arrangement uses two laser distance sensors arranged side by side in a vehicle, which send out laser beams at different times to measure incline data without the need for a laser scanner. The sensors determine vectors of the laser rays and calculate a difference vector to form an incline signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser scanner is used to determine the climbing angle of a site in a vehicle's preview area, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser scanner into multiple independent laser distance sensors (at least two sensors). Each sensor measures the distance to different points on the ground independently. By segmenting the measurement function across multiple simple sensors rather than one complex scanner, the system achieves the required measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the measurements from multiple laser distance sensors with data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and vehicle position data to calculate the climbing angle. By merging these different data sources through a unified calculation process, the system achieves accurate slope determination without requiring a complex laser scanner, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a laser scanner is used to determine the climbing angle dynamically in a moving reference system, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dynamic measurement task into multiple simple distance measurements taken at different times by independent laser distance sensors. Each sensor performs a simple distance measurement to its target point, and the control unit handles the complex temporal and spatial coordination. This segmentation makes the system easier to operate dynamically compared to a laser scanner while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser distance sensors automatically perform their measurements at the required times without manual intervention. The control unit autonomously coordinates the measurements, processes the data, and calculates the incline information. This self-service operation eliminates the complexity of manual operation while achieving precise dynamic incline determination.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken at different times to determine the slope angle in a moving reference system, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-coordinates the measurement times and positions of the laser distance sensors based on the vehicle's motion trajectory. By planning the measurements in advance and positioning sensors optimally, the system obtains sufficient measurement data with minimal time delay, reducing the loss of time while maintaining the precision benefits of multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs continuous or near-continuous measurements as the vehicle moves, with the control unit coordinating measurements at optimal intervals. This continuous useful action ensures that measurements are taken frequently enough to maintain precision while minimizing unnecessary time delays, allowing the vehicle to proceed without significant interruption.
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
This method allows for a simple, inexpensive, and dynamic determination of inclination data in a moving reference system, enhancing the accuracy of slope measurements and enabling real-time adaptation of vehicle parameters for improved driving dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one point-measuring laser distance sensor (2) arranged in the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
determine a gradient signal in a vehicle... send out laser beams... measure incline data
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
AI summary
An arrangement for determining a gradient signal in a vehicle is proposed, having at least one position capture device which is set up to determine the position of the vehicle in an absolute system at least at a first time and at a second time and to determine the distance covered by the vehicle therefrom as a motion vector. The arrangement also has at least one first laser distance sensor which is arranged on a front side of the vehicle in a manner inclined at a predefined angle with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and is set up to emit at least one first laser beam in the direction of a first measuring point in front of the vehicle at least at the first and second times, and at least one means which is set up to determine the length of the at least one laser beam and at least one associated vector of the laser beam at each of the at least first and second times, and at least one determination device which is set up to determine a difference vector from the motion vector and each of the determined vectors of the laser beam and to form a gradient signal therefrom. A corresponding method is also provided.