Actuated Vehicle Reflectors for Bidirectional Travel Direction Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety features on vehicles, such as reflective markers, may not function effectively in bidirectional vehicles that can travel in any direction, leading to potential issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of actuator systems that can operationally expose or mask an indicia portion of a vehicle fascia based on the direction of travel, using a controller, actuator, linkage, masking element, and seal to manage the visibility of retroreflectors and other indicia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stationary reflective markers are used on bidirectional vehicles, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the safety features do not function properly when the vehicle changes direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reflectors movable rather than stationary. The reflectors are coupled to actuators that can change their position and orientation based on the vehicle's direction of travel. This allows the reflective markers to dynamically adjust their facing direction, ensuring they remain visible to other drivers regardless of which end of the bidirectional vehicle is moving forward, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and ensuring reliable safety functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are added to make reflectors movable, then safety features function correctly in all directions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a integrated control system where a single controller receives direction signals and coordinates multiple actuators to position multiple reflectors appropriately. This multi-functional approach allows the same actuator system to handle both longitudinal and lateral reflector positioning, ensuring the vehicle adapts to any travel direction without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each direction, thus achieving directional adaptability while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that mediates between the direction signal input and the multiple actuators. It processes the directional information and generates appropriate control signals for each actuator, coordinating their actions to achieve the desired reflector positioning. This intermediary component simplifies the overall control architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct point-to-point control connections.
3Reliability
If multiple actuators control multiple reflectors, then compliance with safety regulations is ensured, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reflector system into modular units, each with its own actuator and control logic. The reflectors are positioned at different locations (front, rear, sides) and can be controlled independently or in coordination. This modular segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the complete system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while ensuring each component meets safety regulation requirements for its specific location and function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures that the safety features of bidirectional vehicles are correctly oriented based on the vehicle's direction of travel, enhancing safety and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle fascia is disclosed comprising a fascia body, a retroreflector, and an actuator system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may comprise an actuator system. The actuator system may comprise an indicia portion (e.g., a retroreflector, etc.), a masking element that exposes the indicia portion in a first state and covers the indicia portion in a second state, and a linkage coupling the masking element to an actuator. In the case of a bidirectional vehicle, operation of the actuator may be based at least in part on a determination of the vehicle changing a direction of travel. The actuator system may cause a first set of one or more actuator systems disposed on a first end of the vehicle to transition from a first state to a second state and/or cause a second set of one or more actuator systems disposed on a second end opposite the first end of the vehicle to transition from the second state to the first state.