Vehicle Obstacle Detection Using Pivoting Transmitter Platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for vehicles, such as those described in Dutch patent NL-C-2011587, are cumbersome due to the need for precise angle determination of light-deflecting mirrors integrated into transmitters and receivers that must handle light beams from various directions, leading to reduced precision and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivotable platform hosting both the transmitter and receiver, equipped with angle sensors and a gyroscopic sensor, allows for high-precision angle determination by performing repeated pivoting movements, enabling the use of high-precision sensors outside the transmitter and ensuring the receiver always aligns with the reflected beam, thereby increasing sensitivity and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror is integrated into the transmitter to deflect light beams, then the device can detect obstacles, but the structure becomes cumbersome and complex due to the need for precise angle determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mirror from the transmitter structure and places it separately on the vehicle. This allows the transmitter to be a simple electromagnetic signal source without complex optical components, while the mirror handles the light deflection function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture the position of the reflected light beam. The camera records the beam position, and through image processing, the system determines the mirror angle without requiring direct mechanical angle sensors on the transmitter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver is configured to receive beams from different directions, then it can detect obstacles at various positions, but the precision and sensitivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mirror rotatable to dynamically change its orientation. By rotating the mirror to different angles, the system can detect obstacles at various positions while the receiver maintains a fixed, optimized position for receiving beams, thus preserving both versatility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror performs repeated pivoting movements through a limited angle range. This periodic motion allows the system to scan different areas systematically, determining obstacle positions through the temporal sequence of detected beam positions while maintaining high reception accuracy at each moment.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision angle sensors are used inside the transmitter, then angle determination precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex angle sensors from the transmitter by using a camera-based optical measurement system. The camera, positioned at a known location, captures beam positions and allows angle calculation through image processing, simplifying the transmitter assembly while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the beam position information through camera imaging. Instead of directly measuring the angle with a sensor, the system captures a visual representation of the beam position and processes this image data to determine the mirror angle, achieving high precision without complex mechanical sensors.
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 configuration enhances precision in detecting obstacles above a vehicle's route by accurately determining the height and position of obstacles, reducing false warnings and improving safety by integrating GPS for route confirmation and emitting tailored warning signals based on distance and obstacle alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver for receiving the signals reflected by an obstacle
Implementation Method 2
the transmitter is preferably configured to transmit signals in the form of signals incorporated into a laser beam, and the receiver is configured to receive laser beams
Implementation Method 3
the sensor comprises a gyroscopic sensor placed on the platform which is configured to measure the angle between the platform and the horizontal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device (6) adapted for placement on a vehicle (2) for warning of obstacles located above the route of the vehicle, comprising a transmitter (23) for transmitting electromagnetic signals (8) in a vertical area which extends in the direction of movement of the vehicle, a receiver (24) for receiving signals reflected by an obstacle (3) and computing means (20) for determining the presence of the obstacle and for determining the height of the underside of a possible obstacle in relation to the vehicle, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are placed on a support (14) which is pivotable around a horizontal axle (12), the device is provided with a pivoting device (15-18) for the repeated pivoting of the support through a limited angle around its axle, and at least one angle sensor (21) is fitted to determine the pivot angle of the support.