Plug-in Emergency Signaling Device for Vehicle Collision Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency signaling systems for vehicles in the event of a collision are not flexible and require significant effort for assembly and disassembly, and often lack efficient power supply solutions.

Innovation Solution

A device with a housing containing a detection unit for acquiring sensor data, a data communication unit for transmitting emergency messages via wireless or wired interfaces, and a plug-in design for easy installation into vehicle sockets, utilizing the vehicle's electrical network for power and allowing wireless near-field communication with external devices for transmitting messages to emergency services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent installation device is used for emergency signaling, then the reliability of emergency signaling is improved, but the ease of installation and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of emergency signalingVSAvoidease of installation and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency signaling device is divided into separate functional modules: a detection device with sensors housed in a housing, and a separate plug-in device with plug connector. This modular segmentation allows the detection device to remain permanently installed while only the plug-in device needs to be connected/disconnected, achieving both reliability and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug-in device acts as an intermediary component between the permanently installed detection device and the vehicle socket. It provides the electrical connection interface, allowing the detection device to be permanently mounted while enabling easy connection and disconnection through the plug-in mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If retrofit modules with acceleration sensors are used, then the functionality for collision detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision detection functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device combines multiple sensor types (acceleration sensors, and optionally speed sensors, position sensors, and CO sensors) into a single integrated housing. This merging of multiple sensing functions into one device reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate retrofit modules for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating various sensor types that can detect different parameters (acceleration, speed, position, gas concentration). This universal detection capability allows a single device to handle multiple detection tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If external power supply via cigarette lighter socket is used, then the ease of installation is improved, but the reliability of power supply deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidreliability of power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device includes an internal energy storage device (battery) that is pre-charged before use. This preliminary energy storage ensures that the device can operate reliably even when external power supply is unavailable or unstable, maintaining functionality during critical emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage device acts as a cushion against power supply failures. By storing energy in advance, the system is protected against interruptions in external power supply, ensuring continuous operation of the emergency signaling function regardless of external conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables flexible and effortless installation and removal of the emergency signaling device in various vehicles, with efficient power utilization and reliable transmission of collision data to emergency services, supporting automatic message generation and processing.

Implementation Method 1

detection device configured to acquire electronic measurement information regarding an emergency vehicle condition, for example vibrations detected as a result of an impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

sensor device, for example for acquiring acceleration and/or speed data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

data communication device set up to transmit the data signals via the data interface by means of wireless near-field data communication to an external communication device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless near-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

speed measuring device which uses GPS signals to determine the speed of a motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS signal processing: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP2747391B8Device for emergency signalling in case of a vehicle collision and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 GDV DIENSTLEISTUNGS

AI summary

The device (1) has a housing (6), and a detection device arranged in the housing and detecting electronic measuring information relating to emergency-conditional vehicle condition from sensor devices. A data communication device is arranged in the housing, and outputs data signals relating to emergency message over a data interface, where the message comprises the information. A plug device is arranged at the housing, and has a plug connector (8) for insertion into a motor vehicle-plug socket, where the connector has an electrical plug contact (9). The sensor devices are designed as acceleration sensors, velocity sensors or position sensors. An independent claim is also included for a method for emergency signaling during collision of a motor vehicle.