Wireless Helmet Brake Light via RF Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycle accidents often result from inadequate reaction time by following motorists due to the lack of visible brake and turn signal indicators on motorcycles, which are not equipped with central high-mounted brake lights, leading to increased fatalities and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A wireless retrofitted brake light system for motorcycle helmets that uses a rechargeable battery-powered light display unit with RF signals from the motorcycle's brake and turn signal indicators, providing increased visibility with red brake lights and directional turn signals, attached via adhesive or elastic strap, mimicking conventional motorcycle indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If motorcycles are equipped with central high-mounted brake lights, then visibility of brake signals to following traffic is improved, but device complexity and retrofitting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a helmet-mounted light display unit as an intermediary device that receives signals from the motorcycle's existing brake and turn signal circuits via RF transmission. This intermediary approach allows the brake light functionality to be added without modifying the motorcycle's core structure, thus improving visibility while maintaining relatively simple system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical installation of brake lights on the motorcycle with a wireless RF signal transmission system. The light display unit on the helmet receives RF signals from the motorcycle's existing circuits and converts them into visible light, substituting mechanical installation with electronic/wireless communication.
2Ease of manufacture
If wireless RF signal transmission is used for brake light indication, then ease of installation and retrofitting is improved, but reliability of signal transmission may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a receiver assembly with signal processing circuitry that continuously monitors and processes RF signals from the motorcycle. The system includes feedback mechanisms through the electrical connection means that taps into existing motorcycle circuits, ensuring reliable signal reception and conversion while maintaining ease of installation through wireless communication.
3Illumination intensity
If a helmet-mounted light display unit is used, then visibility of turn signals is improved, but weight of the helmet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light display system into separate segments: a receiver assembly that processes signals and a light display unit that shows turn signals. This segmentation allows the light display unit to be optimized for visibility while the receiver assembly handles signal processing, distributing the weight burden and enabling targeted improvement of turn signal visibility.
4Loss of energy
If existing motorcycle brake and turn signal circuits are tapped for power, then loss of energy is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical connection means serve multiple functions: it taps into existing motorcycle circuits for power supply while also providing grounding and signal reception capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces energy consumption by utilizing existing motorcycle electrical infrastructure while managing electrical connection complexity through integrated design.
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 enhances visibility of brake and turn signals to following traffic, providing additional reaction time and potentially saving lives by alerting motorists to a motorcycle's braking and turning intentions.
Implementation Method 1
electrically powered by a rechargeable battery pack
Implementation Method 2
illuminate a red brake light whenever the motorcycle brakes are applied
Implementation Method 3
receives a radio frequency (RF) signal therefrom a transmitter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless braking and turning indicator attached to a motorcycle helmet and a motorcycle mounted transmitter is herein disclosed. An illumination assembly is attached on the rear surface of the helmet by means of either double-sided adhesive or an elastic band. An integral wireless receiver powered by a rechargeable battery receives a signal from a transmitter mounted on the motorcycle and electrically connected to the brake and turn signal indication circuits. In such a manner, the helmet-mounted light assembly will illuminate whenever the motorcycle brakes are applied in much the same manner as a center-mounted high brake light on motor vehicles. Turning direction is also indicated in like manner. When used, the rider's head is at a sufficient elevation to be easily seen by following traffic.