GB2178516A

GB2178516A - Turn/hazard warning indicator systems

Info

Publication number: GB2178516A
Application number: GB08509657A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Badrv Nasirnddin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-04-16
Filing date: 1985-04-16
Publication date: 1987-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2005-04-16
Also published as: GB8509657D0; GB2178516B

Abstract

The single amber light units currently used in Turn/Hazard warning indicator systems in motor vehicles is replaced by a three- or two-light cluster; this arrangement removes ambiguities inherent in existing warning displays by providing specific signals for specific vehicle movements in traffic requiring warnings (for example, lane changing, full turns etc).

Description

SPECIFICATION A new type of turn/hazard indicator 1. Turn and Hazard Warning Indicators currently used in motor vehicles suffer from some significant limitations. For example, the driver of a vehicle cannot always indicate unambiguously whether he intends to take a full turn, or merely change lanes (when option to do either exists). Also, when a vehicle is in a parked position, with another vehicle behind it and the Indicator of the first vehicle flashing, approaching vehicles cannot be certain (by looking at the off-side light only) whether the first vehicle intends to pull out into traffic, or has merely turned on the "hazard warning".

2. In this patent it is proposed to change the Turn/Hazard Indicator lights into a new configuration (Fig. 1). Each of the conventional indicator lights is now replaced by a cluster of three lights. Any two of these three lights is operated at one time to indicate the vehicle's intentions. (An alternate arrangement using a two light cluster is also discussed below).

3. Calling the three lights in the cluster 'A', 'B' and 'C' (Fig. 2), the Indicator operations programme will be: a) when vehicle is in motion lights A and B flashing alternately: vehicle making a right (or a left) turn lights A and C flashing alternately: vehicle moving to right (or left) lane b) when vehicle is stationary lights A and B flashing alternately: vehicle pulling out into traffic lights B and C flashing alternately: hazard warning (in this case these lights will be in operation on both sides of the vehicle) 4. The indicating light clusters can be controlled by the standard "stick" controller for turn and lane-shift advice, and the hazard warning switch for hazard warning.

5. The intermediate position of the stick controller (this is the position in which-in current usage-it operates the indicating lights as long held there against a spring pressure) will flash lights A and C alternately, advising of a movement to switch lanes.

6. The extreme position of the stick controller will flash lights A and B alternately, advising of intent to make a proper turn.

7. The "on" position of the hazard warning switch will flash lights B and C (on both sides of the vehicle) alternately, warning that the vehicle is stationary.

8. It will generally be sufficient to instal the triple light cluster in the back corners of a vehicle only; but where considered desirable these could be installed in the front corners as well and (even on the sides for long vehicles).

9. Where space or other considerations inhibit use of a three-light cluster, a two lightcluster can be used instead (with possibly a slight fall in indication-display efficiency).

10. With a (vertical) two-light cluster, the indicator operations programme can be (see Fig. 3): light A flashing (with vehicle in motion): vehicle making a right (or left) turn light A flashing (with vehicle stationary): vehicle pulling out into traffic lights A and B flashing alternately; vehicle moving to a right (or left lane) if the vehicle is in motion; hazard warning indication if vehicle is stationary 11. The display programme will be slightly different if the two-light cluster were horizontal. In this case, a single light flashing would indicate a lane switch (if vehicle in motion), or hazard warning (if vehicle stationary). Flashing of both lights would respectively indicate advice of a proper turn, or pulling out into traffic.

12. The control arrangements of the twolight cluster will be similar to those of the three-light cluster above (see paras 5, 6 and 7).

13. If it is found impractical (for technical or economic considerations) to have two lights (in a three-, or two-light cluster) flash alternately to indicate a choice of movements, the lights can be arranged to flash in unison to give the same message as alternately flashing lights, though with less emphasis.

14. The above proposed scheme, while adding very little to the cost and complexity of a vehicle, will provide an added, and under certain circumstances a very important measure of road safety.

1. The single light in a conventional turn/hazard warning indicator system in motor vehicles is replaced by a three-or two-light cluster, with the controller arranged to operate these lights in appropriate sequence.

2. The system, as claimed in Claim 1, by changing the design concept of turn/hazard indicator system currently in use provides a unique warning indication for each of the various moves by a vehicle requiring to give a warning advice to other vehicles.

3. The system, as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, by removing the ambiguity in existing turn/hazard warning systems, provides a substantial measure of added safety in road traffic.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

SPECIFICATION A new type of turn/hazard indicator 1. Turn and Hazard Warning Indicators currently used in motor vehicles suffer from some significant limitations. For example, the driver of a vehicle cannot always indicate unambiguously whether he intends to take a full turn, or merely change lanes (when option to do either exists). Also, when a vehicle is in a parked position, with another vehicle behind it and the Indicator of the first vehicle flashing, approaching vehicles cannot be certain (by looking at the off-side light only) whether the first vehicle intends to pull out into traffic, or has merely turned on the "hazard warning".
2. In this patent it is proposed to change the Turn/Hazard Indicator lights into a new configuration (Fig. 1). Each of the conventional indicator lights is now replaced by a cluster of three lights. Any two of these three lights is operated at one time to indicate the vehicle's intentions. (An alternate arrangement using a two light cluster is also discussed below).
3. The system, as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, by removing the ambiguity in existing turn/hazard warning systems, provides a substantial measure of added safety in road traffic.

3. Calling the three lights in the cluster 'A', 'B' and 'C' (Fig. 2), the Indicator operations programme will be: a) when vehicle is in motion lights A and B flashing alternately: vehicle making a right (or a left) turn lights A and C flashing alternately: vehicle moving to right (or left) lane b) when vehicle is stationary lights A and B flashing alternately: vehicle pulling out into traffic lights B and C flashing alternately: hazard warning (in this case these lights will be in operation on both sides of the vehicle)

4. The indicating light clusters can be controlled by the standard "stick" controller for turn and lane-shift advice, and the hazard warning switch for hazard warning.

5. The intermediate position of the stick controller (this is the position in which-in current usage-it operates the indicating lights as long held there against a spring pressure) will flash lights A and C alternately, advising of a movement to switch lanes.

6. The extreme position of the stick controller will flash lights A and B alternately, advising of intent to make a proper turn.

7. The "on" position of the hazard warning switch will flash lights B and C (on both sides of the vehicle) alternately, warning that the vehicle is stationary.

8. It will generally be sufficient to instal the triple light cluster in the back corners of a vehicle only; but where considered desirable these could be installed in the front corners as well and (even on the sides for long vehicles).

9. Where space or other considerations inhibit use of a three-light cluster, a two lightcluster can be used instead (with possibly a slight fall in indication-display efficiency).

10. With a (vertical) two-light cluster, the indicator operations programme can be (see Fig. 3): light A flashing (with vehicle in motion): vehicle making a right (or left) turn light A flashing (with vehicle stationary): vehicle pulling out into traffic lights A and B flashing alternately; vehicle moving to a right (or left lane) if the vehicle is in motion; hazard warning indication if vehicle is stationary

11. The display programme will be slightly different if the two-light cluster were horizontal. In this case, a single light flashing would indicate a lane switch (if vehicle in motion), or hazard warning (if vehicle stationary). Flashing of both lights would respectively indicate advice of a proper turn, or pulling out into traffic.

12. The control arrangements of the twolight cluster will be similar to those of the three-light cluster above (see paras 5, 6 and 7).

13. If it is found impractical (for technical or economic considerations) to have two lights (in a three-, or two-light cluster) flash alternately to indicate a choice of movements, the lights can be arranged to flash in unison to give the same message as alternately flashing lights, though with less emphasis.

14. The above proposed scheme, while adding very little to the cost and complexity of a vehicle, will provide an added, and under certain circumstances a very important measure of road safety.

1. The single light in a conventional turn/hazard warning indicator system in motor vehicles is replaced by a three-or two-light cluster, with the controller arranged to operate these lights in appropriate sequence.

2. The system, as claimed in Claim 1, by changing the design concept of turn/hazard indicator system currently in use provides a unique warning indication for each of the various moves by a vehicle requiring to give a warning advice to other vehicles.