18063240. DETERMINATION OF VEHICLE CLEARANCE AND OPTIMIZED ORIENTATION OF OBJECTS PLACED ON ROOF simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

DETERMINATION OF VEHICLE CLEARANCE AND OPTIMIZED ORIENTATION OF OBJECTS PLACED ON ROOF

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Benjamin Piya Austin of Saline MI (US)

John K. Lenneman of Okemos MI (US)

Joshua E. Domeyer of Madison WI (US)

Philip J. Babian of Canton MI (US)

George M. Evans of Ann Arbor MI (US)

DETERMINATION OF VEHICLE CLEARANCE AND OPTIMIZED ORIENTATION OF OBJECTS PLACED ON ROOF - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18063240 titled 'DETERMINATION OF VEHICLE CLEARANCE AND OPTIMIZED ORIENTATION OF OBJECTS PLACED ON ROOF

Simplified Explanation

A system and method communicate with a sensor attached to objects on a vehicle's roof to gather data on the objects' position and orientation. This data is used to determine the vehicle's clearance based on the object's orientation and recommend an optimal orientation for improved aerodynamics and reduced clearance.

• The system interacts with a sensor on objects placed on a vehicle's roof.
• It collects dimensional data to determine the position and orientation of the objects.
• Based on this data, it calculates the vehicle's clearance and suggests an optimal orientation for the objects.
• The goal is to enhance aerodynamics and minimize clearance issues for the vehicle.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in the automotive industry for optimizing the placement of objects on vehicle roofs to improve fuel efficiency and reduce drag.

Problems Solved

This technology addresses the challenge of determining the best orientation for objects on a vehicle's roof to enhance aerodynamics and prevent clearance issues.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved fuel efficiency, reduced drag, and enhanced safety by optimizing the placement of objects on a vehicle's roof.

Commercial Applications

• Automotive industry: for optimizing the placement of objects on vehicle roofs to improve aerodynamics.
• Transportation companies: for enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing drag on vehicles.

Prior Art

Readers interested in exploring prior art related to this technology can start by researching patents or publications in the field of vehicle aerodynamics and object placement on vehicles.

Frequently Updated Research

There may be ongoing research in the field of vehicle aerodynamics and object placement optimization that could provide further insights into this technology.

Questions about the Technology

How does this technology improve vehicle aerodynamics?

This technology improves vehicle aerodynamics by recommending optimal orientations for objects on the vehicle's roof, reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency.

What are the potential safety implications of optimizing object placement on a vehicle's roof?

Optimizing object placement can enhance safety by reducing the risk of objects interfering with the vehicle's clearance and stability.

Original Abstract Submitted

A system and method in communication with a sensor that can attach to objects placed on the roof of a vehicle acquires dimensional data to determine the position/orientation of the objects on the roof and determine the clearance of the vehicle based on the orientation of the object. The system recommends an orientation of the object to be placed in (e.g., based on the acquired dimensions of the object) to optimize aerodynamics and/or to reduce clearance.