Automatic Parking Disc State Transition Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic parking discs are not reliable in determining the state transition of a vehicle between parked and driving states, and those physically coupled to the vehicle's electrical system are costly and susceptible to manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous parking disc using a multi-axis accelerometer and chronometer, powered independently, with a liquid-crystal-display and manual inputs for setting times, which determines state changes based on calibrated thresholds and displays arrival and reference times, allowing easy transfer between vehicles without relying on vehicle electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If acceleration sensors are used to automatically determine vehicle state transitions, then the parking disc can automatically indicate arrival time, but the determination of vehicle state transitions becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a flag that is physically raised or lowered based on vehicle state transitions detected by acceleration sensors. This flag then triggers the automatic indication of arrival time. The intermediary flag isolates the unreliable sensor data from the critical timing function, allowing automatic indication while maintaining reliability through the mechanical verification step.
2Reliability
If the parking disc is physically coupled to the vehicle's electrical system, then reliable determination of vehicle state transitions is achieved, but installation becomes costly and the system becomes susceptible to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical timing and indication functions from the vehicle's electrical system, creating a self-contained parking disc unit. It uses only the acceleration sensor already present in modern vehicles, eliminating the need for physical coupling to the electrical system. This extraction maintains reliability through careful sensor utilization while dramatically simplifying installation and reducing costs.
3Ease of operation
If the parking disc is made sheet-like for easy storage, then ease of operation is improved, but the display of arrival time becomes less visible through the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes and optical properties to enhance visibility. The display elements are designed with specific optical characteristics that allow them to be clearly visible through the windshield when in use, while the overall structure remains thin and sheet-like for easy storage. The optical design ensures that the arrival time indication stands out against the background regardless of lighting conditions.
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
Provides a reliable, accurate, and cost-effective method to determine vehicle state transitions, ensuring accurate time and date display without external power dependency, facilitating easy use across different vehicles and time zones.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer to measure driving motions of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a chronometer to provide a reference time, the chronometer comprising any type of electronic or electro-mechanical oscillator, e.g. a quartz oscillator having a base resonance frequency of 32768 Hz
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining changes between states of a land vehicle is disclosed. The method involves the initial steps of sampling a signal having a signal parameter representing the driving motions of said land vehicle, defining a lower threshold and an upper threshold for said signal parameter. The method further involves the subsequent steps of determining a change from parked to driving if the present state is parked and if said signal parameter is greater than said upper threshold, or alternatively determining a change from driving to parked if the present state is driving and if said signal parameter is smaller than said lower threshold. An automatic parking disc performing the method is also disclosed.