Illuminable Automobile Window Sign With Wireless Message Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in effectively communicating lane changes and courteous intentions to other drivers due to aggressive or cooperative driving behaviors, leading to potential traffic congestion and unsafe maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
An illuminable sign with a translucent panel, electrically-powered light source, and wireless control system that allows drivers to display messages like 'Thank You!' to other drivers using suction cups and a wireless transmitter unit, enabling safe and courteous driving cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drivers use traditional turn signals and lane positioning to communicate intentions, then basic driving communication is achieved, but aggressive driving behavior and lack of courteous communication remain unresolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different colored LED lights (red, yellow, green) to convey different driving messages and intentions. The translucent panel with engraved messages illuminated by colored lights provides visual communication that goes beyond traditional turn signals, allowing drivers to express courteous intentions and reduce aggressive behavior through clear, visible communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between drivers that uses illuminated messages visible through the vehicle window. This intermediary system facilitates courteous communication and reduces direct aggressive interactions by providing a medium for expressing driving intentions and gratitude.
2Reliability
If drivers maintain constant vigilance and reactive responses to other drivers' actions, then safety is maintained, but driving becomes tedious and stressful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables drivers to proactively communicate their intentions and responses to other drivers before conflicts arise. By using the illuminated message system to signal lane changes, turns, and courteous actions in advance, drivers can prevent stressful situations rather than reacting to them, reducing overall driving stress while maintaining safety.
3Loss of information
If drivers use only traditional vehicle signals (turn signals, brake lights), then basic safety communication is achieved, but courteous communication and intention signaling are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional communication system that combines traditional vehicle signals with an illuminated message display system. The same basic structure (frame member, light source, translucent panel) can convey multiple types of information including lane change intentions, gratitude messages, and other courteous communications, reducing information loss without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enhances communication between drivers, promoting courteous driving behaviors and reducing potential conflicts by allowing drivers to signal intentions clearly and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-powered light source positioned directly adjacent the edge of the translucent panel and oriented to direct light from the light source into the translucent sign element from the edge of the translucent panel
Implementation Method 2
a first suction cup having a first head secured to the frame member and a first suction flange directed in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the translucent panel, and a second suction cup having a second head secured to the frame member and a second suction flange directed in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminable sign includes comprising a translucent panel having an engraved message and an electrically powered light source oriented to direct light into an edge of the translucent panel. A remote may be used to transmit a wireless signal to the illuminable sign when a button on the remote is pressed by a user. The illuminable sign includes a wireless receiver that receives the wireless signal and turns the light source on and off in response to the wireless signal. Accordingly, the user may selectively illuminate the sign and express the message to another person, such as a driver in an adjacent automobile. The illuminable sign may be securable to the inside of an automobile window using suction cups in a manner that the engraved message is directed to be viewed through the window.