Vehicle Radar Antenna Layout for Wider Intersection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) face challenges in effectively detecting objects around vehicles, particularly in complex scenarios like intersections, due to limited sensing angles of conventional radar modules, which can result in missed detections and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed apparatus employs a multi-radar module system with strategically positioned antenna modules, including far-field and near-field antennas, to provide comprehensive sensing coverage around the vehicle, with overlapping beam patterns and increased viewing angles, enabling detection of objects in forward, rearward, and lateral directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radar modules with limited sensing angles are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the object detection coverage and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radar module is segmented into multiple antenna modules (first, second, third, fourth antenna modules) positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right sides of the vehicle). Each antenna module has its own substrate and beam patterns, allowing independent optimization of sensing coverage for different spatial zones, thereby achieving comprehensive 360-degree detection without requiring a single complex radar unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional (forward/rearward) radar sensing to three-dimensional omnidirectional sensing by adding lateral detection capabilities through antenna modules positioned on left and right sides. The beam patterns extend in multiple spatial dimensions (forward, rearward, leftward, rightward directions), creating volumetric coverage that detects objects in all directions around the vehicle
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna modules with overlapping beam patterns are deployed, then the viewing angle and sensing coverage are increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna modules are merged into a unified radar system controlled by a single controller that processes data from all modules. The beam patterns of different antenna modules overlap in certain regions (e.g., front-left and front-right beams overlap at the front-center zone), creating redundant coverage that enhances detection reliability without requiring separate processing systems for each module
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna module serves multiple functions: the first antenna module at the front provides both forward detection and front-lateral detection; the second antenna module at the rear provides rearward and rear-lateral detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated sensors for each direction, as each antenna module contributes to multiple sensing zones through its omnidirectional beam patterns
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 the vehicle's ability to detect objects across a wider range, including those at the sides and rear, thereby improving collision avoidance and reducing the risk of accidents in complex traffic situations.
Implementation Method 1
a radar module configured to provide information on an object around a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a radar module configured to provide information on an object around a vehicle and a controller configured to control at least one of a driving system, a braking system, and a steering system of the vehicle on the basis of the information on the object. The radar module may include a first antenna module installed at a front side of the vehicle, having a forward sensing area of the vehicle, and configured to obtain first radar data and a processor configured to obtain information on the object around the vehicle on the basis of processing the first radar data. The first antenna module may include a first substrate facing a front-right direction of the vehicle and a second substrate facing a front-left direction of the vehicle.