Trailer Rear Collision Warning with Closure-Rate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-end collisions in vehicles are often not detected by existing collision warning systems, leading to a high risk of accidents and injuries, as most systems only provide forward collision warnings.
Innovation Solution
A rear collision warning device for trucks and trailers that includes rear-facing sensors, a control circuit, and warning devices to alert approaching vehicles of imminent collisions, utilizing sensors to detect objects and determine closure rates, and activate visual and auditory alerts when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forward collision warning systems are installed in vehicles, then forward collision detection capability is improved, but rear collision detection capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The collision detection system is segmented into separate forward-facing and rear-facing sensor units. The rear collision warning system uses independent rear-mounted sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, or radar) that operate separately from forward collision sensors, allowing each sensor to specialize in its respective detection direction and improving overall system reliability for rear collision detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from unidirectional (forward-only) collision detection to bidirectional detection by adding rear-facing sensing capabilities. This dimensional expansion allows the system to detect collisions from both front and rear directions, significantly improving adaptability and coverage without compromising forward detection performance.
2Reliability
If rear collision warning systems are added to vehicles, then rear collision safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear collision warning system utilizes existing vehicle electronic architecture and communication protocols (such as CAN bus) to transmit and process warning signals. By leveraging the vehicle's existing electrical infrastructure, the system achieves rear collision protection without requiring completely separate wiring and control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an intermediary warning indicator (such as a rear-facing light or display) that communicates collision risk to the driver or following vehicle. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a clear, intuitive warning signal without requiring complex control logic or multiple actuation mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If warning indicators are provided to the driver of the leading vehicle, then driver awareness is improved, but warning visibility to approaching vehicles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The warning system is segmented into two distinct output channels: internal warnings to the leading vehicle driver (through dashboard indicators or audible alerts) and external warnings to the approaching vehicle (through rear-facing lights or display panels). This segmentation allows each warning type to be optimized for its target audience, with internal warnings providing detailed information to the driver and external warnings providing visible alerts to other road users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary external warning indicator (such as a rear-facing LED display or light bar) that communicates collision risk to the approaching vehicle driver. This intermediary device serves as a bridge between the sensor detection system and the approaching driver, providing visible warning information without interfering with the primary driver's view or internal warning systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear collision warning device for trailers that may include one or more sensors, a control circuit, and one or more warning devices. In one aspect, the sensors are configured to monitor a predetermined zone behind a trailer and to optionally trigger warnings as predetermined criteria are satisfied. In another aspect, the control circuit controls the warning devices to emit a warning signal in the form of flashing lights, strobes, audible alarms, and the like, or to send warning notifications to a remote server, an app, or to a cab mounted display. The sensors, circuits, and warning devices are optionally mounted together in a separate housing and mounted at or near the rear of the trailer.