GB2323954A

GB2323954A - System to prevent road vehicles from eg hitting low bridges

Info

Publication number: GB2323954A
Application number: GB9706782A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Angus King; Bramham Angus Knight; Martyn John Coles; Paul Stephen Mckay Ramsey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-03
Filing date: 1997-04-03
Publication date: 1998-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-03
Also published as: GB9706782D0; GB2323954B

Abstract

So as to prevent high road vehicles from hitting low bridges, equipment taking signals from satellite or remote terrestrial positioning systems will feed data into road vehicles fitted with receivers. The equipment will have a data-base of all known low bridge hazards. The receiver on the vehicle will have the height of the vehicle encoded either manually or automatically; and an indication will be given to the driver of the hazard ahead, and to other road users and the vehicle will be braked to a stop if necessary to avoid collision. The equipment has provision for covering other hazards such as weight, length and width restrictions and on board monitoring of temperature of cargo.

Description

A SYSTEM TO PREVENT HIGH ROAD VEHICLES FROM HITTING LOW BRIDGES USING REMOTE POSITIONING SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a system for warning drivers of high road vehicles when they are approaching low bridges with inadequate clearance, into which their vehicle would otherwise collide and for stopping vehicles if the warning is not heeded.

The striking of low bridges by high vehicles occurs about three times per day in the UK. The equipment described here takes signals from satellite or remote terrestrial positioning systems and provides warning to drivers in the cab, and operates the brakes of the vehicle if the warning is not heeded.

The road vehicle equipment works by utilising satellite or terrestrial based radio positioning systems, in conjunction with a data-base of all known low bridge hazards.

The equipment has provision to enter the height of the vehicle, either automatically, by panel controls, or by internal controls (set at the time of installation). The equipment incorporates into its circuitry the radio receiver(s) from which the vehicle's position is obtained. The position is then compared with the data-base and when a bridge is found in proximity to the vehicle, whose height is inadequate for the vehicle clearance, a warning is given to the driver. As the vehicle moves closer to the bridge, and no action has been taken by the driver, then a further warning is given, and positive action is taken by the equipment to prevent the collision, and to warn other road users.

The prime purpose of the equipment is to prevent potential collisions. But if, in the event, a collision occurs then this can be reported automatically via a radio link so that the authorities can take appropriate action.

The equipment has provision for covering other known hazards such as axle-weight limits, length limits, width limits and on board monitoring of temperature of cargo.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. The use of satellite or remote terrestrial positioning system. 2. The warning to the driver in his cab. 3. The application via the engine management system of if necessary, the brakes if the warning in Claim 2 is not heeded. 4. Accessories for aiding the driver to assess the height of his vehicle. 5. An equipment in the cab of a vehicle which can be

1. inputted by buttons with the height of the vehicle.

2. fed in with the height of the vehicle automatically or manually from a static transmitter at the point of departure or en route.

3. set at build with the vehicle's height where the height of the vehicle remains constant.

4. inputted with the height to a program depending on the load carried e.g. cars on a car transporter.

5. inputted from a sensor on the vehicle which feeds in the correct height of e.g. the forks on a skip transporting lorry.

6. An equipment for activating the hazard warning lights when a potential collision is sensed.

7. A display in the vehicle which gives both visual display and provides a warning alert sound to the driver when a potential collision is sensed..

8. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the data relating to the features of the vehicles, according to Claims 1 and 5, are input to the system by automatic or manual means.

8. An equipment for activating the brakes on the vehicle when that in Claim 7 is unheeded and a potential collision is to be prevented.

9. An equipment in the vehicle connected to the vehicle electrical supply.

10. In the event of a collision with a bridge, the vehicle has sensors which will send back signals to a central monitoring point.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A vehicle warning system comprising (i) means for detecting absolute position of the vehicle, (ii) data relating to the features of bridges over the route, (iii) data relating to features of the vehicle, and (iv) means for providing warning information in and around the vehicle as it approaches each relevant bridge over the route.

2. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the absolute position fixing comprises satellite or terrestrial based position fixing systems.

3. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the data relating to the features of bridges over the route comprises location and physical characteristics of these sites.

4. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the warning information comprises visual and audible signals to those in and around the vehicle and will include input to vehicle systems.

5. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the vehicle's features and those of the bridges over the route cause the system to respond with a warning.

6. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the vehicle systems according to Claim 4, comprise braking and external warning systems.

7. A vehicle warning system according to Claim 1, wherein the data relating to features of the vehicle, according to Claims 1 and 5, comprise height, weight, width and length.