Blind Side Camera System for Tractor Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Truck drivers face limited visibility to the right side of their tractor trailer, leading to accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to the narrow field of view provided by side mirrors, especially when turning, changing lanes, or backing up.
Innovation Solution
The Third Eye Tractor Trailer Blind Side Driving System, comprising a video monitoring component, an external mounting bracket, and a detachable camera housing with multiple cameras, provides a wide radial view of up to 170 degrees to the right side of the trailer rig, offering day and night vision capabilities and recording functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If side mirrors are used to monitor the right side of the trailer, then driver visibility is provided, but the field of view remains narrow and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with an electronic camera-based monitoring system. Multiple cameras capture images of the blind side area and transmit them to a display in the driver's cab, eliminating the need for physical mirrors while providing a wider and more comprehensive field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mirror reflection to a multi-dimensional camera-based visual system. By using multiple cameras positioned at different locations and angles, the system captures images from various perspectives and combines them to provide a comprehensive three-dimensional view of the blind side area on the display.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are installed to provide wide radial view, then blind spot coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blind side monitoring task into multiple segments by installing several cameras at different locations on the trailer. Each camera captures a specific portion of the blind side area, and the images from all cameras are displayed together in the driver's cab, providing comprehensive coverage through segmentation of the monitoring function.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images during daytime, switching to infrared illumination for nighttime viewing, providing wide-angle coverage, and displaying images in various configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address multiple monitoring requirements without requiring separate systems for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If infrared illumination is added for night vision, then visibility at night is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared illumination system operates periodically based on ambient light conditions rather than continuously. The system automatically switches between daytime and nighttime modes, activating infrared illumination only when darkness is detected, thereby providing night vision capability while minimizing energy consumption by operating only when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
3rd Eye Blind Side Driving System is a camera system that allows its user to see the complete blind side of any vehicle in day or night settings. Specifically targeting Commercial Combination Vehicles. It has the ability to be moved from vehicle to vehicle in various settings, i.e. hauling heavy equipment, tankers, van trailers, mobile homes, shipping containers and just everyday cars, making it universal in its applications. It is designed to help make roadways safer by allowing the driver to see. It can record real time events for investigations and training purposes.