Circular Arc Level Sensor for Vehicle Rollover Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rollover crashes in light vehicles, particularly light trucks and sport utility vehicles, pose significant safety risks due to fuel release and potential fires, with existing technologies failing to effectively prevent ignition sources from triggering fires during rollovers.
Innovation Solution
A rollover safety device employing a circular arc level sensor to detect vehicle inclination and automatically shut off the engine and electric fuel pump when a critical angle is reached, using latching relay switches and optical signals to disconnect power, thereby preventing fuel pump and starter operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rollover detection device is implemented to shut off fuel pump and engine, then safety against fires and explosions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensors and microprocessors with a simple mechanical circular arc level sensor that uses gravity to detect rollover conditions. This mechanical approach triggers electrical switches through physical movement, eliminating the need for complex software algorithms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive mechanical components such as the circular arc level sensor, latching relay switches, and optical switches that can be easily replaced if needed. These simple mechanical-electrical components are far cheaper than electronic control units and can be manufactured at low cost, making the safety device economically viable
2Measurement precision
If a circular arc level sensor is used to detect vehicle inclination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a purely mechanical circular arc level sensor that detects inclination angles through the position of a floating element or bubble within the curved tube. This mechanical sensing method provides precise angle detection without requiring electronic sensors, microprocessors, or complex signal processing circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular arc (curved) tube geometry instead of a straight tube to enable precise angular measurement. The curved shape allows the sensor to detect specific inclination angles (such as 30, 45, or 60 degrees) through the position of the floating element along the arc, providing accurate mechanical angle sensing
3Reliability
If latching relay switches with optical signals are used to disconnect power, then reliability of power disconnection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical switches (such as light blocks or photodetectors) that respond to mechanical movement of the circular arc level to open or close electrical circuits. This optical-mechanical switching provides reliable power disconnection without requiring complex electronic control logic, microprocessors, or software algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary between the mechanical sensor and the electrical power disconnection system. The optical switch acts as a mediator that converts mechanical position information into reliable electrical switching action, ensuring complete power disconnection without direct mechanical contact in the electrical circuit
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the safety device shuts off engine and fuel pump immediately upon rollover detection, then harmful effects from fuel release are reduced, but loss of time for proper shutdown procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent is designed to detect rollover conditions at specific inclination angles (such as 30, 45, or 60 degrees) before the vehicle completely overturns. By detecting the rollover event early in its progression, the system can initiate power disconnection and fuel pump shutdown before fuel leakage and fire hazards develop
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses immediate power disconnection through latching relay switches that cut off electrical power to the engine and fuel pump as soon as rollover is detected. This rapid shutdown skips any intermediate shutdown procedures or gradual deceleration processes, directly eliminating ignition sources and fuel supply to prevent fires and explosions
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of fires and injuries by immediately disabling the fuel pump and engine in rollover events, providing a cost-effective and reliable means to mitigate rollover accident hazards and liability.
Implementation Method 1
The CAL sensor comprises an arcuate tube partially filled with a liquid. An air bubble is disposed in the arcuate tube... a first and second light emitting element each disposed on the exterior of the arcuate tube... a first and second photodetector each disposed on the exterior of the arcuate tube
Implementation Method 2
The liquid disposed in the arcuate tube is selected to prohibit detection of the first and second optical signals by the first and second photodetectors, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle safety rollover device utilizing a circular arc level for detecting vehicle rollover is disclosed. Upon detection, the device automatically shuts-off power to an ignition system and notifies for shut-down of the electrical system of the vehicle. The circular arc level is capable of measuring gravitational norm deviation while remaining impervious to the effects of acceleration, deceleration, impact, and centripetal forces.