3D Vehicle Hazard Detection for Reversing Near Cliffs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators face challenges in safely approaching cliffs while reversing, as their view may be obstructed, and existing systems rely heavily on operator awareness, which can lead to accidents due to inadequate detection of unsafe speeds, angles, or defective barriers.
Innovation Solution
An onboard hazard detection system equipped with sensors to generate a three-dimensional map of the vehicle's surroundings, analyze approaching characteristics, and detect hazards such as unsafe speeds, angles, or defective barriers, issuing warnings or controlling the vehicle's operation to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle operator relies on manual sensing of barrier contact while traveling in reverse, then the operator can detect the barrier through tactile feedback, but the obstructed rear view and monotonous operation reduce detection reliability and increase accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tactile sensing system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on the vehicle's rear bumper detect contact with the barrier electronically, converting mechanical contact into electrical signals that trigger warnings to the operator. This substitution eliminates the limitations of human tactile sensing through obstructed views and reduces operator workload while improving detection reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If the barrier height is increased to improve visibility for the operator, then the barrier becomes more visible, but the barrier may become more susceptible to degradation from wind, rain, and vehicle contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on physical barrier characteristics (height, material) for detection with an electronic sensing system. Sensors mounted on the vehicle detect barrier contact regardless of barrier height or material composition, eliminating the trade-off between visibility and structural integrity. The system works with barriers of any height by detecting the mechanical contact event electronically rather than relying on visual or tactile human perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the vehicle and the barrier. Rather than requiring direct human perception of the barrier, the sensors act as intermediaries that detect barrier contact and transmit this information to the operator. This intermediary system eliminates the need for tall, visible barriers while maintaining reliable detection capability.
3Productivity
If the vehicle approaches the barrier at higher speed to increase productivity, then more material can be transported per unit time, but the operator has less time to react and the risk of crossing the barrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection and warning actions before the vehicle reaches the barrier. Sensors detect barrier proximity and contact conditions in advance, triggering visual and audible warnings that give the operator提前 time to react and stop the vehicle. This preliminary action system allows higher approach speeds while maintaining safe stopping capability by providing advance notice of barrier location and contact conditions.
4Productivity
If the barrier is placed closer to the cliff edge to maximize dumping capacity, then more material can be dumped per trip, but the margin for error in vehicle positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor the vehicle's approach to the barrier and provide real-time information to the operator. The system detects barrier contact conditions and provides feedback warnings that enable precise positioning control. This feedback mechanism allows the barrier to be placed closer to the cliff edge by providing the operator with continuous information about proximity and contact conditions, enabling accurate stopping even at reduced margins.
Data Source
AI summary
An onboard hazard detection system for installing on a vehicle includes a processor that is configured to receive sensed data that is acquired by one or more sensors that are installed on the vehicle and that are configured to sense a topography of a region in the vicinity of the vehicle. The received data is analyzed to generate a three-dimensional map of the region based on the sensed data. One or more characteristics of an approach of the vehicle toward a cliff or safety barrier is calculated, based on the sensed data. The system detects when the calculated characteristics are indicative of a hazard and performs an action.