Vehicle Safety Interlock with Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety measures for preventing pedestrian accidents near vehicles, such as crossing control arms and proximity sensors, are passive systems that rely on driver action and have limitations in effectiveness, particularly at the front and rear of school buses, where children are most vulnerable.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle safety interlock system that uses object detection sensors at the front, rear, and sides of a vehicle to automatically prevent vehicle motion by integrating with existing electronic control systems like antilock braking and traction control systems, ensuring active safety without relying on driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crossing control arms are deployed, then visibility of danger zones is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage and creates false sense of security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical crossing control arm system with an electronic sensor-based detection system. Object detection sensors (radar, ultrasonic, electro-optic) are mounted on the vehicle to detect pedestrians in danger zones, eliminating the need for physical arms that are vulnerable to damage while providing more reliable detection capabilities.
2Reliability
If passive safety systems like crossing arms are used, then driver awareness is improved, but driver action is required which may not be timely
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system performs self-service by automatically detecting pedestrians and triggering vehicle response without requiring driver intervention. The control system receives signals from object detection sensors and autonomously activates warnings or prevents vehicle motion, ensuring timely response regardless of driver attention or reaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the environment with object detection sensors and automatically adjusting vehicle operation based on detected conditions. When pedestrians are detected in danger zones, the system provides immediate feedback through warnings or motion prevention, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that responds dynamically to environmental conditions.
3Extent of automation
If object detection sensors are integrated with electronic control systems, then automatic safety response is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional electronic control systems (antilock braking, traction control, engine controls) to perform safety functions. By integrating object detection sensors with these already-present systems, the patent achieves automatic safety responses without adding entirely new complex systems,而是 utilizing the universality of existing electronic controls to handle multiple functions including pedestrian detection and vehicle motion prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety interlock system for a motor vehicle has a plurality of object sensors capable of detecting the presence of an object such as a pedestrian in the danger zone at the front of the vehicle, rear the vehicle or proximate to the wheels. A door sensor is capable of detecting the open or closed state of the vehicle doors. An interlock override switch and a control circuit are also connected to the safety interlock system. The control circuit is capable of activating the safety interlock system when a door open signal is received. When the safety interlock system is activated the control circuit may engage the brakes to prevent motion of the vehicle if an object signal is received from the object sensor.