Vehicle Garage Warning System Using Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers frequently back their vehicles into closed garage doors while exiting, as existing solutions fail to provide effective warnings for determining when it is safe to leave the garage due to distractions and the lack of awareness of the garage door's state during the exit process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising electronic sensors to detect vehicle movement and garage door openness, a microcontroller to manage these sensors, and an alarm to notify the driver if the garage door is not sufficiently open, along with optional motion deterrent devices like a pop-up wheel chock or automatic braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drivers rely on visual observation to determine garage door state during exit, then they can detect the door position, but distractions cause them to miss the door state and back into it
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors garage door state and vehicle position, then provides real-time feedback to the driver through visual and audible alerts when a collision risk is detected. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for driver distraction by automatically detecting conditions that visual observation might miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (sensors and processors) that acts as a mediator between the garage door/vehicle physical state and the driver's awareness. This intermediary system translates physical conditions into alert signals, bridging the gap caused by driver distraction.
2Ease of operation
If drivers pull into the garage (backing out to exit), then parking is achieved, but the driver cannot see the garage door when leaving
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback about garage door state to the driver during the exit maneuver. Since the driver's back is to the door when pulling in, the system compensates by monitoring door position and vehicle position, then alerting the driver when conditions indicate potential collision risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of direct observation with an electronic detection and alert system. Instead of relying on the driver's line of sight to the garage door, sensors and processors electronically detect positions and translate them into driver alerts.
3Measurement precision
If existing sensor devices are used to detect vehicle position, then parking position can be determined, but they fail to provide warning during exit when the door is closing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its monitoring and alerting behavior based on the operational phase. It distingu between entry and exit maneuvers, and between door opening and closing states, activating warnings specifically when exit conditions are detected (vehicle moving forward, door closing or closed).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors to continuously assess collision risk during the exit phase. When sensors detect that the vehicle is moving forward and the garage door is closed or closing, the system generates alert signals to warn the driver, providing the missing safety function that position detection alone does not deliver.
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
The system effectively alerts drivers of insufficient garage door openness, preventing potential collisions by ensuring the door is clear before exiting, thereby enhancing safety and reducing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic sensor for determining when the vehicle is moving
Implementation Method 2
an electronic sensor for determining if the garage door is sufficiently open for the vehicle to exit without hitting the garage door
Implementation Method 3
an alarm to notify the vehicle's driver when the garage door is insufficiently open
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method of detecting if a garage door is open, in order to prevent a vehicle which is leaving the garage from hitting the door or approaching the door before it is sufficiently open enough for the exiting vehicle to clear the door.