Vehicle Sliding Door Exit Warning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
As sliding doors on motor vehicles become more popular, particularly on the driver's side, there is a growing concern for safety as individuals exiting the vehicle at night may be in the path of moving traffic, necessitating an effective warning system to alert approaching drivers.
Innovation Solution
An exit warning system comprising a sliding door status sensor, a projector, and a controller that projects a warning signal, such as an icon or animated image, onto the pavement adjacent to the vehicle when the sliding door is opened, with optional speed and actuator components to ensure appropriate activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding door is used on the driver's side to provide a large unobstructed opening, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but safety deteriorates because individuals exiting at night may be in the path of moving traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting when the sliding door is opened and immediately projecting a warning signal onto the pavement before any individual exits the vehicle. This advance warning allows approaching drivers to see the projected icon and slow down or stop, preventing potential collisions while maintaining the convenience of sliding door operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a warning system is implemented to alert approaching drivers, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors, projectors, and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pavement surface as an intermediary medium to convey the warning message to approaching drivers. Instead of using complex audio alarms, visual lights on the vehicle, or communication systems, the invention projects an icon directly onto the ground where it is naturally visible to drivers. This intermediary approach provides effective warning while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical or electronic warning devices (such as horns, flashing lights, or complex alarm systems) with a projector that creates a visual icon on the pavement. This substitution uses optical projection technology to achieve the warning function with potentially fewer and simpler components than conventional warning systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the warning signal is projected continuously to ensure visibility, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by activating the projector only when the sliding door is opened and deactivating it when the door is closed or when the vehicle is moving. This conditional, intermittent operation ensures that the warning signal is projected during the specific time period when it is needed (when the door is open and the vehicle is stationary), thereby maintaining safety while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 effectively alerts approaching drivers to the potential of an individual exiting a sliding door, enhancing safety by providing a visible warning on the pavement that can be seen by oncoming traffic, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The warning signal is projected by the projector onto pavement laterally adjacent the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An exit warning system is provided for a motor vehicle having a sliding door. That exit warning system includes a sliding door status sensor, a projector and a warning signal. The warning signal is projected by the projector onto pavement laterally adjacent a motor vehicle when the sliding door is opened in order to warn oncoming drivers that someone could potentially be leaving the vehicle through the open sliding door.