A vehicle safety system

Abstract

A vehicle safety system includes a master device 2 connectable to an electrical system of a tractor vehicle unit 6 and further comprises a wireless transmitter, and a slave device 8 connectable to a b

Description

14 1024 FIELD The invention relates to a vehicle safety device and in particular a safety device for use with vehicles, such as articulated lorries and trucks which have tractive units and trailers that are being towed. The invention is also suitable for cars towing trailers or caravans or boats. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION There is a requirement for the rear end and sides of trailers to be illuminated whilst being towed. In order to facilitate signalling and illumination, the trailer needs to be linked electrically to the cab of a tractive vehicle unit. There is typically one critical link between the inputs of the driver in the tractive vehicle unit and the trailing vehicle unit in order to provide this electrical link. This critical link is known as a ‘Suzie’ cable or trailer to cab wiring link. This link houses several (typically seven) common wiring lines that send the electrical current from the tractive unit to the trailer via hard-wired cables. The link may vary in basic design such as the plug housing unit design, plug socket design, number of hardlines, thickness of cables etc. If however the Suzie cable or trailer to cab wiring link is faulty, the lights on the trailing unit are unable to be operated and can therefore pose a hazard on the highway. There is a need for a vehicle system which is operable to act as a safety system by illuminating a trailing unit on detection of a fault with the tractive vehicle and / or trailing unit. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle safety system comprising: a master device connectable to a vehicle electrical system of a tractive vehicle unit, in which the master device further comprises a wireless transmitter; 14 1024 a slave device connectable to a battery in a trailing unit which is configured to be towed, in which the slave device further comprises a wireless receiver, and in which the master and slave devices are connectable to each other with at least one electric cable; a sensor is operable to detect a break or power outage in the at least one electric cable and to initiate transmission of emulation signals from the wireless transmitter of the master device to the wireless receiver of the slave device, whereby the emulation signals are configured to cause one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit to operate normally; and an alert device is provided in a driver’s cab and receives an alert signal from the sensor, wherein the alert device is a smartphone which is operative to receive the alert signal from the sensor. In some embodiments, where the slave device is located in the trailing or trailer unit, it has a socket to receive a plug fitted to the master device in the tractive vehicle unit. Signals originate from the tractive unit via a switch, then optionally via a control unit. In some embodiments a separate fuse box is provided to isolate wiring in the master and slave units. The trailing unit may be for example a trailer or a caravan. The tractive vehicle unit may for example be a tractor unit or a car. The tractor unit preferably comprises a cab. The one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit may for example comprise brake lights. Ideally the system is operative to transmit signals to illuminate lights. However, data may also be transmitted relating to other factors, such as for example the temperature of a refrigerated container. The one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit may for example comprise hazard warning lights. 14 1024 The one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit may for example comprise indicator lights. The one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit may for example comprise fog lights. The one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit may for example comprise a reversing light. The battery of the trailing unit may be configured to be in communication with a charger to charge the battery. Optionally a battery level sensor may be provided to indicate battery life within the slave unit. In some embodiments it is envisaged to connect slave units to standalone batteries which are sometimes provided. Being able to link the slave to a separate independent power supply, via plugs or a plug connection may be desirable in specialised circumstances. The vehicle safety system may further comprise an alert device configured to be located within the tractive vehicle unit, for example within the cab of a tractor unit. The alert device is preferably configured to receive an alert signal from the sensor and to operate one or more visual and / or audible devices to provide a visual and / or audible warning to a user of the tractive vehicle unit. In one embodiment, the alert device is a warning light. In one embodiment, the alert device is an audible alarm. The alert device may be configured to be positioned on, for example fitted to, a dashboard. The alert device may be displayed on a mobile electronic device. For example, the mobile electronic device is a smartphone operative to receive an alert signal from the sensor. In one embodiment an indicator could be integrated into the slave unit and may comprise three light emitting diodes, such as green for OK, yellow for cable failure of one or more lighting circuits and red for an earth or 12 / 24V cable failure. By providing 14 1024 this feature, it avoids the driver unknowingly continuing to drive the vehicle without even ever knowing that the Suzie cable has failed until a scheduled inspection. The slave device is preferably weatherproof. The slave device is preferably shockproof. The vehicle safety system preferably further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) tracking unit to record a location of the vehicle tractive unit when a break or power outage in the at least one electric cable. The vehicle safety system may further comprise a battery level sensor configured to indicate when a battery level is low. The vehicle safety system may further comprise a pairing switch located on the master device and slave device to establish and verify wireless connection therebetween. In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter and receiver are configured to operate using a Bluetooth (RTM) wireless protocol. The master device and / or slave device may be housed within a waterproof housing to protect the devices from the external environment, and in particular to prevent moisture and water ingress. The master device and / or slave device may be housed within housings which are capable of withstanding contact forces (such as normal bumps and impacts) experienced during service of the vehicle. The master device and / or slave device may be housed within housings which are formed of material(s) which are resistant to UV radiation (sunlight). The master device and / or slave device are preferably configured to be compact to enable convenient and secure mounting on or near corresponding cable coupling points. Preferably, the master device and / or slave device further comprise female plug connectors. The wireless communication between the master and slave devices is preferably bidirectional wireless communication. 14 1024 The system is preferably configured for use with gas and fuel transportation vehicles. The master and / or slave devices preferably are free of any internal arcing or sparking components. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a plurality of trailers, such as for example super-link or inter-link trailers. The system may comprise a plurality of master units, each master unit configured for wireless communication with a slave device located on a corresponding trailer. The battery on the slave unit is preferably configured to be replaceable when required. The battery of the slave device preferably has a high-enough amp hour rating to achieve full lighting usage for at least 4 hours, standalone in order to meet the maximum allowed driving time without a rest-stop as prescribed by law in the overall HGV industry. The master and / or slave drive are preferably configured to accept 12 or 24 volt input, recognize this and subsequently send current wirelessly (to the or a corresponding slave device) at either 12 or 24 volts after successfully identifying the potential difference via the paired master device. Because of the need for varying voltages of signals and supply (most commonly 12 / 24V vehicles) a step-up or step-down transformer may be required. The slave device is preferably earthed directly to the trailer chassis in accordance with relevant specifications in order to complete the standalone battery circuit. Preferably the slave unit is earthed to the trailer unit. However in some jurisdictions this may not be required in which case the battery of the slave unit is connected to earth contacts of the trailer and so complete its own standalone circuit to enable emulation of signals in the event of an earth cable failure between the tractive unit and trailer. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figure: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 14 1024 Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the vehicle safety system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to Figure 1, the vehicle safety system 1 comprises a master device 2 connectable to a vehicle electrical system 4 of a tractive vehicle unit 6. The master device 2 further comprises a wireless transmitter. The master device 2 is fitted to the tractive vehicle unit 6 and has the trailer wiring feed fitted to relative terminals in the master device 2. The master device 2 will incorporate a female trailer plug directly into its housing and will also house the user control and feedback hardware such as an LCD screen, buttons etc. The vehicle safety system 1 comprises a slave device 8 connectable to a battery 10 in a trailing unit 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing unit 12 is a trailer. The slave device 8 further comprises a wireless receiver (not shown). The slave device 8 is fitted to the trailer unit 12 and is also wired directly to the trailer wiring harness via the relative terminals in the electronic unit. The slave device 8 incorporates a female trailer plug in its housing together with user control and feedback hardware relative to its operation. An example of this could be a ‘pair unit’ button and an LED indicator to signal faults and pairing status. The master and slave devices 2, 8 are connectable to each other with electric cables 14. The vehicle safety system 1 further comprises a sensor (not shown) operable to detect a break or power outage in the electric cable 14 and to initiate transmission of emulation signals from the wireless transmitter of the master device 2 to the wireless receiver of the slave device 8. The emulation signals are configured to cause the lights 16 of the trailing unit 12 to operate normally. The system of the present invention may be used to monitor the operation of electrical devices, such as lighting, on the trailer and to ensure that these devices operate as required even during a break or power outage in the electric cable 14. The system of the present invention may be used to ensure improved higher safety standards are achieved with the use of this failsafe system. 14 1024 In use, with the master and slave devices 2, 8 fitted to the tractive vehicle unit and trailer’s illumination system in conjunction with the linking electrical cables (i.e. ‘Suzie’ cable), the electrical system of the tractive vehicle unit 6 will still be linked to the trailer 12 via a hard-wired system. The master and slave devices 2, 8 perform no function at this point other than monitoring the circuit inputs and outputs for trailer illumination and charging the integrated battery on the slave device 8 via the 12 / 24 volt onboard electrical system from which the master unit additionally taps off its own power supply. If a break in the electrical cables is detected by the interface between the master device 2 and slave device 8, the system 1 of the present invention will enable the master device 2 to wirelessly transmit emulation signals to the slave device 8 to ensure that the rear / side marker lamps 16 are illuminated, even in the event of complete cable failure between the tractive vehicle and the trailer. The slave device 8 is operable to illuminate the relative circuit on the trailer 12 using its own circuit architecture and power supplied by the integrated battery circuitry. The system of the present invention is configured such that all of the illumination lines of the linking cable may be broken and the trailer 12 will continue to be illuminated provided the battery positive and chassis ground / earth lines remain intact and functioning. In the event of failure of the battery positive, the system will continue to operate as normal. The master device 2 and slave device 8 are operable to provide a visual warning that there is a problem with the link cable on the battery positive circuitry and the integrated battery of the slave device 8 will not be charging. In the event failure of the chassis earth or of complete cable failure, the system continues to operate the lighting of the trailer 12 with the inputs from the tractive vehicle purely on battery power from the slave device 8. The system is also operable to give a visual warning of a critical failure and will operate for as long as the integrated battery will allow. The system of the present invention therefore gives the driver of the vehicle 14 1024 peace of mind to continue their journey safely and not risk pulling the vehicle over in an unsafe area or incurring unnecessary stoppages. It is to be understood that the vehicle may comprise any suitable number of trailers, and is not to be limited to a single trailer. The system may comprise a plurality of master devices, each master device being configured for wireless communication with a corresponding slave device located on a corresponding trailer. Further variation to the invention may be made, for example by including a test feature, which is pressed prior to use of the system or starting the vehicle; the test feature indicates that the safety system and battery are operating correctly. The test feature is intended to test the overall system. This function may be included in the master unit that allows a "test-mode" to be initiated. This test feature has two benefits: Firstly, the wireless link between the master and slave units can be tested. This can be achieved simply by unplugging the Suzie plug and checking that the system keeps functioning on the trailer. Secondly, during the test mode, each circuit may be checked and verified. This allows the operator to walk to the back of the vehicle and visually inspect the operation of the trailer lights without the need for an assistant to actually apply pressure to brakes or an indicator light. This checks the efficacy of the failsafe to what are typically the most stressed part of the lighting circuits, which is flexing, stretching and twisting of the Suzie cable. There are certain parameters that ideally should be fulfilled. The test mode may typically last for a few minutes, for example no longer than say 5 minutes. After this, the system may automatically revert to its standard operating state. If the master unit detects a change in input from a supply of the tractive unit, the test mode is automatically cancelled. Many vehicles have daytime running lamps and having these illuminated may be a legislative requirement in certain jurisdictions. This is why a change in an input is 14 1024 required in order to trigger exit from a test mode, not simply reception of a lighting signal. This safety feature prevents the operator from driving with test mode activated and also gives technical personnel, as well as the operator, the ability to self-test the entire lighting circuit. For the system to work correctly, ideally a 3-wire connection protocol is preferred. These connections are earth, battery voltage and consumer lines respectively. Typically, a cable contains 7, sometimes 9 and even 13, separate connections for different circuits. Master and slaves units ideally should be isolated from fuel and gas lines. It is also a requirement that no electric circuit may be closed during loading or unloading to avoid sparks. Therefore a quick and easy way of isolating the slave circuit is provided and this may be performed wirelessly. In another preferred embodiment the master and slave units may include a "paired unit memory function". This is to prevent the needing to re-pair a master with a slave unit each time the ignition is cycled. The only time pairing is required is at an initial loading of the trailer unit to the tractive unit or swapping trailers and this is ideally performed automatically when a trailer is connected to a tractive unit. In some embodiments an event memory is provided which is ideally in a random access memory (RAM) or erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) chip, function. This enables a fault which is detected and rectified, during a journey (such as a loose terminal or wiring broken inside an insulation which contacts sporadically but functions normally most of the time) to be logged. A warning indicator may therefore be logged to differentiate between a fault (permanently broken line) and a fault event, such as a loose contact or sporadic short. The invention may be configured to "piggyback" with an existing wire harness and plug connectors. This permits a housing that allows the Suzie cable circuitry to run directly through it in a hardwired fashion. Optionally the master unit has a test mode to check and cycle light circuits during test mode wirelessly. In this mode each separate circuit is energised typically for a few seconds before moving onto a subsequent circuit until all lighting circuits are tested. Other variations may be made, to the embodiments described, and without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. 14 1024

Claims

14 10241. A vehicle safety system comprising:a master device connectable to a vehicle electrical system of a tractive vehicle unit, in which the master device further comprises a wireless transmitter;a slave device connectable to a battery in a trailing unit which is configured to be towed, in which the slave device further comprises a wireless receiver, and in which the master and slave devices are connectable to each other with at least one electric cable;a sensor is operable to detect a break or power outage in the at least one electric cable and to initiate transmission of emulation signals from the wireless transmitter of the master device to the wireless receiver of the slave device, whereby the emulation signals are configured to cause one or more electrical devices of the trailing unit to operate normally; andan alert device is provided in a driver’s cab and receives an alert signal from the sensor, wherein the alert device is a smartphone which is operative to receive the alert signal from the sensor.

2. A vehicle safety system according to claim 1 wherein the electrical devices are brake lights.

3. A vehicle safety system according to claim 1 wherein the electrical devices are hazard warning lights.

4. A vehicle safety system according to claim 1 wherein the electrical devices are indicator lights.

5. A vehicle safety system according to claim 1 wherein the electrical devices are fog lights.

6. A vehicle safety system according to claim 1 wherein the electrical device is a reversing light.14 10247. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein a charger is provided to charge the battery.

8. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding wherein the smartphone is operative to display a warning light.

9. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding wherein the smartphone is operative to sound an audible alarm.

10. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein the smartphone is adapted to be fitted to a dashboard.

11. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein the slave device is weatherproof.

12. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein the slave device is shockproof.

13. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein a global positioning system (GPS) tracking unit has an event memory which is provided to record a geographic location of a break or power outage in the at least one electric cable.

14. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein a battery level sensor is provided to indicate when a battery level is low.

15. A vehicle safety system according to any preceding claim wherein a pairing switch is provided on the master device and slave device to establish and verify wireless connection.

16. A vehicle safety system according to claim 15 including a test feature, which when activated prior to use of the system or prior to starting the vehicle in which the system is fitted, checks that the safety system and battery are operating correctly.

17. A vehicle safety system according to claim 16 wherein the test feature tests the wireless link between the master and slave units.18 A vehicle safety system according to claim 17 wherein the test feature checks and cycles light circuits wirelessly during in test mode by energising each separate circuit.14 1024

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