Bicycle Turn Signal Control to Prevent Opposite-Side Double Flashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle turn signal devices often result in accidental activation of hazard warning lights when making opposite turns, leading to confusion among other road users, and they require both hands to operate, affecting stability and safety, especially in low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A direction indicator device with a control unit that activates one light unit while simultaneously deactivating the other, preventing simultaneous activation of both lights, and allowing operation without removing hands from the handlebars through integrated microprocessors or electrical components, with wireless connectivity and learning functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a cyclist uses hand signals to indicate direction changes, then other road users can see the indication, but the cyclist's hand signal is difficult for other road users to see in the dark or in poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand signal system with an electrical/optical turn signal system using LEDs and control units. The control unit receives actuation signals and activates the appropriate light unit to indicate direction changes, substituting the physical hand gesture mechanism with an electrical control and optical display system that provides visible indication in all lighting conditions
2Ease of operation
If a cyclist takes one hand off the handlebars to extend the arm for hand signaling, then direction indication is possible, but riding with only one hand on the handlebars negatively impacts stability
Solution Approach 1:
The turn signal device enables the cyclist to indicate direction changes without removing their hand from the handlebar grip. The control unit is positioned and designed to be actuated while the hand remains on the handlebar, allowing the cyclist to maintain both hand placement for stability and direction indication capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the direction indication function with the handlebar grip area by positioning the control unit on or near the handlebar. This integration allows the indication mechanism to be operated from the same location where the hand naturally rests, combining the control function with the existing handlebar structure
3Ease of operation
If separate control units are provided for each light unit, then individual control is possible, but if a subsequent opposite turn is made, both lights flash simultaneously resulting in hazard warning lights
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the state of both light units and the actuation signals. When an actuation signal is received, the control unit activates the corresponding light unit while simultaneously deactivating the other light unit, using feedback from the signal reception to prevent simultaneous activation and ensure accurate direction indication
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple functions: receiving actuation signals, determining which light unit should be activated based on the signal source, activating the appropriate light unit, and deactivating the other light unit. This multi-functional design allows a single control unit to manage both light units协调ly, preventing the hazard warning light problem while maintaining individual control capability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a direction indicator device for bicycles, comprising two direction indicator modules F, each with a light unit (3) for mounting on either side of the longitudinal axis of the bicycle on the handlebars of the bicycle, a control unit (8) for mounting near each grip (G) of the bicycle handlebars (L), and at least one control unit (7) for controlling the two light units (3) of the two direction indicator modules (F), which is connected to the two control units (8), wherein the at least one control unit (7) is configured to activate the light unit (3) assigned to the control unit (8) when an actuating means (9) of the control unit (8) is actuated and simultaneously deactivate the other light unit (3).