Carbon Monoxide Detection and Engine Kill Switch for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon monoxide emissions from vehicles pose a significant risk to public health due to its colorless, odorless, and tasteless nature, particularly affecting individuals with breathing problems, and there is a need for devices to detect and prevent exposure, especially in older or poorly maintained vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A carbon monoxide detecting apparatus that can plug into 12-volt or USB power outlets or be hard-wired into a vehicle's electrical system, featuring a carbon monoxide sensor, CPU, audible alarm, warning light, and display, which can initiate a combustion engine kill switch when high CO levels are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a carbon monoxide detecting apparatus is installed in a vehicle, then passenger safety is improved through CO level detection and warning, but device complexity increases due to multiple components including sensor, CPU, alarm, light, and kill switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions (CO detection, audible alarm, visual warning light, and engine kill switch) into a single integrated apparatus that plugs into the vehicle's electrical system. The housing contains all components including the CO sensor, CPU, alarm, light, and kill switch circuitry, creating a unified safety system rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects CO levels, provides audible warnings, displays visual alerts, and can shut down the engine. This multi-functional design addresses various safety needs within a single device, improving overall passenger protection while managing complexity through integration.
2Reliability
If the apparatus is hard-wired into the vehicle electrical system, then reliability of power supply and function activation is improved, but ease of installation and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to accommodate multiple installation methods through its universal power interface. It can be hard-wired directly into the vehicle's electrical system for permanent, reliable installation, or alternatively plugged into 12-volt or USB power outlets for easier, non-permanent installation. This flexibility allows users to choose based on their specific needs and vehicle type.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the kill switch function is activated to shut off the engine, then prevention of CO exposure is improved, but loss of vehicle mobility occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The kill switch function implements preliminary anti-action by automatically shutting down the engine when dangerous CO levels are detected, preventing further CO generation and exposure to passengers. The system proactively counteracts the harmful effect before it can cause serious harm, prioritizing human safety over vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine kill switch converts the potentially harmful situation of engine operation into a beneficial safety mechanism. When CO levels become dangerous, the system uses the electrical connection to the ignition system to stop the engine, transforming a source of harm into a protective action that saves lives.
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
Effectively warns passengers of dangerous CO levels and can automatically shut off the engine to prevent exposure to lethal concentrations, providing a safety measure for occupants in vehicles prone to carbon monoxide leaks.
Implementation Method 1
A carbon monoxide sensor 50 can be in electrical connection with the power module 225
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments described and shown herein generally relate to apparatus for detecting the level of carbon monoxide (CO) present in a passenger vehicle. Some embodiments may interface with standard 12 volt vehicle power outlets or with USB power outlets, while others may be designed to be hard-wired into a vehicle electrical system. An audible alarm, warning light, and/or display may be used to warn a passenger that CO levels are concerning or dangerous. In some embodiments, an engine kill switch may be included and activated when certain CO levels are detected from some period of time. Threat levels and corresponding time thresholds may be stored and used to determine when a warning should be issued.