Vehicle Overhead Clearance Detector with Laser and Ultrasonic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle collision warning systems are ineffective in detecting potential collisions between vehicle rooftops or cargo carriers and overhead obstructions such as low-clearance bridges or tree branches, as they fail to account for the vertical clearance of the vehicle's elevated components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle overhead clearance detector system featuring a waterproof housing with sensors, a digital camera, a laser range finding device, and a visual flashing alarm, mounted on a rotatable base and motorized telescopic pole, which communicates with a central processor unit to measure and display overhead obstructions and trigger alarms if clearance is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic acoustic or Doppler-based radar systems are used for collision warning, then horizontal collision detection is improved, but vertical overhead clearance detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple detection technologies (ultrasonic sensors for horizontal collision warning and laser range finding devices for vertical overhead clearance detection) into a single unified system, allowing it to perform both horizontal and vertical detection functions simultaneously through a common processor and display interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate horizontal collision warning systems with vertical overhead clearance detection by mounting laser range finding devices on the same rotatable base as ultrasonic sensors, merging their functions into one integrated overhead clearance detector system that processes both types of data through a single central processor
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting position is used for sensors, then installation simplicity is improved, but detection coverage in all directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotatable mounting base that allows the sensor array to dynamically change its orientation and scan different directions, transforming a static fixed-mounting system into a dynamic one that can adaptively position sensors to detect overhead obstructions from multiple angles while maintaining straightforward installation through a single rotating unit
3Manufacturing precision
If sensor is mounted at fixed reference height, then mounting precision is improved, but accuracy in determining vehicle highest point clearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by allowing the operator to input the actual height of the vehicle's highest point into the processor, which then uses this feedback information along with the fixed reference height measurement to calculate and display the accurate overhead clearance, compensating for variations in vehicle height and sensor mounting positions
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
Effectively prevents collisions by providing real-time visual and auditory alerts to the driver of potential overhead obstructions, ensuring safe passage by accurately measuring and displaying the distance to overhead hazards and activating alarms when clearance is insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
a laser range finding device...configured to use a narrowly focused infrared transmitter
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic acoustic...systems to prevent such collisions
Data Source
AI summary
An vehicle overhead clearance detector devised to prevent a collision between an overhead obstruction and a vehicle and a cargo carrier attached to the vehicle by providing at least one sensor and a laser finding device operative to detect the overhead obstruction, a digital camera, and a visual flashing alarm disposed on a waterproof housing body disposed on a rotatable mounting base and in communication with a central processor unit operable by a driver. A monitor with integral speakers displays images captured by the digital camera to permit the driver to see any detected overhead obstructions. The housing body is disposed atop a motorized telescopic pole between a cab of a semi-tractor and a semi-trailer is operable via the central processor unit. The housing body is mounted atop the telescopic pole for proper positioning.