Audio Frequency Induction Loop for EV Pedestrian Alert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quiet electric vehicles pose a safety risk for pedestrians and individuals with impaired hearing, as they are difficult to detect due to the lack of audible cues, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
An Audio Frequency Induction Loop system that uses a magnetic field to transmit a signal from a vehicle-mounted transmitter to a receiver worn by individuals, which processes the signal to generate alerts based on the field strength, providing audible, tactile, or visual cues about the vehicle's proximity, tailored to the user's distance from the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric vehicles are equipped with quiet electric motors to reduce noise, then energy efficiency and environmental friendliness are improved, but detectability by pedestrians and cyclists deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alert device that generates audible warnings independent of the vehicle's natural sound. This mediator (alert device with speaker) bridges the gap between the quiet electric vehicle and pedestrians, allowing the vehicle to remain energy-efficient while improving detectability through an auxiliary signaling system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional horns or sound producing devices are added to electric vehicles, then detectability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alert device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a continuous warning signal during vehicle operation, function as an emergency alert button activated by the driver, and provide directional audio warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while maintaining improved detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the driver to self-regulate the alert function through an emergency alert button, enabling them to activate additional warnings when needed without requiring complex automated detection and response systems. This keeps the base system simple while providing on-demand enhancement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alert signals are made more intense to improve visibility and audibility, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alert device dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on situational needs. It can operate in a low-energy continuous mode during normal driving, switch to higher-intensity directional warnings when pedestrians are detected, and activate emergency alerts only when necessary. This dynamic operation maintains safety while optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can employ periodic alert signals rather than continuous high-intensity warnings. The alert device may pulse or间歇性地 activate warnings, providing sufficient detectability while reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous maximum-intensity operation.
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
Enhances safety by effectively alerting individuals with impaired hearing to approaching electric vehicles, providing a cost-effective, user-friendly, and intuitive solution that differentiates alert intensity based on distance, mimicking traditional engine sounds for intuitive recognition.
Implementation Method 1
an Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiver configured to receive a signal via a magnetic field generated by an Audio Frequency Induction Loop transmitting device
Implementation Method 2
a processing circuitry configured to cause the Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiving device to detect a magnetic field generated by an Audio Frequency Induction Loop transmitting device
Data Source
AI summary
An Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiving device, an Audio Frequency Induction Loop transmitting device, a system and a method for alerting a person with impaired hearing about a moving vehicle are disclosed. The Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiving device comprises an Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiver and a processing circuitry. The Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiver is configured to receive a signal via a magnetic field generated by the Audio Frequency Induction Loop transmitting device installed in the vehicle. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the Audio Frequency Induction Loop receiving device to detect the magnetic field generated by the Audio Frequency Induction Loop transmitting device and generate an alert signal for alerting about the moving vehicle.