Vehicle Deceleration Sensor Using Gyroscope Gravity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to provide early warnings of impending deceleration to following vehicles, leading to potential rear-end collisions, due to reliance on threshold-based deceleration detection that is affected by gravitational forces, and also contribute to unnecessary engine idling, resulting in fuel wastage and pollution.
Innovation Solution
Integration of vehicle speed sensors (VSS) with control devices to detect deceleration and modulate warning lights, and a system to automatically turn off idling engines based on stationary status and predetermined time limits, using a combination of sensors and timers to enhance safety and reduce environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If threshold-based deceleration detection is used, then the system can detect deceleration events, but gravitational forces cause false readings and reduce detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gyroscope as an intermediary device that measures the vehicle's orientation relative to gravity. This orientation data serves as a mediator to distinguish between deceleration caused by gravity (when the vehicle is tilted) and actual braking deceleration. The control device uses this intermediary information to filter out gravitational artifacts from the accelerometer readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle orientation via the gyroscope and using this information to adjust the interpretation of accelerometer data. The control device receives feedback about the vehicle's angular position and uses this to dynamically compensate for gravitational effects on the deceleration measurement, improving detection precision.
2Reliability
If deceleration warning systems are implemented, then collision prevention is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing accelerometer multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose (impact/collision detection) and the new function (deceleration warning). The same sensor hardware serves dual purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated sensors and thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the deceleration warning function with the existing brake lamp control system. The control device that manages brake lamps is also tasked with controlling the deceleration warning lamps, combining multiple functions into a single control unit and reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of time
If early deceleration warnings are provided, then following drivers have more time to react, but the warning may activate during normal driving maneuvers like going uphill or downhill
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope serves as an intermediary that provides orientation data to help distinguish between legitimate deceleration warnings and false alarms during normal driving maneuvers. By measuring the vehicle's angular position relative to gravity, the system can determine whether the vehicle is on a slope and adjust the deceleration threshold accordingly, preventing false warnings during uphill or downhill driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the deceleration threshold parameter based on vehicle orientation. When the gyroscope detects that the vehicle is on a slope, the system adjusts the threshold to account for the gravitational component, thereby maintaining reliable operation across different driving conditions while still providing early warnings when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle.