Vehicle Turn Indicator Electronic Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle turn indicator systems for longer vehicles, such as tractors towing trailers, often deactivate prematurely due to inaccuracies in steering angle measurement caused by hydraulic leakage and pressure relief valves, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
Innovation Solution
A turn indicator system that uses electronic control to manage deactivation, switching from mechanical to electronic control when the steering angle exceeds a predetermined value, and includes a time delay based on trailer length and vehicle speed to ensure proper deactivation only during large turns, preventing premature deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical deactivation means are used to automatically deactivate turn indicators, then the system is simple and reliable for small turns, but premature deactivation occurs during large turns due to hydraulic leakage and pressure relief valve inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deactivation system with an electronic control system that uses a steering angle sensor to accurately measure the actual steering angle of the steerable wheels. This electronic system processes the steering angle signal and controls turn indicator deactivation based on precise measurements, eliminating the inaccuracies caused by hydraulic leakage and pressure relief valves in mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the steering angle sensor and the turn indicator system. This control unit receives the steering angle signal, processes it according to predetermined criteria, and activates or deactivates turn indicators accordingly, providing intelligent mediation that resolves the contradiction between mechanical simplicity and measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If electronic control is used for turn indicator deactivation, then premature deactivation is prevented during large turns, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts turn indicator deactivation based on real-time steering angle conditions. The electronic control unit activates electronic control only when the steering angle exceeds a first predetermined value (indicating a large turn), and allows mechanical deactivation for smaller angles, creating a dynamic system that optimizes reliability based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed mechanical threshold to a variable electronic threshold based on steering angle magnitude. By comparing the actual steering angle against predetermined values and adjusting the deactivation logic accordingly, the system achieves high reliability for critical large turns while maintaining simplicity for routine small turns.
3Reliability
If the turn indicator operates for a longer duration to prevent premature deactivation, then safety is improved during large turns, but the loss of time increases for normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic turn indicator operation system that adjusts indicator duration based on the magnitude of the steering angle. For large turns exceeding the first predetermined value, the electronic control extends indicator operation to ensure safety. For normal small turns, the system allows quicker deactivation, minimizing time loss and maintaining efficient operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A turn indicator system for a vehicle with steerable wheels (II) is provided. The system comprises a manual turn indicator initiating means (25a) to manually activate or deactivate the operation of turn indicators (23,24), mechanical deactivation means (25) linked to a steering wheel (14) to deactivate the indicators automatically, and sensing means (28) to sense the steering angle of the wheels (11). Electronic control means (27) are provided to receive the steering angle signal and switch the de-activation of the operation of the turn indicators to electronic control when the steering angle signal exceeds a first predetermined value. When under electronic control any deactivation demand from the mechanical deactivation means (25) is disregarded and electronic deactivation only occurs when the steering angle signal falls to a second predetermined value.