Vehicle Collision Sensing Network for First Responder Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety restraint systems and telecommunications systems in vehicles do not provide first responders with real-time information about the state of the vehicle and its occupants after a collision, limiting their ability to assess and manage the situation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device affixed to the vehicle, equipped with a sensor module, antenna module, and power module, including an RF energy harvesting circuit, captures and transmits data to an external transceiving device, which stitches and displays information about the vehicle's condition and occupant status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If current safety restraint systems and telecommunications systems are used, then basic collision detection and emergency communication are achieved, but first responders do not receive important information about vehicle state and occupant conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing devices (accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, cameras, microphones) with energy harvesting circuits and RF transceiving capabilities into an integrated system. This merging of previously separate functions (collision detection, environmental monitoring, communication) into a unified platform enables comprehensive information collection without proportionally increasing system complexity, as shared components serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a collision detection device and an environmental monitoring station. The same RF antenna and transceiver circuitry used for emergency communication also transmit environmental data (temperature, humidity, audio, video). The energy harvesting circuit serves both to power the device during normal operation and to enable communication without external power sources after a collision, making the system universally applicable across different emergency scenarios.
2Reliability
If sensing devices with multiple sensors are deployed to collect comprehensive data, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sampling of environmental parameters rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors take measurements at predetermined time intervals, and the processed data is transmitted periodically via RF signals. This periodic operation mode maintains real-time monitoring capability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation, allowing the energy harvesting circuit to keep the device operational for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting circuit is designed to automatically capture and store energy from ambient RF signals without requiring external power sources or user intervention. The system self-regulates by harvesting energy during periods of RF signal availability and using stored energy during periods of low or no RF energy, enabling the sensing device to operate autonomously and maintain reliability without increasing net energy consumption.
3Duration of action of moving object
If RF energy harvesting is implemented to extend operational duration, then device autonomy is improved, but power availability becomes dependent on external RF signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates energy storage elements (capacitors or rechargeable batteries) that are charged in advance during periods when RF energy is available. This creates an energy buffer or cushion that can sustain operation during periods when external RF signals are absent or insufficient. The beforehand accumulation of energy ensures continuous operational duration while mitigating the reliability risk of dependence on external RF signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational parameters based on available energy levels. When energy stores are high, the device operates at full functionality with continuous monitoring and frequent transmissions. When energy stores are low, the system reduces sampling rates, limits transmission frequency, or activates only critical sensors. This parameter adjustment maintains operational duration by adapting to energy availability while preserving essential reliability functions.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and communication of critical vehicle and occupant data to first responders, enhancing their response capabilities and safety management post-collision.
Implementation Method 1
The RF energy harvesting circuit is in electrical communication with at least one antenna of the antenna module configured to harvest RF energy from the excitation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing information about a vehicle involved in a collision includes a sensing device affixed to the vehicle. The sensing device includes a sensor module configured to perform measurements of one or more conditions of the vehicle, an antenna module configured to transmit and receive radio-frequency (RF) signals, a power module configured to provide power to the sensing device, and a sensing device controller. The sensing device controller is in electrical communication with the sensor module, the antenna module, and the power module. The sensing device controller is programmed to receive an excitation signal from an external transceiving device. The sensing device controller is further programmed to perform a measurement using the sensor module in response to receiving the excitation signal. The sensing device controller is further programmed to transmit the measurement to the external transceiving device using the antenna module.