Collision Avoidance and Parking Assist Systems: Description and Operation

Parking Aid

Parking Aid:

The function of the parking aid is to provide an audible warning to the driver of the distance to obstacles near the bumpers of the vehicle when parking. The system provides an assistance to the driver when parking in order to help avoid collision with obstacles.

The sensor range at the rear of the vehicle is 1.8 meters (5.9 ft). This extends the full width of the rear bumper and reduces to 0.6 meters (2 ft.), at the vehicle corners. The vertical range is adequate to protect the highest and lowest points of the vehicle. The system will detect curbs with heights of at least 18 cm (7.1 inches). Obstacles, such as curbs, that are low enough to pass under the vehicle until they make contact with the tires will not be detected.

The sensor range at the front of the vehicle is 0.8 meters (2.6 ft). This extends the full width of the front bumper and reduces to 0.6 meters (2 ft), at the vehicle corners. The vertical range is adequate to protect the highest and lowest points of the front of the vehicle. The system will detect curbs with heights of at least 18 cm (7.1 inches). Obstacles, such as curbs, that are low enough to pass under the vehicle until they make contact with the tires will not be detected.

The system activates a specific speaker at the front or the rear of the vehicle with a tone signifying the distance to the obstacle. The tone consists of a beep and defined space ratio which varies depending on the calculated distance. When the distance to the obstacle is less than 20 cm (7.8 inches) the speaker tone is continuous.

The parking aid system comprises of:
- a module mounted in the spare wheel well just rearward of the spare tire.
- four rear bumper mounted sensors of which the two inner sensors have a 90 degrees angled electrical connector, and the two outer sensors have a straight electrical connector plug.
- four front bumper mounted sensors all with a 90 degrees angled electrical connector.
- two audible speakers, the rear mounted on the rear parcel shelf on 4-door vehicles or behind the left hand loadspace trim on wagon, and the front mounted above the audio unit.
- a cancellation switch that is mounted into the roof console. This is fitted for the driver to disable the system when in slow moving traffic. This stops the front parking aid continuously monitoring the vehicle in front.

The overhead console switch contains a Light Emitting Diode (LED) to inform the driver of the system status:
- LED ON - System Active
- LED OFF - System Inactive
- LED FLASHING - System Fault

The reverse parking aid is active when reverse gear is selected, unless towing (with a Jaguar approved towbar) when the system automatically switches off. If the parking aid system develops a fault the tone will sound continuously for three seconds when the ignition is switched on or when the reverse gear is selected, and the overhead console switch LED will flash.

The front parking aid remains inactive after the ignition is switched to the ON position until the overhead console switch is pressed or reverse gear is selected. The system will then remain active up to 15 kph (9.5 mph) in a forward gear, or until the overhead console switch is pressed. The front parking aid system becomes inactive if the overhead console switch is pressed while the system is active, or at all forward speeds above 15 kph (9.5 mph).