Modular Reverse Gear Sensor with Protruding Tail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle reversing systems lack efficient multi-directional detection and alert capabilities, particularly failing to provide effective visual, audible, and ultrasonic alerts for pedestrians, pets, and nearby vehicles, especially during lateral movements, and require complex installations with limited power sources.
Innovation Solution
A modular reverse gear sensor device with an electronic hub, motor, and tail featuring illumination members, audible and ultrasonic buzzers, and lateral sensors that protrude radially during reverse gear activation, providing angular detection and real-time alerts with adjustable light and sound frequencies, powered by a solar panel and rechargeable battery bank for enhanced visibility and alert range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor modules are embedded in a body frame of the vehicle, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular sensor modules that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains its own sensor array and processing unit, allowing for flexible deployment without requiring complex integration into the vehicle body frame. This segmentation reduces installation complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular or multi-directional detection capability in addition to the traditional linear detection. By adding sensors oriented at different angles and implementing a rotating or steerable sensor array, the system achieves three-dimensional obstacle detection coverage, improving reliability without requiring complete reconfiguration of the vehicle body.
2Device complexity
If linear or straight-line detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection coverage and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is made dynamic through rotational movement or electronic beam steering, allowing the detection pattern to change from static linear to dynamic multi-directional coverage. The sensors can sweep across angular ranges and adjust their detection sectors in real-time, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through controlled motion or electronic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor modules are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both linear detection and angular scanning functions. The same hardware platform supports multiple detection modes (forward, backward, lateral, and angular sweeps), eliminating the need for separate specialized sensor systems and reducing overall device complexity while enhancing detection coverage.
3Device complexity
If traditional alert systems are used, then device complexity is low, but alert effectiveness for pedestrians, pets, and nearby vehicles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The alert system employs different types of alerts targeted at specific groups: visual alerts (LED lights, display screens) for pedestrians and pets who may not hear auditory signals, and audible alerts (buzzers, speakers) for nearby vehicles. This localized differentiation of alert modalities ensures that each target group receives the most effective notification, improving overall alert effectiveness without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
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 device offers improved visual and sensing coverage in both radial and lateral directions, providing effective alerts to nearby objects and vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents with enhanced power management and modular installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply allows a flow of current to the motor on detecting a reverse gear activation in the vehicle. The current flow energizes the motor leading to a protrusion of the tail out of a body of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
The tail comprises a plurality of illumination members fixed on an outer surface of the tail and are powered through the control electronics circuitry.
Implementation Method 3
The electronic hub comprises a control electronics circuitry (CEC), an audible buzzer, and an ultrasonic buzzer.
Implementation Method 4
The electronic hub comprises a control electronics circuitry (CEC), an audible buzzer, and an ultrasonic buzzer.
Implementation Method 5
The parking sensors are proximity sensors for road vehicles designed to alert the driver to obstacles while parking. These systems use either electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
The various embodiments herein provide a reverse gear sensor and alert device for a vehicle comprising an electronic hub, a motor and a tail. The electronic hub comprises a control electronics circuitry (CEC), an audible buzzer, and an ultrasonic buzzer. The electronic hub is installed over a base frame attached to a rear body of the vehicle and is connected with a power source. The tail is attached to the electronic hub through the motor. The tail comprises a plurality of illumination members fixed on an outer surface of the tail and are powered through the motor. The power supply allows a flow of current to the motor on detecting a reverse gear activation in the vehicle. The current flow energizes the motor leading to a protrusion of the tail out of the vehicle. The plurality of illumination members, the audible buzzer, and the ultrasonic buzzer are activated on activation of the reverse gear.