Blind Spot Warning Light Fixture with PLC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind spot detection systems for large vehicles, such as tractor-trailer combinations, fail to effectively alert drivers of second vehicles within their blind spots and are not user-friendly across varying light conditions, often leading to incomplete visualization and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A blind spot warning apparatus comprising an electrically-actuated sensor connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) that controls a light-emitting fixture, using programmable time-delay functionality and adjustable illumination to convey visual warnings via letters, words, or symbols to drivers of second vehicles, ensuring alerts are given only after a pre-programmed time and optimized for different light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If over-sized and parabolic mirrors are used to visualize other vehicles, then the driver's ability to see vehicles in blind spots is improved, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mirror systems with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Sensors detect vehicles in blind spots and transmit signals to a controller, which then activates visual warning indicators on the second vehicle. This substitutes complex mechanical mirror adjustments with electronic detection and communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication intermediary system between the first and second vehicles. The sensor on the first vehicle detects the blind spot condition and communicates this information to the second vehicle through visual indicators, acting as an intermediary that bridges the information gap without requiring direct visual contact or complex mirror systems.
2Reliability
If visual warning indicators are activated each time a second vehicle enters the blind spot, then the warning reliability is improved, but the false alarm rate increases due to vehicles simply passing through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a time-delay mechanism as a preliminary action before activating the visual warning. When a sensor detects a vehicle entering the blind spot, the system waits for a predetermined time period to elapse before activating the warning indicators. This preliminary time delay allows the system to distinguish between vehicles that are merely passing through and those that are intentionally positioned in the blind spot, reducing false alarms while maintaining warning reliability.
3Illumination intensity
If high illumination intensity is used for daytime visual alerts, then the warning visibility is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic illumination control where the light fixture adjusts its intensity based on ambient lighting conditions. The system uses sensors to detect ambient light levels and dynamically adjusts the warning light intensity accordingly - using higher intensity during daytime when visibility is needed and lower intensity during nighttime to conserve energy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining adequate warning visibility and minimizing energy consumption.
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 provides effective and user-friendly visual warnings to drivers of second vehicles within blind spots, reducing the risk of collisions by ensuring alerts are given only after a pre-programmed time and adjusting illumination based on ambient light conditions, thereby enhancing safety across various lighting scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically-actuated blind spot detection sensor that is electronically or wirelessly connected to a programmable logic controller
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrically-actuated light-emitting fixture that can be affixed to the exterior surface of a first vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A blind spot warning apparatus, system and method provide for an electrically-actuated blind spot detection sensor that is electronically or wirelessly connected to a programmable logic controller (“PLC”). The PLC is then electronically or wirelessly connected to at least one electrically-actuated light-emitting fixture that can be affixed to the exterior surface of a first vehicle. The light fixture is positioned to be easily visualized by the driver of a second vehicle. Visualization is accomplished by using letters, words, symbols or other warning indicia within the fixture to convey a visual warning to the driver of the second vehicle. Light fixture actuation is controlled by the PLC as to both the position of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and to the amount of time that the second vehicle remains in a particular blind spot position as detected by the detection sensor and processed via the PLC.