Wireless Surrogate Target Lighting With Breakaway Power Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for testing crash avoidance technologies face challenges in providing a soft collision partner that can be safely and reliably used in various collision scenarios without posing a physical risk, while also requiring complex electrical connections for realistic vehicle lighting, which increases the likelihood of damage during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A wireless lighting system for a soft surrogate target that uses a breakaway electrical connector to disconnect from the mobile platform's power source upon impact, reducing the number of physical connections needed and enhancing system robustness, with a self-contained battery option to eliminate the need for a breakaway connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If complex electrical connections are used to provide realistic vehicle lighting on the soft collision partner, then the lighting realism is improved, but the likelihood of damage during impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical electrical connections with a wireless lighting system. The soft collision partner includes a wireless receiver that receives control signals wirelessly and controls lights accordingly, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors that would be damaged during impact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connections are made to the soft collision partner for lighting control, then the lighting functionality is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless receiver/controller system replaces complex wired electrical connections with wireless communication. The controller can be positioned anywhere within wireless range and control multiple lights on the soft collision partner without requiring physical connection to each component.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the soft collision partner remains connected to the power source during impact, then continuous power supply is maintained, but the connector may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system eliminates the physical connector that would be subject to impact damage. Power and control signals are transmitted wirelessly to the soft collision partner, maintaining continuous operation without requiring a physical connection that could be damaged during collision.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for a soft surrogate target constructed to be mounted to a mobile platform having a power source is disclosed. The lighting system includes a wireless receiver/controller, a plurality of relays connected to the wireless receiver/controller, a plurality of lights connected to the plurality of relays, and a breakaway electrical connector electrically connected to the wireless receiver/controller. The breakaway connector is constructed to detachably connect the mobile platform's power source to the lighting system. The breakaway electrical connector is further adapted to disconnect the lighting system from the mobile platform's power source without damage to the connector when the surrogate target is suddenly dislodged from the mobile platform due to the surrogate target being impacted by a subject vehicle.