Vehicle Turn Signal Cancellation via Lateral Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle turn indicator systems do not effectively cancel the signaling condition once a quantified turn has been made, relying on pre-determined distances, angles, or times, which can lead to unnecessary signaling.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a microcontroller and inertia sensor to measure lateral side forces, allowing for automatic cancellation of turn signals when a significant change in direction is detected, eliminating the need for mechanical triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-determined distance, angle, or time methods are used to cancel turn signals, then the system structure is simple, but the turn signal cannot be accurately canceled once a quantified turn has been made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering column catches with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) to detect vehicle turns. These sensors measure lateral acceleration and angular velocity to determine when a quantified turn has occurred, enabling more precise turn detection while eliminating complex mechanical linkages between the steering wheel and signal canceling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable threshold parameters for turn detection based on sensor data. Instead of fixed distance, angle, or time values, the system dynamically adjusts cancellation criteria based on measured lateral acceleration and angular velocity parameters, allowing accurate adaptation to different turning scenarios and vehicle conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical catch systems are used in the steering column, then the structure is straightforward, but the system cannot recognize quantified turns and leads to unnecessary signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering column catches with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) to detect vehicle turns. These sensors measure lateral acceleration and angular velocity to determine when a quantified turn has occurred, enabling more precise turn detection while eliminating complex mechanical linkages between the steering wheel and signal canceling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and cancels turn signals based on sensor-measured vehicle motion parameters without requiring mechanical intervention or complex external mechanisms. The electronic control unit processes sensor data and autonomously determines when to cancel the signal, making the system self-sufficient and adaptable to various turning scenarios.
3Reliability
If the turn signal remains activated while the steering wheel continues to move, then the signaling function is reliable, but the signal does not deactivate timely after the turn is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor data (lateral acceleration, angular velocity) during and after the turn signal is activated. When the sensed parameters indicate that the vehicle has completed a quantified turn and returned to straight-line travel, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic signal cancellation, ensuring timely deactivation while maintaining reliable signaling during the actual turn.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically samples sensor data at defined intervals to assess whether the turn condition persists or has concluded. This periodic monitoring enables the system to maintain the signal during active turning while automatically canceling it once the turn is complete, optimizing both reliability and timing.
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
Ensures accurate and timely deactivation of turn signals based on quantified turns, reducing unnecessary signaling and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Automatic canceling of the turn signal is done through an inertia sensor which measures the lateral or side force created when the vehicle turns left or right
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle turn signal canceling system with means to recognize that a quantified turn has been made in order to deactivate the signaling condition. The system includes a microcontroller and an inertia sensor which measures the lateral or side force created when the vehicle turns left or right. The automatic function cancels the turn based on the side force as follows: at the time the turn signal is activated, the system records the referenced lateral or side force (the “reference point”); second, when the side force exceeds the reference point, plus a pre-determined side force, the unit accumulates exceedance time; and third, when the exceedance time reaches a pre-determined period of time, the turn signal status is then changed to “cancel” and the signaling condition is deactivated.