Automatic Braking System Impact Detection for Lane Closure Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lane closure vehicles face risks due to potential impacts from traffic, as drivers may fail to notice these vehicles in time to apply brakes, leading to damaging collisions, necessitating an improved automatic braking system that can detect impacts and prevent secondary accidents.
Innovation Solution
An automatic braking system comprising a control unit, contact sensor, and remote sensors to detect impacts and potential collisions, which engages the vehicle's brakes based on impact probability and includes a deactivation mechanism for safe operation during transit and speed conditions, along with an alert system to warn workers of impending impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automatic braking system is installed to detect impacts and engage brakes automatically, then safety and collision prevention are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (impact detection, proximity detection, speed detection) into a single integrated control unit that manages all automatic braking operations. This merging approach improves safety through comprehensive monitoring while reducing device complexity by consolidating control logic into one centralized system rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes signals from various sensors (contact sensors, proximity sensors, speed sensors), determines impact probability, controls brake engagement, and manages system deactivation. This multi-functionality improves safety through comprehensive vehicle protection while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Reliability
If the automatic braking system is always active to protect against impacts, then safety is improved, but false engagement may occur during normal vehicle operation or transit
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on vehicle conditions. The control unit continuously monitors speed sensor data and automatically deactivates the braking system when the vehicle exceeds a predefined speed threshold, preventing false engagement during normal transit. When the vehicle slows below the threshold, the system automatically reactivates to provide protection. This dynamic behavior maintains safety while ensuring ease of operation during different vehicle states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a deactivation mechanism that prepares the system for different operational contexts. By monitoring vehicle speed in advance and preemptively deactivating the braking system before false engagement could occur, the system maintains safety during work operations while preventing unwanted brake activation during normal vehicle movement. This preliminary action based on speed thresholds ensures the system is ready to protect when needed without interfering with normal operation.
3Reliability
If the braking system engages automatically upon impact detection, then collision prevention is improved, but the system may not respond in time to prevent secondary accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses proximity sensors to detect approaching objects before actual impact occurs. The control unit calculates impact probability based on object distance, speed, and trajectory, and can engage brakes in advance of actual contact. This preliminary action based on predictive analysis significantly reduces response time and prevents secondary accidents by stopping the vehicle before the impacting vehicle makes contact, rather than waiting for impact sensors to activate after collision begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors including proximity sensors that detect approaching objects, speed sensors that monitor vehicle movement, and contact sensors that detect actual impact. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to calculate real-time impact probability and adjust brake engagement timing accordingly. The feedback mechanism enables the system to respond faster than passive impact detection alone by anticipating collisions based on the motion and proximity of approaching objects.
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
The system effectively engages brakes to prevent collisions and protect workers by accurately detecting impacts and potential collisions, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary or moves safely, enhancing safety measures for lane closure vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a contact sensor for detecting an impact
Implementation Method 2
The contact sensor includes anyone or a combination of a carbon contact strip a pressure sensor and/or a gyroscopic accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic braking system including: a control unit for controlling at least some of the brakes of a vehicle; and a contact sensor for detecting an impact.