Vehicle Fire Warning Using Multi-Sensor Location Confidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle warning systems are not optimal for detecting and responding to fire events, particularly in proximity to the vehicle, and do not adequately account for the location, direction, and confidence level of such events.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing vehicle sensors to detect fire events, determine their location and confidence level, and take appropriate actions, including notifications to authorities and users, as well as autonomous vehicle movement, using a combination of tire pressure, ultrasonic, and temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing vehicle warning systems are used, then basic vehicle state monitoring is provided, but fire event detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing vehicle sensors (temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, tire pressure monitoring sensors) into an integrated fire detection system. By merging these sensors and their data processing capabilities, the system achieves reliable fire event detection without requiring a completely new complex system, thus improving detection capability while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing multi-functional sensors serve fire detection purposes in addition to their original functions. For example, temperature sensors originally for climate control now also detect fire events, and ultrasonic sensors originally for parking assistance now also detect fire-related acoustic signals. This universal usage improves fire detection capability while avoiding the need for dedicated fire sensors that would increase system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect fire events, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fire detection process into multiple independent sensor measurements (temperature, acoustic, pressure) that can be processed separately and then combined. Each sensor type detects specific fire-related parameters independently, allowing the system to achieve high detection accuracy through data fusion while maintaining manageable complexity by keeping each sensor subsystem independent and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data is continuously monitored and processed to update fire event probability assessments. The system uses feedback loops to compare sensor readings against threshold values and adjust detection sensitivity dynamically, improving measurement precision while using software-based control rather than additional hardware complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the system determines fire location and confidence level, then response accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by determining fire location specifics (inside vs. outside vehicle, directional information) and confidence levels for different detection zones. The processor analyzes sensor data from specific spatial locations and assigns quality metrics to each detection region, enabling accurate localized fire event characterization without requiring complex global analysis of the entire vehicle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms raw sensor data into meaningful parameters such as fire probability scores, location coordinates, and confidence levels through systematic data processing. By changing the parameter representation from raw sensor readings to standardized fire event characteristics, the system achieves high determination accuracy while using conventional signal processing techniques rather than complex algorithms.
4Speed
If automated actions are taken based on fire detection, then response time is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-programming automated responses to detected fire events, such as automatic notification to emergency services, activation of vehicle safety systems, and preparation of escape routes. These pre-configured actions are triggered automatically upon fire detection, achieving rapid response speed while using straightforward conditional logic rather than complex real-time decision-making systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the vehicle system to automatically perform safety actions without requiring human intervention. The control system autonomously executes pre-programmed sequences such as unlocking doors, activating alarms, and notifying emergency contacts when fire events are detected, achieving fast automated response while using simple rule-based control logic that manages system complexity.
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
Enhances the detection and response to fire events by providing precise location and confidence-level-based actions, ensuring effective notification and vehicle movement to mitigate risks.
Implementation Method 1
exterior temperature sensor data, and interior temperature sensor data
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for smart vehicle warning systems. In an exemplary embodiment, in another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a body, a drive system, one or more sensors, and a processor. The drive system is configured to move the body. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain sensor data pertaining to the vehicle and its surroundings. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining that is coupled to the one or more vehicle sensors, whether a fire event is likely to be occurring related to the vehicle, using the sensor data; and taking an action when it is determined that the fire event is likely to be occurring.