DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TESTING CRASH AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGIES
First Claim
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.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A retractable antenna system adapted for use with a Dynamic Motion Element of a Guided Soft Target, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of using a Guided Soft Target, comprising the steps of:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification