Vehicle Sensor Unit Infrared Impact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensors, such as acceleration sensors and ultrasonic motion detecting devices, are ineffective in detecting impending contact with a vehicle's exterior or interior surfaces, leading to potential accidents and are costly and power-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A sensor unit comprising a mounting portion, an elastic member, a transmission portion that radiates infrared signals, and a reception portion that processes these signals to determine abnormal conditions like impending impacts or thefts, using an infrared LED and photo diode for efficient detection without high power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional acceleration sensors are used to detect impact, then impact detection capability is provided, but inability to detect approaching contact and high cost are issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection of approaching contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical acceleration sensor system with an optical detection system using infrared transmitters and receivers. The transmitter emits infrared signals that reflect off approaching objects, and the receiver detects these reflected signals to determine approach direction and potential impact risk, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors while expanding detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces infrared signals as an intermediary between the sensor system and the target object. Instead of directly measuring mechanical acceleration, the system uses infrared signal reflection characteristics to indirectly detect approaching contacts, providing both approach detection and impact prediction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ultrasonic sensors are used for motion detection, then motion detection capability is provided, but high cost and high power consumption are problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive infrared LEDs as transmitters instead of costly ultrasonic sensors. These infrared components are low-cost, widely available, and consume minimal power, making the system economically viable and energy-efficient while maintaining effective motion detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared transmitter operates by emitting periodic infrared signals rather than continuous ultrasonic waves. This periodic emission reduces power consumption compared to continuous ultrasonic operation, while still providing sufficient data for motion detection and approach analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If ultrasonic sensors are used for motion detection, then motion detection is provided, but inability to detect exterior contact is a limitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detectionVSAvoidexterior contact detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared-based sensor system is designed with universal applicability to detect contacts both inside and outside the vehicle. The transmitter can be positioned to monitor multiple zones, and the receiver analyzes reflected infrared signals from any direction, enabling the same system to detect interior motion, exterior approach, and potential contact points regardless of location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The sensor unit effectively detects impending contacts and impacts on both interior and exterior vehicle surfaces, preventing accidents while being cost-effective and power-efficient.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission portion (e.g., a transmitter) that is disposed at the other end of the elastic member to radiate infrared signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a reception portion (e.g., a receiver) that receives the infrared signals reflected from another random object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an elastic member of which one end thereof is fixed on the mounting portion, a transmission portion (e.g., a transmitter) that is disposed at the other end of the elastic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9360371B2Sensor unit

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a sensor unit that includes a mounting portion fixed on one side of the sensor unit; an elastic member including a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed on the mounting portion; a transmission portion configured to transmit a detectable signal, the transmission portion disposed on the second end of the elastic member; a reception portion configured to receive a reflection of the detectable signal; and a controller that determines whether the reflected signal indicates an impact, motion, or impending impact.