Every driver, even a very experienced one, encounters problems with parking. It is for difficult situations, when the maneuverability of the vehicle is limited, for example, all crowded with cars and little space left for parking, and was created by the parking sensor.
It is a special device that alerts the driver of all obstacles in front of and behind the car. In addition, such devices often also inform about the distance to objects.
The use of the parking radar allows you to make the parking process easier and more convenient.
What is the Parking Assist System for?
Modern drivers often have to park their cars in places where, at first glance, it seems unrealistic. And the Parking Assist System in such circumstances – simply indispensable.
All types of parking systems can be divided into two main types:
- Combined – is a set of usually 8 sensors installed at once and rear and front of the vehicle;
- Ordinary (front or rear) – are installed either only in front or only behind (the most common option).
What does a parking electronic system consist of?
The main elements of parking devices:
- Sensors – sensors that provide a pulse, can be ultrasonic or electromagnetic.
- Electronic control unit – the brain, which is responsible for the operation of the device, controls all the systems of the parking sensors and processes the signal coming from the sensors.
- Distance indicators with a scale or LCD – designed to show the distance to the obstacle, the information is provided in the form of a scale, numbers, or images, depending on the model of the device.
How does the parking assist system work?
The work of ultrasonic sensors can be compared with how an echo sounder works. The sensor sends a signal which, when it encounters an obstacle, is reflected from its surface and returns. The control unit then analyzes the wavelength and thus calculates the distance to the object. All this takes a matter of seconds. Sensors of this type can easily detect almost any obstacle at a distance of 0.2 to 2 m from the machine.
The principle of operation of electromagnetic sensors based on the fluctuations of the electromagnetic field between the two conductor antennas, which are installed along the body of the vehicle. One conductor is fed a radio-frequency signal, the other is connected to a special amplitude detector. As soon as the location of objects near the antenna changes, it affects the level of communication between the two conductors, this affects the amplitude of the signal. The sensor on the receiving antenna detects this and sends a signal about the proximity of the object.
Types of indicators and notification systems that are used in modern parking systems
Depending on the model and equipment, parking sensors can alert the driver in several ways:
- A pulsing beep is the simplest option. In this case, the closer the obstacle, the louder and more intense the signal will be. As soon as the car approaches the object closely (about 30 cm), the signal becomes very persistent and continuous.
- Visual indicator in the form of a scale – this option is used in more advanced models. In this case the distance is reflected in the form of divisions. The more bars are lit up, the closer the car is to the potentially dangerous obstacle. Instead of a scale, some models may use a special digital indicator. But the main feature of all such parking sensors is that there are always necessarily two scales, one of which shows the distance to the obstacle on the right side, and the other – on the left. This greatly facilitates the maneuvering of the driver during parking and helps to detect a danger in time and determine which side of the vehicle it is located.
- To screen. It is equipped with more expensive models of parking systems, as the presence of the screen significantly increases the cost of the whole parking kit. But here you can visually see which side of the obstacle is located, which is much more convenient.
- Integrated system with a rear view camera – is used, as a rule, in the most expensive modifications, the screen displays a picture of the car, showing its trajectory, speed and objects in the immediate vicinity.
- Parktronic, projecting information on the windshield. In this case the distance to the object in the way of the car is displayed directly on the windshield. It is convenient because it does not distract the driver from the road, all the information he needs for the maneuver is right in front of his eyes. Also, information about the current speed of the vehicle can be transmitted in the same way.
How to attach parking sensors to the bumper?
Parking radar sensors are installed on the car bumper in a mortise or overhead way.
Before installing mortise ones, you must pre-drill holes of the appropriate size in the bumper. Then the sensors are inserted into these places and carefully fixed. This is the most common option for mounting parking sensors.
When installing overhead, no preparation is required. In this case, the sensor is simply glued to the bumper of the vehicle. This is their main advantage, however, such a variant is not the most reliable, when washed under pressure, the sensors can fall off, as the glue will not hold them.
Sensors should be placed exactly horizontally against the ground and at a distance of at least 50 cm from its surface. If this rule is not respected, the sensor can give false alarms, as it will react to the road as an obstacle. If the bumper is installed on a slope or has an uneven surface, it is recommended to put additional spacer rings when installing the sensors. Remember that the quality of installation will largely determine the performance and efficiency of the parking radar.
