Parking Assist Light System for Parallel Maneuver Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signaling methods, such as turn signals and backup lights, do not effectively communicate a driver's intention to parallel park to other drivers, leading to confusion and potential collisions in high-traffic areas, especially in metropolitan regions where parallel parking is challenging and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted Parking Assist Light (PAL) system that uses LED lights and an audible signal to indicate the driver's intention to parallel park, providing directional information and alerting other drivers and pedestrians to create space, featuring a light bar with arrows and a display that can be activated via a dashboard button or touchscreen, and optionally incorporating a microprocessor for computerized functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If turn signals and backup lights are used to indicate parking intention, then the signaling function is provided, but the communication effectiveness to other drivers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling system is segmented into multiple independent LED elements that can be individually controlled to display different patterns (arrows, text, sequential illumination) to convey specific parking intentions, allowing clear communication without requiring a complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different colored LEDs (red, green, yellow, blue) to convey different meanings and states, enhancing information transmission efficiency and driver understanding without adding complex mechanical or electronic components
2Reliability
If a distinct parking indication signal is added, then the clarity of parking intention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parking indication system is merged with the existing turn signal and backup light systems, sharing common mounting locations, power sources, and control circuits, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The LED signaling system serves multiple functions including turn indication, reverse indication, and parallel parking intention indication, allowing a single device structure to provide multiple signaling capabilities and reduce the need for separate dedicated components
3Productivity
If directional information is provided to other drivers, then the traffic flow efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or sequential illumination patterns of LEDs rather than continuous illumination to convey directional parking information, reducing energy consumption while maintaining clear communication and improving traffic flow efficiency through timely information delivery
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 PAL system enhances safety by clearly communicating the driver's parking intentions, reducing the likelihood of collisions and streamlining traffic by ensuring other drivers and pedestrians are aware of the parking maneuver, thereby reducing anxiety and improving parking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter providing a second indication to onlookers to a parking space
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle-mounted Parking Assist Light (PAL) system that uses LED lights
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed to communicate in vehicular traffic an intention of a driver of a vehicle to execute a parallel parking maneuver. The system includes a display generating a signal to indicate to other drivers the intention to execute the parallel parking maneuver to either a left side of the vehicle or a right side of the vehicle. The signal is distinct from and in addition to a turn signal for the vehicle indicating an intended left turn or right turn. Embodiments of the disclosed system include an illuminated word parallel, arrows pointing both right and left and forward and backward, a determination to a particular open space based upon an orientation of a head of the driver, and a laser emitter providing a second indication to onlookers to a parking space.