Commercial Vehicle Ground Pattern Projection for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical safety systems for commercial vehicles are limited to stationary use and struggle to clearly indicate the vehicle's path and danger zones to other road users, especially when the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A commercial vehicle equipped with a light source that projects a controllable pattern onto the ground surface, controlled by a unit that detects the vehicle's operating state and road users, to signal the vehicle's intentions and danger zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional optical safety systems project lines spaced from the danger zone, then the system structure is simple, but it is difficult for approaching road users to immediately identify the danger zone and vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from projecting simple one-dimensional lines spaced from the vehicle to projecting two-dimensional patterns that directly overlay the danger zone and vehicle position. This dimensional change allows the projection to provide comprehensive spatial information about the vehicle's location and hazard areas, making the danger zone immediately identifiable to road users.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system creates a visual copy or representation of the vehicle's actual position and danger zones on the ground surface. By projecting patterns that replicate the spatial arrangement of the vehicle and its hazard areas, the system provides road users with an accurate visual map of the environment, enabling immediate identification of the vehicle and danger zones without requiring complex additional signaling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use stationary projection lines, then the device complexity is low, but the system can only be used when the vehicle is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic projection system that continuously adapts the projected pattern based on the vehicle's operating state. The control unit detects whether the vehicle is stationary or moving and automatically adjusts the projection accordingly - using stationary patterns when stopped and dynamic patterns that track vehicle movement when in motion. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to function effectively in both stationary and moving conditions without requiring fundamentally different hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system is designed to perform multiple functions across different operational conditions. The same light sources and control unit that project simple stationary patterns when the vehicle is stopped also project dynamic, moving patterns when the vehicle is in motion. This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide safety information for both stationary boarding/alighting operations and moving vehicle operations, greatly enhancing operational flexibility.
3Loss of information
If the projected lines are spaced from the danger zone, then the projection distance is sufficient for safety, but approaching road users cannot immediately identify the vehicle in multiple lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the projection from simple linear markers to two-dimensional patterns that cover the area around the vehicle. By projecting patterns that extend across multiple lanes and clearly demarcate the vehicle's position and danger zones, the system provides comprehensive visual information about the vehicle's location. This area-based projection ensures that approaching road users can immediately identify the vehicle even in complex multi-lane environments, as the projected pattern creates a visible envelope around the vehicle's position.
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 solution enables proactive reduction of collision risks by clearly indicating the vehicle's path and danger zones to other road users, even when the vehicle is in motion, thus enhancing safety and providing clear options for action.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged on at least one side of the commercial vehicle, which is configured to project a controllable pattern onto a ground surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A commercial vehicle (100) with controlled pattern projection is described. The commercial vehicle includes a light source (102) arranged on at least one side (104) of the commercial vehicle (100). The light source (102) projects a controllable pattern (106) onto a ground surface (108) adjacent to the respective side (104) of the commercial vehicle (100). Furthermore, the commercial vehicle (100) includes a control unit (114) that is in signal communication with the light source (102). The control unit (114) detects an operating state of the commercial vehicle (100) and controls the light source (102) to signal the detected operating state by means of the projected pattern (106).