Third Brake Light Flashing Control for Rear Collision Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively warn following vehicles of potential rear-end collisions, particularly when the vehicle ahead brakes sharply or drives at unusually slow speeds, lacking simplicity and comprehensive detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A rear-end collision avoidance system utilizing an electronic control unit connected to a vehicle's electronic circuit, GPS antenna, accelerator pedal encoder, and third brake light with LEDs, which flashes based on GPS-determined road conditions and abrupt accelerator pedal release or ABS system signals to indicate potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing brake signal devices are used, then the construction is simple, but they fail to detect unusual slowing or braking scenarios effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing vehicle systems (ABS, GPS, accelerator pedal encoder) into a unified warning system. The control unit integrates signals from these different sources to detect unusual slowing scenarios, achieving reliable detection without adding separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes existing vehicle components serve multiple functions. The ABS system not only provides brake control but also supplies braking signal data to the warning system. The GPS not only provides navigation but also detects unusual slowing on motorways. The accelerator pedal encoder not only controls acceleration but also detects abrupt release indicating potential rear-end collision risk.
2Reliability
If GPS and multiple sensors are integrated for comprehensive detection, then detection coverage improves, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes data and signals already generated by the vehicle's existing systems without requiring additional dedicated sensors. The ABS system's braking signals, GPS's position and speed data, and accelerator pedal encoder's pedal position information are all repurposed for the warning function, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes and integrates information from multiple existing systems (ABS, GPS, accelerator pedal encoder) to generate the warning signal. This mediator approach allows comprehensive detection without direct complex integration of all sensor systems, simplifying the overall architecture.
3Illumination intensity
If the third brake light flashes continuously, then warning visibility is high, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third brake light operates in a flashing manner rather than continuous illumination. The control unit activates the third brake light to flash when unusual slowing is detected, providing periodic visual warnings that are highly visible to following drivers while consuming significantly less energy than continuous operation.
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 a simple and effective warning mechanism for potential rear-end collisions by flashing the third brake light, enhancing safety on roads and highways by detecting unusual slowing or braking scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a third brake light with LEDs
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Rear-end collision avoidance device and corresponding functional system, which is formed by a control unit connected to the vehicle's electronic circuit and includes a signal receiver and a signal transmitter, which, in cooperation with a GPS antenna, an accelerator pedal encoder and the third brake light, performs the following functions: activating the third brake light so that it flashes when the vehicle is traveling on a motorway or expressway at a speed lower than the minimum permitted speed; 0.5 seconds before the brake pedal is pressed (6), the accelerator pedal encoder activates the third brake light; and in the event of a sudden reduction in vehicle speed, the third brake light is also activated.