Conductive Thread Object Detection in Ride-Sharing Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ride-sharing vehicle users often inadvertently leave personal items behind, making them difficult to retrieve after parting ways with the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A detection and alert system incorporating a conductive thread integrated into surfaces within vehicles, which detects changes in electrical phenomena caused by objects placed on these surfaces and alerts the owner through an indicator, preventing items from being left behind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual monitoring methods are used, then system complexity is low, but object detection capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring mechanisms with an automated electrical detection system. Conductive threads integrated into vehicle surfaces create electrical circuits that automatically detect objects through changes in electrical properties, eliminating the need for human monitoring while achieving reliable object detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin conductive threads integrated into flexible surface materials of the vehicle. These conductive elements are embedded within surface layers, allowing the detection system to be incorporated into existing vehicle surfaces without adding bulky components, thus maintaining low system complexity while enabling precise detection.
2Measurement precision
If conductive threads are integrated into surfaces, then object detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive threads serve multiple functions: they are part of the vehicle's surface structure and simultaneously function as detection elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection components, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive threads are nested within the vehicle's surface layers, with detection functionality embedded inside the existing surface structure. This nesting approach allows the detection system to be integrated during normal manufacturing without requiring separate installation steps, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If electrical detection system is implemented, then object detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system uses periodic electrical signals rather than continuous power consumption. By applying alternating current through the conductive threads and detecting changes during specific measurement cycles, the system achieves accurate detection while minimizing energy usage compared to continuous monitoring approaches.
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 reminds owners of items left in vehicles, preventing abandonment and facilitating retrieval by alerting them before they leave the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor detecting electrical phenomena resulting from the electric current flowing through the conductive thread; and an indicator in communication with the sensor. The conductive thread is arranged relative to the surface such that when the object is on the surface, the object produces a change in the electrical phenomena.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing an alert to an owner of an object that the object is on a surface. The alert reminds the owner that the object is on the surface and to retrieve the object, thus inhibiting abandonment of the object by the owner. The system includes a material layer including a conductive thread thereon. The material layer can define the surface and be arranged in a vehicle. An electrical current flowing through the conductive thread produces an electrical phenomenon. The object produces a change in the electrical phenomenon detected by the sensor. If the object is detected on the surface and the owner of the object is leaving the object on the surface, the system provides the alert to the owner that the object is on the surface so the object can be retrieved by the owner.