Mercedes-Benz has patented a technology designed to reduce, or even prevent, the risk of windshield damage caused by road debris like loose stones.
Uses Cars Safety Features
The European Patent Office recently approved Mercedes' patent, which describes a system that leverages the car’s existing safety features to detect potential hazards on the road, according to Boosted.
Modern vehicles often use Lidar sensors (light detection and ranging), a technology commonly found in driver-assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving.
These Lidar sensors can detect objects, obstacles, and other vehicles.
Now, Mercedes proposes using Lidar not only for detecting other cars but also for monitoring smaller objects on the road, such as loose stones that can bounce up and crack windshields.
Sensor Assess Speed and Path
Mercedes’ patent, reported by Carmoses, includes additional protective elements. Alongside Lidar, a microphone in the cabin detects the sound of debris hitting the windshield, adding another layer of safety.
The system’s Lidar sensors assess the size, speed, and path of debris.
This data is then sent to a central system that calculates, in real time, the potential risk of a stone impact. If the risk is deemed high, the system can activate other driver-assist features to avoid it.
The car might shift lanes, adjust speed, or increase distance from the vehicle in front — all without driver intervention.
This innovative use of Lidar shows Mercedes' commitment to advanced driver-assistance tech. However, not all automakers are convinced about Lidar’s utility.
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has dismissed Lidar as “unnecessary,” while Volvo recently began delivering its new EX90 model without certain Lidar-dependent features due to ongoing technical issues.
