Vehicular Radar Sensor with Distributed Antenna for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems for vehicles have a narrow sensing region, which is inadequate for pre-crash applications, and ultrasonic sensors, while cost-effective for parking aids, lack the necessary range and accuracy for all-weather, quick response requirements.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor system comprising a radar module, multiple antenna units, and a signal carrier, utilizing patch antennas and millimeter wave radio frequency signals above 5.8 GHz and under 24 GHz, with a centralized signal processor to determine object range and location, enabling a wide field of view and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If radar systems are designed with a narrow sensing region, then the system complexity is reduced, but the sensing capability for pre-crash applications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple antenna units distributed across the vehicle, with each antenna covering a specific sensing region. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide coverage without requiring a single complex high-performance radar, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point radar measurement to a distributed spatial arrangement of multiple antennas. By adding the spatial dimension of distribution across the vehicle, the system achieves wide field of view and improved sensing capability without proportionally increasing complexity at each individual antenna.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual ultrasonic sensors are used to achieve wide field of view, then the cost is reduced, but the range and accuracy for all-weather applications are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors with radar technology that operates in the electromagnetic spectrum. This substitution enables all-weather operation and improved range and accuracy while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of distributed antenna units and centralized processing, avoiding the need for multiple expensive high-performance radars.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system with distributed antenna units provides multiple functions including parking aid, pre-crash detection, and weather capability through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, reducing overall cost while achieving superior performance.
3Device complexity
If a centralized signal processor is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the processing capability for multiple antenna units must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal processing functions of multiple antenna units into a single centralized processor. This merging approach reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent processing units while the centralized processor handles the processing capability requirements for all antenna units through shared computational resources.
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 system provides enhanced range and location detection of objects, enabling effective pre-crash anticipation and alerting vehicle occupants, while reducing system complexity and cost through the use of a centralized processor and distributed antenna units.
Implementation Method 1
the radar module captures two time of flight measurements
Implementation Method 2
radar technology may be more appropriate than ultrasonic sensors for many vehicle applications
Implementation Method 3
A signal carrier connects the plurality of antenna units to the radar module and may include a coaxial cable or waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
The radar sensor system includes a radar module, a plurality of antenna units, and a signal carrier. The plurality of antenna units are in communication with the radar module and distributed across a sensing region. The antennas may be connected in a series configuration and, further, may form a loop configuration with the radar module. As such, the radar module may include a centralized signal processor unit configured to receive analog signals from each antenna unit.