Rear-End Collision Avoidance System with Laser Distance Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear-end collision avoidance systems for vehicles, particularly for log trucks, are inadequate in preventing rollover crashes and do not effectively notify following vehicles of safe distances, leading to high accident rates and costs.
Innovation Solution
A rear-end collision avoidance system featuring a geometric-shaped signaling device with an inner light panel, array of light emitters, a laser unit, and proximity sensors that project a laser line on the road to indicate safe distance, along with a method to secure the device to the vehicle or trailer, displaying warning signs like BREAK, STOP, or SLOW DOWN to alert following vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional collision detection systems are installed at the front-end or rear-end of vehicles, then collision detection capability is provided, but the systems are inadequate in preventing rollover crashes and do not effectively notify following vehicles of safe distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated signaling device: laser line projection for safe distance indication, inner light panel for warning sign display, and array of light emitters for additional visual alerts. This merged system provides comprehensive collision prevention while maintaining reasonable complexity by using one unified device rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of communication by projecting laser lines onto the road surface, creating a visual reference that extends the traditional vehicle-mounted signaling into the spatial environment. This dimensional extension provides following vehicles with intuitive safe distance information that cannot be conveyed by conventional rear-facing lights alone.
2Reliability
If visual and audible alerts are used to notify following vehicles of safe distances, then collision avoidance effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light as an intermediary medium to convey safe distance information. The laser unit projects visible laser lines onto the road, and the inner light panel displays warning signs, both serving as visual intermediaries between the host vehicle and following vehicles. This approach avoids complex audible alert systems while achieving effective communication through optical means.
3Loss of information
If a laser unit projects laser lines on the road to indicate safe distance, then following vehicles can maintain proper distance, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling device is designed with multi-functionality: the laser unit projects safe distance indicators, the inner light panel displays various warning signs (BREAK, STOP, SLOW DOWN), and the array of light emitters provides additional visual alerts. This universal device handles multiple communication tasks that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while improving information transmission.
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
The system effectively prevents collisions by notifying following vehicles of safe distances through visual and potentially audible alerts, reducing accident rates and associated costs by enhancing rear-end collision awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a laser unit disposed at the bottom of the geometric shaped main body, wherein the laser unit is configured to project laser line on the road relative to ending of the load
Implementation Method 2
an array of light emitters disposed along a periphery of the geometric shaped main body to emit lights associated with the at least one sign
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a rear-end collision system and methods. A rear-end collision avoidance system includes: a signaling device made of: a geometric-shaped main body having inner LED light panel connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle, wherein the inner LED light panel is configured to display at least one sign when brake is applied, an array of light emitters disposed along a periphery of the geometric shaped main body to emit lights associated with the at least one sign, a laser unit disposed at the bottom of the geometric shaped main body, wherein the laser unit is configured to project laser line on the road relative to ending of the load to notify the following vehicle to maintain a safe distance from the laser line in order to avoid collision, and at least one connector that is configured to secure the main body onto load of the rear portion of a vehicle.