Vehicle Warning System Dynamic Area Based on Turning Corridor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle warning systems generate unnecessary warning signals for stationary objects, reducing driver acceptance due to frequent alerts, as they do not adequately consider the driving situation and vehicle dynamics.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sensor system and control unit that defines a dynamically changeable warning area based on the vehicle's turning corridor and maximum permitted lateral acceleration, generating warnings only when a stationary object is within this area, thereby avoiding unnecessary alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a warning system detects all stationary objects in a large detection area, then detection coverage is improved, but unnecessary warning signals increase reducing driver acceptance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidunnecessary warning signals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different warning area definitions based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is turning, a first warning area (triangular cross-section) is used that accounts for the turning corridor. When straight, a second warning area (rectangular cross-section) is used. This local adaptation of the warning area geometry to the specific driving condition reduces unnecessary warnings while maintaining detection coverage for relevant objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the warning area dynamically changeable based on vehicle state. The control device determines whether the vehicle is turning using sensor data (steering angle, lateral acceleration) and adjusts the warning area accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures warnings are only generated for objects that pose a real threat in the current driving context, reducing false alarms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed warning area is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different driving situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptation to driving situations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the warning area dynamic by using sensor data (steering angle, lateral acceleration, vehicle speed) to determine vehicle state and adjust the warning area geometry accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to different driving situations (turning vs. straight) without requiring overly complex manual configuration, achieving adaptability through automated dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining its own operational context through onboard sensors and autonomously adjusting the warning area without external intervention. The control device uses vehicle state data to self-regulate the warning behavior, eliminating the need for complex external configuration systems while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3509918B1Apparatus for warning a driver of a vehicle about a stationary object and vehicle having such an apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3509918B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3509918B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3509918B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for warning a driver of a vehicle (1) or a vehicle train about a stationary object (4), including at least the following: a sensor device (6) having a detection region (8) which comprises a side detection region (16) arranged laterally from one vehicle side (14) and, as seen in the direction of the longitudinal mid-axis (34) of the vehicle (1), extending from a vehicle front (10) as far as a vehicle rear (20), wherein the sensor device (6) is designed such that the sensor device can detect a stationary object (4) within the detection region (8), a control device (30) which interacts with the sensor device (6) and is designed such that the control device evaluates the signals from the sensor device (6) with regard to stationary objects (4) detected within the detection region (16) and defines a dynamically variable warning region (A_info), which is smaller than the side detection region (16), a warning device (32), which is activated by the control device (30) in such a way that, to warn the vehicle driver, the warning device generates a warning signal only when a stationary object (4) is detected by the sensor device (6) in the dynamically variable warning region (A_info). According to the invention, a triangular dynamically variable warning region (A_info) is defined, which is based on the travel corridor of the vehicle (1) or of the vehicle train when turning, including tractrix curves, as is produced when turning with the minimum radius (r_min), on which minimum radius the vehicle (1) or the vehicle train can still travel at the speed prevailing when turning, without a maximum permitted transverse acceleration being exceeded in the process.