Peter Rapps

Ultrasonic sensor for reverse driving applications

Abstract An ultrasonic sensor has been developed for the particular use of distance measurements to obstacles in reverse driving applications. By combining a local damping mechanism with a small conical reflector the sensor detection characteristics can be varied over a wide angular range of approximately 30–160° in the horizontal detection plane, while simultaneously the vertical opening angle can be limited to about 20–80°. Hence, a wide flexibility range exists in system design for different application fields from small passenger cars to heavy trucks. One such particular solution, making use of four sensor elements in a usual car bumper, is discussed in detail.