Methods for operating an emergency assistance system of a vehicle and vehicle with emergency assistance system

A redundant lighting system with backup lights activated by sensors and diagnostic software addresses the issue of single-light failures in emergency assistance systems, ensuring continuous and effective emergency signaling.

DE102025109203B3Active Publication Date: 2026-06-25VOLKSWAGEN AG
6 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025109203
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-11
Publication Date
2026-06-25
Estimated Expiration
2045-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing emergency assistance systems in vehicles are rendered ineffective if a single light fails, as they rely on a central control unit and power source, leading to incomplete communication of emergency situations to other road users.

Method used

A redundant lighting system is implemented with sensors and diagnostic software to detect hazards, activating backup lights such as rear and daytime running lights to signal emergencies when hazard warning lights malfunction, ensuring continuous visibility and minimizing distraction.

Benefits of technology

Ensures fail-safe operation by maintaining effective emergency signaling even with failed hazard warning lights, reducing confusion among other drivers and enhancing situational awareness.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an emergency assistance system of a vehicle (10), wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a hazard warning system (12), wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a lighting device (14), wherein the hazard warning system (12) is activated to signal when an emergency situation occurs. In a method in which fail-safe operation of the emergency assistance system is implemented, it is provided that sensors (16) and / or diagnostic software are used to detect when the hazard warning lights (12) are defective, and that at least part of the lighting system (14) is activated to signal the emergency situation when the hazard warning lights (12) are defective.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art