DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TESTING CRASH AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGIES

• US 20130016027A1
• Filed: 06/25/2012
• Published: 01/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dynamics Research Corporation (Science Applications International Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Dynamics Research Corporation (Science Applications International Corporation)
• Inventors: Kelly, Joseph, Broen, Peter, Silberling, Jordan, Bozin, Nenad, Zellner, John
• Granted Patent: US 8,457,877 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 343/882
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/084 Pivotable antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/088 Quick-releasable antenna elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3233 particular used as part of a sensor or in a security system, e.g. for automotive radar, navigation systems

Abstract

A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.

Claims

1. A retractable antenna system adapted for use with a Dynamic Motion Element of a Guided Soft Target, comprising:

a Dynamic Motion Element having a body with an interior region and an upper exterior surface defining an aperture therein;

a platform retractably mounted to the body, the platform biased toward the aperture and retractable into the interior region when a force directed toward the interior region is applied to the platform;

an antenna mounted to platform and extending above the upper exterior surface when the platform is not retracted into the interior region, the antenna retracting through the aperture and at least substantially into the interior region when the platform is retracted into the interior region.

2. The retractable antenna system of claim 1, wherein the platform is biased toward the aperture with at least one spring.

3. The retractable antenna system of claim 1, wherein the platform has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side is connected to the body with a hinge, and the platform retracts into the interior region by rotating about the hinge.

4. The retractable antenna system of claim 3, wherein the platform is biased toward the aperture with at least one torsional spring.

5. The retractable antenna system of claim 1, further comprising:

the platform having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and

a frame having a body with a first side and a second side opposite the first side and defining an opening therebetween through which at least a portion of the platform passes when the platform is retracted into the interior region;

wherein the first side of the platform is connected by a first hinge to the first side of the frame, and the second side of the frame is connected by a second hinge to the body, and the platform retracts into the interior region by rotating about the first and/or second hinges.

6. The retractable antenna system of claim 5, wherein the platform is biased toward the aperture with at least one spring.

7. The retractable antenna system of claim 6, wherein the frame is biased toward the aperture with at least one spring.

8. The retractable antenna system of claim 6, wherein the at least one spring comprises a torsional spring.

9. The retractable antenna system of claim 7, wherein the at least one spring comprises a torsional spring.

10. The retractable antenna system of claim 5, wherein the platform is biased toward the aperture with at least one torsional spring and the frame is biased toward the aperture with at least one torsional spring.

11. The retractable antenna system of claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises a GPS antenna.

12. The retractable antenna system of claim 5, wherein the antenna comprises a GPS antenna.

13. The retractable antenna system of claim 1, wherein the platform'"'"'s upward movement is limited by the platform contacting the body.

14. The retractable antenna system of claim 3, wherein the platform'"'"'s upward movement is limited by the second side of the platform contacting the body.

15. The retractable antenna system of claim 1, further comprising a soft body removably attached to the Dynamic Motion Element.

16. A method of using a Guided Soft Target, comprising the steps of:

providing a Guided Soft Target comprising Dynamic Motion Element that comprises a retractable antenna, the retractable antenna system comprising;

the Dynamic Motion Element having a body with an interior region and an upper exterior surface defining an aperture therein;

a platform retractably mounted to the body, the platform biased toward the aperture and retractable into the interior region when a force directed toward the interior region is applied to the platform;

an antenna mounted to platform and extending above the upper exterior surface when the platform is not retracted into the interior region, the antenna retracting through the aperture and at least substantially into the interior region when the platform is retracted into the interior region;

causing a subject vehicle to drive over the top of at least a portion of the Dynamic Motion Element and over the top of at least a portion of the antenna and thereby causing the antenna to retract into the interior region.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the Guided Soft Target further comprises a soft body removably attached to the Dynamic Motion Element, and wherein the step of causing a subject vehicle to drive over the top of at least a portion of the Dynamic Motion Element further comprises causing the subject vehicle to impact the soft body and at least partially remove the soft body from the Dynamic Motion Element.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the retractable antenna system further comprises:

the platform having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and

a frame having a body with a first side and a second side opposite the first side and defining an opening therebetween through which at least a portion of the platform passes when the platform is retracted into the interior region, wherein the first side of the platform is connected by a first hinge to the first side of the frame, and the second side of the frame is connected by a second hinge to the body, and the platform retracts into the interior region by rotating about the first and/or second hinges;

wherein the step of causing a subject vehicle to drive over the top of at least a portion of the Dynamic Motion Element further comprises causing the antenna to retract into the interior region by rotating the platform about the first and/or second hinges.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising repeating more than once the step of:

causing a subject vehicle to drive over the top of at least a portion of the Dynamic Motion Element and over the top of at least a portion of the antenna and thereby causing the antenna to retract into the interior region;

wherein the retractable antenna system is not damaged.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising repeating more than once the step of:

causing a subject vehicle to drive over the top of at least a portion of the Dynamic Motion Element and over the top of at least a portion of the antenna and thereby causing the antenna to retract into the interior region;

wherein the retractable antenna system is not damaged.