Wireless Reversing Sensor System for Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reversing-assistance systems for trucks and trailers are costly due to numerous plug connections and lengthy wiring harnesses, requiring dedicated control units and multiple connections to the braking and lighting systems, making them inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A wireless reversing-assistance system using sensors with wireless interfaces that transmit data to a vehicle's existing control unit, allowing for independent control of vehicle components and eliminating the need for dedicated control units and extensive wiring, utilizing existing telematic units for cost-effective retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired reversing-assistance systems are used, then reliable sensor data transmission is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase due to numerous plug connections and lengthy wiring harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring harness system with a wireless communication system. Sensors transmit data via radio waves to the control unit, eliminating the need for physical cables and plug connections while maintaining data transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wiring harness and plug connections from the system by implementing wireless communication between sensors and the control unit, removing the complex mechanical connection infrastructure while preserving the essential data transmission function.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated control units are used for reversing assistance, then specific control functions are achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control unit multi-functional by enabling it to handle both reversing assistance tasks and existing vehicle functions. The control unit processes sensor data for reversing maneuvers while also managing braking and lighting systems, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reversing assistance control functions with the existing vehicle control unit. The control unit is enhanced to integrate multiple functions including sensor data evaluation, braking control, and lighting control into a single unified system.
3Reliability
If sensors are integrated on the rear part of the vehicle, then monitoring coverage is improved, but wiring length and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring connection between rear sensors and front control unit with wireless communication. Sensors mounted on the rear vehicle structure transmit data radio-frequency to the control unit, eliminating the need for long wiring harnesses spanning the vehicle length.
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 wireless system reduces costs and complexity by leveraging existing vehicle components, enabling efficient monitoring and control of reversing maneuvers with acoustic and visual warnings, and braking interventions, while allowing for flexible sensor placement and easy integration with existing vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
The reversing-assistance system comprises at least one sensor (110) with a first wireless interface (115) in order to detect a rear region of the vehicle (10) in this way to generate sensor signals
Data Source
AI summary
A reversing-assistance system for a vehicle, in particular for a utility vehicle, that exhibits a vehicle wiring harness, including: at least one sensor with a first wireless interface, to register a rear region of the vehicle and to transmit corresponding sensor signals in wireless manner; and a control unit, which is connected to the vehicle wiring harness and which includes a second wireless interface, to receive the sensor signals from the at least one sensor in wireless manner, to evaluate the sensor signals and to make them available; in which the control unit is configured to evaluate vehicle-related data independently of the sensor signals and, based on the data, to carry out a control of at least one component of the vehicle so as to perform a control function that is independent of the reversing assistant. Also described are a related method, a computer readable medium, and a utility vehicle.