Motorcycle Taillight Intermittent Flashing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycles are less visible than larger vehicles, especially when stopped behind other traffic, due to the difficulty in recognizing the illumination of taillights, especially when near vehicles with bright taillights, and the transition of light brightness during braking may not be noticed by following drivers.
Innovation Solution
An intermittent flashing taillight system activated by the actuation of the hand lever between on and off when the foot lever is continuously actuated, using a controller to flash the taillights according to the actuations of the hand lever, providing more discernable alerts through controlled flashing sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a solidly lit taillight is used to indicate braking, then the braking status is clearly indicated, but the taillight illumination is hard to recognize when the motorcycle is near other vehicles with bright taillights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by making the taillight flash intermittently rather than remaining continuously lit. The controller causes the taillight to flash in response to hand lever actuations during foot lever braking, creating periodic light pulses that stand out against the background of other vehicles' steady taillights, thereby improving visibility in challenging lighting conditions
2Loss of information
If the taillight transitions brightness during braking, then the braking action is indicated, but the transition may not be noticed by following drivers not looking directly at the motorcycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic flashing action to convey braking status information. Instead of relying on subtle brightness transitions that may be missed by inattentive drivers, the system flashes the taillight periodically, creating noticeable light pulses that are more likely to be detected by following drivers even when they are not looking directly at the motorcycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes by alternating the taillight between illuminated and non-illuminated states, creating a flashing effect. This binary color/illumination change is more visually striking and easier to detect than gradual brightness transitions, thereby compensating for driver inattention
3Illumination intensity
If an intermittent flashing system is implemented, then visibility is enhanced, but the wiring system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the controller to serve multiple functions: it monitors both foot lever and hand lever actuations, determines when to activate the flashing mode, controls the intermittent taillight operation, and manages the braking status detection. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single controller, minimizing the increase in wiring complexity while achieving enhanced visibility
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to an intermittent flashing taillight on a motorcycle that may be activated when a foot lever is actuated and a hand lever is actuated between on and off. The flashing sequences, which may be controlled by the driver, through directly actuating the hand lever between on and off, may be more easily discernable than a solid illuminated taillight found in current motorcycles. In an illustrative embodiment, the motorcycle may include a hand lever that is associated with a front brake and a foot lever that is associated with a rear brake. At least one taillight may be provided in the motorcycle. A controller on the motorcycle may intermittently flash the at least one taillight according to actuations of the hand lever between on and off and when the second lever is continuously actuated.