Vehicle Reversing Accident Prevention System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle reversing systems, such as reversing cameras and sonar parking sensors, are ineffective in preventing accidents involving small children or animals due to limited driver visibility and reliance on driver attention, which often results in collisions despite the presence of warning systems.
Innovation Solution
An accident prevention system that combines passive IR sensors to detect warm-bodied mammals and sonar sensors to detect objects, with a controller that activates an alarm and automatically applies the brakes when a child or object is detected within a predetermined distance, ensuring immediate action without relying on the driver's awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reversing cameras and sonar parking sensors are used, then object detection capability is improved, but driver attention and visibility limitations cause accidents to still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting objects and applying brakes without requiring driver intervention. The controller monitors sensor inputs continuously and autonomously activates the braking system when objects are detected in the vehicle path, making the system independent of driver attention or action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of driver observation and manual braking with an automated sensor-based detection and control system. Optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared sensors substitute for human visual detection, while an electronic controller and automated brake actuation replace manual driver response.
2Measurement precision
If driver manually monitors the area behind the vehicle, then system complexity is reduced, but detection precision and response time are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors: optical sensors for visual detection, ultrasonic sensors for proximity detection, and infrared sensors for thermal detection. Each sensor type targets specific detection needs, improving overall precision while allowing modular implementation that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes inputs from various sensor types, determines object location and threat level, decides when to activate warnings versus automatic braking, and coordinates the braking system. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single intelligent control unit.
3Reliability
If automatic braking system is implemented, then accident prevention effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing and evaluation rather than continuous full-power operation. Sensors are activated in cycles during reverse gear operation, and the controller periodically assesses sensor data to determine if braking intervention is needed, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on detection needs: it adjusts sensor activation levels, modifies braking force application, and varies system responsiveness based on object distance, type, and trajectory. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes energy usage while maintaining high prevention effectiveness.
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 system significantly reduces the risk of reversing accidents by providing an independent, automatic braking mechanism and audible/visual warnings, enhancing safety by preventing collisions with children and objects behind the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a passive IR sensor that can sense IR radiation or heat generated by a mammal
Implementation Method 2
a sonar sensor that detects an object in a reversing zone behind the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
A vehicle (12) with an accident prevention system 10 is disclosed. The vehicle (12) includes a vehicle body (30). The vehicle (12) also has a foot brake (42) for stopping the vehicle (12). The system (10) includes a sensor arrangement (14) for sensing an object behind a rear end (38) of the vehicle (12) that generates an object recognition signal when it senses an object within range behind the vehicle (12). The sensor arrangement (14) includes passive IR sensors (15) or reflected pulse sensors such as sonar or radar sensors (50) on the rear end (38). A controller (20) generates an accident prevention response signal on receiving an object recognition signal from the sensor arrangement (14). A brake applicator (26) is operatively coupled to the brake (42) to stop the vehicle (12) when the controller (20) generates an accident prevention response signal. Conveniently the system (10) also includes an alarm (22) for sounding an alarm signal at the same time. The system (12) is useful for preventing an accident where a vehicle that is reversing a low speed collides with a person.