Vehicle Load Clearance Warning Using Multi-Sensor Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, especially those hauling loads, face challenges in detecting low clearances ahead, which can lead to collisions with infrastructure such as bridges or overhanging signs, as existing systems lack comprehensive sensors to accurately assess load height and ground clearance in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A low clearance warning system utilizing multiple sensors (front, rear, and ground-facing) to detect objects and load heights, generating signals that an electronic processor uses to determine clearance thresholds and control vehicle systems, such as alerting the driver or initiating automatic braking to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect load height and ground clearance accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into an integrated system. The first sensor detects both infrastructure objects and provides clearance data, while the second sensor simultaneously detects load height and ground reference signals. This merging of detection functions reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized sensors for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors in the system are designed with multi-functionality. The second sensor既能detect load height又能provide ground reference signals, serving dual purposes. This universal approach allows a single sensor to perform multiple measurement tasks, improving precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time clearance monitoring is implemented, then vehicle safety is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring rather than continuous operation. The electronic processor periodically receives sensor signals, determines clearance heights, and compares them against infrastructure data. This periodic action maintains safety reliability while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the electronic processor continuously monitors clearance conditions and provides output signals when thresholds are approached. This feedback approach ensures safety by alerting operators only when necessary, rather than consuming energy for constant active control, thus balancing reliability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A low clearance detection system for a vehicle. In one example, the system includes a first sensor configured to detect an object in front of the vehicle and generate an object clearance signal. The system includes a second sensor configured to detect a load height of a load of the vehicle and generate a load height signal. The system includes a third sensor configured to detect a distance between the third sensor to a ground surface and to generate a ground reference signal. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to receive the object clearance signal, the load height signal, and the ground reference signal. The electronic processor determines an object clearance threshold, a clearance height of the load, and a load collision condition when the clearance height exceeds the object clearance threshold. In response to determining the load collision condition, the electronic processor controls a vehicle system.