Vehicle Breath Alcohol Interlock with Motion Sensor Latency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath alcohol interlock devices often require drivers to perform repeated breath tests while the vehicle is in motion, which can be unsafe and distracting, and may not ensure that the driver is the same person who provided the initial sample.
Innovation Solution
A device and process that utilize a breath gas analyzer and a motion sensor, such as an acceleration sensor or satellite-supported navigation system, to ensure that repeated breath tests are performed with the vehicle stopped, by prompting the driver to stop the vehicle within a preset latency period before providing a valid breath sample, and documenting the validity of the test in the system's log.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated breath tests are performed while the vehicle is in motion, then the testing frequency and reliability are improved, but the safety and driver distraction are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit prompts the driver to stop the vehicle before performing the repeated breath test. By requiring the vehicle to be stationary (presettable latency period) before testing, the system eliminates the safety risk and distraction associated with testing during motion, while still maintaining testing reliability through scheduled retesting
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides continuous feedback to the control unit about the vehicle's motion state. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically determine when the vehicle has stopped and only then permit the breath test to proceed, ensuring safety without compromising testing frequency or reliability
2Measurement precision
If the driver must hold the hand-held device to the mouth to give a breath sample, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual mechanical action of holding the device with an automated sensor-based detection system. The motion sensor automatically detects vehicle motion state without requiring driver intervention, and the breath analysis is performed automatically when conditions are met, eliminating the need for the driver to manually position equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock system performs self-monitoring of vehicle motion and automatically manages the testing process. The control unit autonomously determines when testing should occur based on motion sensor data, and the system automatically validates whether the vehicle is stopped, reducing the operational burden on the driver
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
Ensures that repeated breath tests are performed safely and accurately, preventing vehicle ignition if the breath alcohol level is above the threshold and documenting the validity of the test, thereby enhancing safety and preventing alcohol-related accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a breath gas analyzer arranged within the vehicle and detecting a breath alcohol content of an operator (driver) of the vehicle during a breath alcohol test
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for detecting motion of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preventing a vehicle from being started includes a breath gas analyzer (5), which is arranged within the vehicle and is designed to detect the breath alcohol content of an operator. A repeated test can be performed, without compromising the operator, with a control unit (1), which is connected to the breath gas analyzer (5), a motion sensor (4) and an ignition system (3) of the vehicle, to request a breath alcohol test at presettable times tW in such a way that the breath alcohol test is performed with the vehicle stopped. The control unit (1) is also designed to preset, beginning from the time tW, a time interval as a latency period tL within which the vehicle must be stopped.