Autonomous Vehicle Wind Gust Detection for Lane Deviation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in safely navigating through changing wind conditions, particularly wind gusts, which can cause vehicles to veer out of their intended lane or require unsafe maneuvers if not properly addressed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising wind gust detection subsystems with anemometers and an in-vehicle control computer that includes a wind gust detection module and compensation module, allowing the vehicle to detect wind gusts and adjust its trajectory or route to maintain safety, along with an oversight system for communicating wind data and issuing minimal risk condition maneuvers to other vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wind gust detection and compensation systems are implemented in autonomous vehicles, then vehicle safety and operational reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind gust detection and compensation system is divided into separate functional modules: wind gust detection subsystem with sensors, wind gust detection module for processing sensor data, and wind gust compensation module for executing corrective actions. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the wind gust detection module that acts as a mediator between the raw sensor data and the compensation actions. This intermediary layer processes and interprets wind gust characteristics, enabling the system to respond appropriately without requiring direct complex coupling between sensors and control systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wind sensors are mounted on the autonomous vehicle to detect wind gusts accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple wind sensors mounted at different locations on the autonomous vehicle (e.g., front, rear, sides) to capture local wind conditions specific to each position. This local quality approach ensures accurate detection of wind gusts affecting different parts of the vehicle, improving overall measurement precision without requiring an overly complex centralized sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
Data from multiple wind sensors are merged and processed together by the wind gust detection module to generate a comprehensive determination of wind gust characteristics. This merging of sensor inputs improves measurement precision by combining information from multiple sources while the modular architecture prevents excessive system complexity.
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
Enables safe and lawful operation of autonomous vehicles by accurately detecting wind gusts and compensating for their effects, preventing lane deviations and ensuring vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more wind sensors may include an ultrasonic anemometer
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical anemometer with rotating cups and a wind vane
Implementation Method 3
a pitot tube anemometer
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle includes a detection system for identifying the presence changes in wind incident on the autonomous vehicle, particularly wind gusts. The detection system may include one or more wind sensors, particularly those configured to detect wind incident on the vehicle from a direction that is transverse or perpendicular to the direction of motion of the autonomous vehicle. Additionally, systems may be present that correlate the detected wind gusts to changes in the behavior of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may react to the detected wind gusts by altering the vehicle's trajectory, by stopping the vehicle, or by communicating with a control center for further instructions.