Cycle Presence Alerting for Commercial Vehicle Blind Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclists are frequently injured in collisions with commercial vehicles due to blind spots, and existing safety measures like reflectors and horns are not always effective in alerting drivers, posing risks to both cyclists and motor vehicle operators.
Innovation Solution
A cycle safety system comprising a cycle safety device that transmits a signal via an ultra-wide band transmitter and a vehicle safety device with receivers and an alerting system to notify drivers of a cyclist's presence, using a combination of UWB and Bluetooth technology, and a method for installing the device within a bike's frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cyclists use reflectors, powered lights, bright clothing, or bells to increase visibility and alert drivers, then cyclist visibility and warning capability are improved, but these measures are still insufficient to prevent collisions due to driver blind spots and limited effectiveness in alerting motor vehicle drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between cyclist and driver. A transmitter on the cyclist's vehicle sends signals to a receiver in the motor vehicle, which then triggers an alert system to notify the driver. This intermediary electronic communication channel overcomes the limitations of passive reflectors and active bells by directly bridging the information gap caused by driver blind spots and inattention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and optical warning methods (bells, reflectors, lights) with an electronic signal transmission system. Instead of relying on acoustic waves from bells or optical reflection from mirrors, the system uses electromagnetic signals transmitted between vehicles and processed through electronic alert systems, providing more reliable and immediate driver notification.
2Loss of information
If drivers of commercial vehicles install warning signs indicating blind spots, then driver awareness of cyclist presence is improved, but drivers cannot actively detect or respond to cyclists in these blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the receiver in the motor vehicle continuously monitors for transmission signals from cyclists. When a signal is detected, the alert system provides immediate feedback to the driver, informing them of a cyclist's presence in a blind spot. This active feedback mechanism transforms the passive warning sign into a dynamic detection and notification system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic receiver and alert system serve as intermediaries between the cyclist's transmitter and the driver. Instead of relying solely on the driver's direct observation or static warning signs, the intermediary system actively detects transmitted signals and translates them into driver-friendly alert notifications, bridging the information gap in blind spots.
3Reliability
If motor vehicle drivers swerve to avoid passing bikes, then cyclist collision risk is reduced, but drivers may lose control of the vehicle or endanger themselves on their new path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by providing advance warning to the driver of a cyclist's presence before the cyclist becomes an immediate collision threat. The alert system notifies the driver in advance, allowing them to take gradual corrective action rather than sudden swerving, thereby maintaining vehicle control while still protecting the cyclist.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous monitoring and alerting system provides ongoing feedback to the driver about cyclist proximity and position. This feedback allows the driver to make informed, controlled adjustments to their driving path and speed, reducing the need for abrupt maneuvers that could compromise driver safety or vehicle control.
Data Source
AI summary
A cycle safety system (100) comprising a cycle safety device (210), a vehicle safety device (310) and an alerting system (328). The cycle safety device (210) is shaped for insertion into a frame of the cycle (200) and comprises a transmitter (212) configured to transmit a signal advertising the presence of the transmitter (212). The vehicle safety device (310) comprises one or more receivers (312) configured to receive the signal advertising the presence of a transmitter and to communicate with the alerting system (328). At least part of the alerting system (328) is configured to be positioned adjacent to a driver's seat of a motor vehicle (300). The alerting system (328) is configured to indicate the presence of the cycle (200) to a driver of the vehicle (300) based on the communication from the one or more receivers (312).