Vehicular Occupant Safety System with Multi-Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Children and pets are at risk of heat or cold-related injuries or death when left unattended in closed vehicles, and drivers may become incapacitated due to carbon monoxide poisoning after pulling over, requiring a safety system to detect and respond to these situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular occupant safety system comprising a programmable processor, sensors for motion, infrared, and carbon monoxide detection, GPS, cellular radio, and engine control, which initiates escalating responses such as horn pulsing, light flashing, emergency calls, and environmental adjustments to ensure occupant safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driver leaves the child or pet in the closed vehicle to tend to other matters, then the driver's productivity is improved, but the safety of the occupant deteriorates due to rapid temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of occupant presence and initiates preventive actions (alerts, notifications) before dangerous temperature conditions develop, allowing the driver to return to the vehicle or take protective measures
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and provides feedback to the driver through alerts and notifications, enabling the driver to respond appropriately to prevent harmful temperature extremes
2Reliability
If the driver becomes incapacitated after pulling over, then the vehicle is stopped in a safe location, but the driver's health deteriorates due to carbon monoxide poisoning
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors for signs of driver incapacitation and provides feedback through alert systems, enabling detection of dangerous conditions like carbon monoxide exposure and triggering appropriate emergency responses
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of incapacitation signs and initiates preventive actions (alerts, emergency notifications) before the driver's condition deteriorates further
3Reliability
If the system activates multiple safety responses (horn pulsing, light flashing, emergency calls), then the safety monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single integrated safety system that performs multiple functions (detection, alerting, emergency communication, environmental control) rather than requiring separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring
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, contacts emergency services, and maintains safe vehicle conditions, reducing the risk of injury or death for unattended children, pets, and incapacitated drivers by providing timely interventions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor capable of detecting motion and/or infrared energy and/or carbon monoxide levels
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor capable of detecting motion and/or infrared energy and/or carbon monoxide levels
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor capable of detecting motion and/or infrared energy and/or carbon monoxide levels
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a system and use method for providing safety to living occupants inside a closed, locked vehicle, such as a child or a pet left inside, or a driver who has become incapacitated after parking but while still inside the closed, locked vehicle.