Bicycle Signaling Device Projecting Safety Image
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclists and moped riders are often overlooked by motorists, particularly when crossing intersections, leading to accidents due to their reduced visibility in heavy traffic.
Innovation Solution
A signaling device that projects a characteristic image downwards from a light source, positioned above the hood of a vehicle or worn on a cyclist's headgear, to create a visible safety perimeter around the cyclist, alerting motorists to their presence without requiring them to check their rearview mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a cyclist uses traditional lighting (front light or ground illumination), then the cyclist is visible at night or the road is illuminated, but the cyclist's presence is not clearly materialized at a safe distance from motorists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light source to project a characteristic image (copy) of the cyclist's presence onto the ground or vehicle surfaces, rather than directly illuminating the cyclist. This creates a visual representation that materializes the cyclist's presence at a safe distance, allowing motorists to perceive the hazard before reaching the actual cyclist position.
Solution Approach 2:
The characteristic image is projected in advance of the cyclist's actual position, creating a preliminary visual warning that allows motorists to take preventive action before the cyclist enters their immediate path. This preliminary visualization of presence enables earlier reaction time.
2Ease of operation
If a motorist wants to turn right at a crossroads, then the motorist can access the side lane, but the motorist may cut off cyclists without checking visually
Solution Approach 1:
The characteristic image projects a warning signal in advance of the cyclist's position, creating a preliminary anti-action that prevents motorists from cutting off cyclists. The visual materialization of presence at a safe distance alerts motorists to slow down or wait, counteracting the tendency to turn without checking.
3Ease of operation
If the light source is positioned to project the characteristic image downwards, then the image is visible to motorists without requiring rearview mirror checks, but the light source must be positioned at a specific height above the hood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source at a specific local height (approximately 80 cm above the ground, corresponding to the average hood height) to optimize the projection angle. This localized positioning ensures the characteristic image is projected downwards onto the ground or vehicle surfaces within the motorist's field of view, creating optimal visibility without requiring mirror checks.
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 device significantly reduces the risk of motorists cutting off cyclists by making their presence clearly visible on the road or vehicle bonnet, even when the cyclist is ahead or beside the motorist, thereby preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged to, under normal conditions of use by a cyclist, project downwards a characteristic image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a signaling device for cyclists (9) or moped riders consisting of a light source arranged to, under normal conditions of use by a cyclist, project downwards a characteristic image (13, 15) materializing the presence of the cyclist at a safe distance from his actual position.