Wireless CHMSL Backup Lamp for Cargo Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Center high-mounted stop lamps (CHMSLs) on vehicles can be obstructed by cargo or caps, reducing their effectiveness in alerting following vehicles to slow down.
Innovation Solution
A CHMSL system that includes a sensor, a primary CHMSL, a wireless secondary CHMSL, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a processor. The system generates sensor data to activate the wireless secondary CHMSL when the primary CHMSL is obstructed, ensuring continuous visibility to following vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary CHMSL is mounted on the vehicle, then it provides a conspicuous warning signal to following vehicles, but it becomes obstructed by cargo or caps reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the CHMSL function into multiple segments: a primary CHMSL mounted on the vehicle and one or more secondary CHMSLs positioned in the cargo area. When the primary is obstructed, the system activates secondary CHMSLs to provide the warning function from an unobstructed position, ensuring the safety function is maintained through segmented redundancy.
2Reliability
If a secondary CHMSL is added to eliminate obstruction issues, then visibility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary CHMSL unit is designed as a multi-functional device that combines a lamp, battery, control circuitry, and wireless transceiver into a single integrated unit. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions (lighting, power management, communication, control), reducing the need for separate systems and minimizing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a wireless secondary CHMSL with battery and control circuitry is implemented, then autonomous operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary CHMSL is designed as a self-service unit with an integrated battery that provides autonomous power, eliminating the need for hardwired electrical connections to the vehicle's power system. The control circuitry automatically detects when the primary CHMSL is obstructed and activates the secondary unit without manual intervention, while the wireless transceiver enables automatic communication with the vehicle's braking system. This self-service capability simplifies installation and operation despite the increased internal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) system for a vehicle is provided. The CHMSL system includes a sensor, a primary CHMSL, a wireless secondary CHMSL, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and at least one processor coupled to the sensor, the primary CHMSL, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. The sensor is configured to generate sensor data, such as image data, proximity data, etc., associated with cargo loaded in a bed of the vehicle. The primary CHMSL includes a primary lamp. The wireless secondary CHMSL includes a secondary lamp, a battery, and control circuitry including a CHMSL wireless transceiver and a microcontroller. The processor is configured to facilitate, based on the sensor data, activation of the wireless secondary CHMSL. The processor is also configured to determine, based on the sensor data, whether the primary CHMSL is blocked or not blocked.