Vehicle Velocity Calculation Using Wheelbase Time Difference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous navigation systems, such as those described in Patent Document 1, face inaccuracies in calculating vehicle velocity due to assumptions about pitch angular velocity affecting either the front or rear wheels, and lack clarity on applicability to various vehicle types, leading to unreliable velocity calculations.

Innovation Solution

A velocity calculating device equipped with acceleration and angular velocity sensors to detect vertical acceleration and pitch angular velocity, calculating moving velocity based on the wheelbase and time difference between these measurements, allowing for accurate velocity calculation without external sensors and applicable to various vehicle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pitch angular velocity is assumed to cause effect on the median of front and rear axles, then the velocity calculation can be performed using a fixed equation, but the calculation accuracy deteriorates when the actual pitch effect position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity calculation simplicityVSAvoidvelocity calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static assumption (fixed pitch effect position at the median) to a dynamic solution (detecting the actual pitch effect position through sensor measurements). The system dynamically identifies whether the pitch angular velocity causes effect on the front wheels, rear wheels, or median by measuring vertical accelerations and pitch angular velocity, and selects the appropriate calculation equation accordingly. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining calculation simplicity through automated position detection while ensuring accuracy by adapting to the actual vehicle state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the velocity calculation method is designed for specific vehicle configurations, then the calculation accuracy is improved for those configurations, but the adaptability to different vehicle types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity calculation accuracyVSAvoidapplicability to different vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by creating a velocity calculation system that can handle multiple vehicle configurations (two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled vehicles) through a unified approach. The system uses vertical acceleration sensors and pitch angular velocity sensors to detect the actual pitch effect position, then selects from multiple equations (Equations 2-4) appropriate for different vehicle types. This universal system maintains high accuracy across all vehicle configurations by automatically adapting to the specific vehicle structure through sensor-based position detection and conditional equation selection.

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 solution provides accurate and reliable calculation of vehicle velocity, independent of GPS signals, with improved applicability to different vehicle types, including two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles, by using a more explicit and reliable model based on wheelbase and time difference measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a vertical acceleration detecting module configured to detect vertical acceleration of the wheelbase in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a pitch angular velocity detecting module configured to detect pitch angular velocity of the vehicle body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular velocity sensor detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS10101355B2Method and device for calculating velocity
Publication Date: 2018.10.16 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US10101355B2 patent drawing
  • US10101355B2 patent drawing
  • US10101355B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A velocity calculating device is provided, which can accurately calculate a moving velocity of a movable body without depending on signals obtained externally. A navigation device includes an acceleration acquiring module, an angular velocity acquiring module, a time difference detecting module, and a velocity calculating module. The acceleration acquiring module acquires the vertical acceleration of one of the axle of the front wheels and the axle of the rear wheels. The angular velocity acquiring module acquires a pitch angular velocity of the automobile. The time difference detecting module detects a time difference between the acceleration in the vertical directions and the pitch angular velocity. The velocity calculating module calculates a moving velocity of the automobile based on a rate of a wheelbase with respect to the time difference.