Vehicle Turn Signal Auto-Off via Compass Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle turn signal systems do not automatically turn off when the vehicle has changed direction sufficiently from the initial turn signal direction, leading to unnecessary signal activation and potential confusion for other drivers.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle turn signal system that includes a controller configured to receive compass information about the vehicle's direction and automatically send a signal to turn off the turn signal when the vehicle has changed direction by a threshold value, typically between 70 to 90 degrees, from the initial turn signal direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If turn signal remains activated until manually turned off, then driver has full control over signal duration, but turn signal may remain activated unnecessarily causing confusion for other drivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturn signal operation reliabilityVSAvoidmanual reset requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The turn signal system automatically monitors the vehicle's turning motion through the compass sensor and self-terminates the signal when the turn is complete, eliminating the need for manual reset by the driver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives feedback from the compass sensor about the vehicle's orientation and uses this information to determine when the turn signal should be automatically turned off based on whether the vehicle has completed the intended turn

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automatic turn-off feature is added, then unnecessary signal activation is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal activation accuracyVSAvoidcontroller and sensor integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compass sensor serves multiple functions: it provides directional information for navigation systems and simultaneously enables automatic turn signal termination, reducing the need for additional dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic turn signal termination function is integrated into the existing controller that manages other vehicle systems, combining multiple functions into a single control unit rather than adding separate dedicated hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9216687B2Apparatus, method and article for vehicle turn signals

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 GOGORO

AI summary

A vehicle turn signal system causes a turn signal to turn off when a turn is completed or nearly completed based on the orientation of the vehicle changing to turn to a certain degree in a direction indicated by the turn signal. Current heading, position, location and/or or other such information is electronically received from a compass or other device by a turn signal switch controller. When the vehicle has changed direction from the direction the vehicle was traveling at the time associated with when the turn signal was turned on, a signal is sent to turn off the turn signal and reset the manual turn signal button or lever.