GB2450752A

GB2450752A - Motorcycle warning system activated by unintentional reaction of a rider to a perceived hazard

Info

Publication number: GB2450752A
Application number: GB0713174A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Alan Clews
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-06
Filing date: 2007-07-06
Publication date: 2009-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-06
Also published as: GB2450752B; GB0713174D0

Abstract

A motorcycle warning system 1 having a warning mechanism 14 activated by an unintentional reaction of a rider 22 responding to a perceived hazard. The motorcycle warning system 1 comprises a detector 4 that sends activating signals to the warning mechanism 14. The activating signals may be electrical or electromagnetic for wireless actuation. Preferably, the detector 4 of the warning system 1 monitors the reaction of a leg of the rider 22 (e.g. closure of an inner thigh 6 or knee towards the motorcycle 2), or an arm or hand of the rider 22 (e.g. an inward (32 fig. 4), upward or rearward movement of the hand (26 fig.4)) resulting in the activation of a horn 14 or a headlamp (14 fig.4). Alternatively, other detectors may detect an unintentional vocal reaction of the rider and/or the rider's physiological reactions to the perceived hazard. The warning system 1 may be permanently or removably mounted to the motorcycle 2.

Description

1 2450752

MOTORCYCLE WARNING SYSTEM

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns warning systems for motorcycles. In particular the present invention concerns a detector which activates a warning mechanism. An example of such a detector would be one that activates a horn to warn other road users of the motorcyclist's presence when a dangerous situation is perceived by the motorcycle rider.

Background

Safety systems for motorcycles typically involve mechanisms which act upon hazardous or potentially hazardous situations to cause one or more safety devices to operate or deploy in response.

Taiwariese patent TW52 1 050B describes a safety method for turning off the motorcycle when a motorist nervously forgets to release the throttle during an emergency situation.

In this method the engine ignition is cut until the brake is released or the throttle is recovered to the idle position.

Japanese patent JP1028086 describes a mechanism for preventing a secondary accident by detecting the presence or absence of a rider and stopping the engine. This is accomplished by locating detecting electrodes in the seat skin of a motorcycle, detecting an overturn with a mercury switch, and cutting off a fuel feed line when no rider is detected at the time of the overturn.

Japanese patent JP591 08830 describes another safety mechanism blocking fuel injection when at least one parameter suggests a travelling hazard is present. Such travelling hazards are determined by intake air amount, engine temperature, battery voltage, rotation signal, a signal detecting the opening of a throttle valve, side stand or gear switch signals and an upset switch which is turned on when the vehicle body is inclined at least degrees.

US patent 4181190 describes a safety system for preventing a tandem wheel vehicle from tilting over in an emergency. By applying only a single operation of the hand grip or foot pedal, the driver can operate different mechanisms in a predetermined sequence. The mechanisms include the horn, throttle, wheel brakes, controllable legs, engine ignition switch and locking devices.

US patent US4458 115 describes safety apparatus for shutting down the power unit of a vehicle in response to the withdrawal of the operator's hand from a hand grip or release of hand pressure.

Japanese patent JP200 1058542 describes a safety system that alerts surrounding people to danger at the same time as a vehicle stops suddenly. This is accomplished in the patent by lamps flashing and horns sounding. Because of the dependency of the warning signals to the vehicle stopping suddenly, the apparatus described in this patent fails to pre-warn other people before the vehicle rider has time to apply the brakes and for the vehicle to respond and come to a sudden stop.

Japanese patent JP2004352 113 describes a life jacket that promptly inflates by detecting a situation just before the occurrence of an unexpected accident, such as a motorcycle collision. The situation is detected by a physiological sensor of myoelectricity, a breathing pattern, pupil dilation, and the like. Once the sensed parameter crosses a threshold level, a solenoid then releases a compressed gas cylinder to inflate the life jacket. In this document, no automatic warning is given to nearby people and road users as to the motorcyclist's presence. As such the patent does not solve the problem of preventing an accident, but rather aims to only ensure the safety of the rider by inflating a protective jacket.

None of the above documents address the problem of warning local road users or other people in the vicinity of the vehicle's presence independently of the rider making deliberate actions to avoid the accident.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a detector, locatable on a motorcycle, disposed to be operable in use by detecting an unintentional reaction of a motorcycle rider responding to a perceived hazard. The normal intentional reactions of a rider responding to a perceived hazard are those specific to avoiding the hazard.

Examples of intentional reactions include applying brakes, steering adjustment and applying acceleration to move away from a hazard. The present invention monitors a rider's unintentional reactions to a hazard. The unintentional reactions are natural bodily reactions and are not deliberately made to avoid the hazard by altering the motion of the motorcycle.

The present invention further provides a motorcycle warning system comprising the detector and a warning mechanism, wherein the operation in use of the detector activates the warning mechanism, A motorcycle for the purposes of this invention includes any two wheeled motorised vehicle capable of carrying a rider. The warning mechanism may be a horn or a headlamp or a combination of both and is intended to alert local road users or other people in the vicinity of the vehicle's presence.

The detector preferably detects a reactionary movement of a leg, an arm or a hand of the rider or any combination of these movements. Typical movements that the detector monitors include the closure of an inner thigh or knee of the rider or, the inward or upward movement of a hand or arm of the rider. The invention is not limited to detecting one of these movements and may detect other unintentional reactions and combinations thereof.

By monitoring any of these unintentional reactions, a warning is given by the warning system independently of any deliberate action the motorcycle rider has made to avoid the accident. Such a warning does not require conscious thought and controlled reaction on the part of the motorcyclist. It is therefore faster and more reliable. This is advantageous in situations, for example, where the driver of a nearby car begins to manoeuvre into the path of the motorcyclist. The warning system would alert the car driver to the motorcyclist so that the car driver may also take actions to prevent a collision. The system is additionally beneficial if the motorcyclist is unable to make an effective collision avoiding action, for example if the motorcycle controls do not work or if the motorcyclist has insufficient time to make such a collision avoiding action. Of course, the detector and warning system will also respond to actions deliberately performed by the motorcyclist which correspond to the unintentional reaction: for example squeezing the knees together, whether deliberately or involuntarily.

The detector preferably comprises a switch with electrical contacts which are disposed to be connectable when the detector is activated. The detector further comprises moveable means, pressure sensitive means, or any other means that connect the electrical contacts when the motorcycle rider unintentionally reacts to a perceived hazard. The movable means is electrically conductive and physically moves to join the electrical contacts, whilst the pressure sensitive means comprise a material physically joining the contacts that changes electrical resistance with applied pressure. The motorcycle warning system further comprises an actuating means arranged to send activating signals from the detector to the warning mechanism. Preferably the actuating means comprise an electrical circuit and the activating signal is an electrical signal. Additionally or alternatively the actuating means may further comprise wireless communication apparatus and the activating signal includes an electromagnetic signal. Such a communication apparatus may be a short range radio communication system. Alternatively the detector and actuating means may comprise of other technologies such as a fluid system. --A motorcycle or motorcycle seat, handlebar, fuel tank or other motorcycle component may comprise a detector and optionally an actuating means.

The motorcycle warning system may further comprise mounting means to attach the detector, and/or the warning mechanism and/or the actuating means to the motorcycle.

The mounting means may provide removable or permanent attachment of any element of the warning system to the motorcycle. Mounting means providing removable attachment preferably comprise any of: screw fixings, bolt fixings, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, elasticised fittings, snap_fit systems, integral pockets and removable pockets, although any suitable removable mounting means may be utilised. Permanent mounting means preferably comprise an adhesive so that the detector is stuck onto the motorcycle, although any suitable permanent mounting means may also be utilised.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where a motorcycle is shown in plan view with two detectors located on the motorcycle, close to the thighs of the rider.

Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of figure 1 where the motorcycle rider has responded to a perceivable hazard and has unintentionally squeezed his thighs together making contact with the detectors and activating the horn.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where a motorcycle is shown in plan view with two detectors located on the motorcycle, close to the hands of the rider.

Figure 4 illustrates the embodiment of figure 3 where the motorcycle rider has responded to a perceivable hazard and has unintentionally moved his hands towards each other making contact with the detector and activating the headlamp.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the detector of the present invention shown in cross section. The detector comprises a switch with two contacts and a movable connecting means.

Figure 6 illustrates the embodiment of figure 5 where force has been applied to the detector, deforming its structure causing the movable means to connect the switch electrical contacts.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the detector of the present invention shown in cross section. The detector comprises two contacts and a pressure sensitive connecting means.

Figure 8 illustrates the embodiment of figure 7 where force has been applied to the detector, deforming its structure, resulting in a change in the electrical resistance of the pressure sensitive means electrically connecting the switch contacts.

Figures 9a and 9b illustrate circuit diagrams of the actuating means of the present invention. Figure 9a illustrates where the warning mechanism is electrically connected in series to a power source and two detectors. Figure 9b illustrates where the warning mechanism is electrically connected to a power source and two detectors connected in parallel.

Figure 10 illustrates a circuit diagram of the actuating means of the present invention.

The detector is electrically connected to a power source and an electromagnetic transmitter. The warning mechanism is connected to a power supply and an electromagnetic detector.

Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the detector of the present invention being removably attached to the body of the motorcycle using screw fixings.

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of the detector of the present invention being permanently attached to the body of the motorcycle using an adhesive layer.

Figure 13 illustrates a motorcycle fuel tank incorporating pockets for housing detectors.

Figure 14 illustrates a removable cover for a fuel tank incorporating pockets for housing detectors.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

A first preferred embodiment of the warning system I of present invention is shown in figure 1. Figure 1 shows a motorcycle 2 in plan view where two detectors 4 of the present invention are located adjacent to the thighs 6 of the rider 22. The location of the detectors 4 is on the motorcycle fuel tank 2A, although any location may be suitable, for example the seat 8, depending on the rider's physique and the motorcycles structure. The detectors 4 comprise switches 10 with electrical contacts 12 as shown in figures 5 to 8. The electrical contacts 12 are connected when the rider's thighs 6 apply pressure to the detectors 4. The detectors 4 are electrically connected in series with a warning mechanism 14 and a power source 16 by an actuating means 17 such as electrical wires.

The power source 16 provides electrical power to the warning mechanism 14. The power source 16 is not shown in figure 1 but is preferably located in a non obstructive location on the vehicle. The warning mechanism 14 in this embodiment is a horn 14. When activated, the horn 14 creates a sound 31 audible to other road users including pedestrians warning them of the rider's 22 presence. To prevent inadvertent activation of the horn 14, the detectors 4 are preferably positioned such that the rider's thighs 6 are not in contact with the detectors 4 when the motorcycle 2 is being ridden normally. Figure 2 shows the motorcycle rider 22 having responded to a perceivable hazard by unintentionally squeezing 30 both thighs 6 together. This has resulted in the detectors 4 activating the horn 14 to make an audible sound 31.

Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is similar to the embodiment in figure 1 except that the detectors 4 are located on the handlebars 24 adjacent to the rider's hands 26. The detectors 4 are electrically connected in series with the warning mechanism 14 and a power source 16 --which provides electrical power to the warning mechanism 14. The warning mechanism in this embodiment is a headlamp 14. The detectors 4 are positioned inboard of the rider's hands 26. Figure 4 shows the operation of the warning system I where the headlamp 14 is activated and flashes 33 when the rider's hands 26 simultaneously move inwardly 32 and apply force to the detectors 4. Similarly to the first embodiment, the second embodiment also comprises electrical circuit actuating means 17 designed to activate the warning mechanism 14 only when both detector switches 10 are connected.

In any warning system I of the present invention, each detector 4 may be separately connected to the warning mechanism 14, that is, connected in parallel for example as shown in figure 9b. In this configuration, the rider 22 need only activate one detector 4 to activate the warning mechanism 14. Single detector 4 activation would allow the warning system I to comprise only one detector 4. Further redundant detectors 4 may also be included in the system I incase one detector 4 mechanically fails or is not correctly positioned or set-up to detect the resulting unintentional reaction of the rider 22.

In order to prevent the accidental activation of the horn 14 or other warning mechanism, the warning system I is preferably designed to that the actuating means 17 only activates the warning mechanism 14 when more than one detector 4 is activated. One method of doing this is to electrically connect the detectors 4 in series as shown in figure 9a. To further prevent inadvertent horn 14 activation, the warning system I may additionally or alternatively embody threshold detectors. The threshold detectors only connect the contacts 12 in the detector switches 10 when the amount of reaction stimulus applied to the detectors by the rider 22 reaches a threshold amount. This threshold amount would preferably be set to a value comparable to the unintentional reaction rather than stimulus levels resulting from normal motorcycle 2 use. For pressure sensitive or movable switches 10, this threshold value would ideally be variable to take into account of the different physical strengths of different riders 22. For a mechanical switch, the threshold could be set by resiliently biasing the switch contacts towards the open position by a predetermined amount. For a variable resistance pressure sensitive material, associated electronic circuitry can be used to detect a threshold resistance and activate the warning mechanism when the threshold is passed.

The warning system 1 of the present invention may also include means to continually activate the warning mechanism 14 for a finite or indefinite period of time after the initial activation. Such a means (as with an electronic threshold detector) would preferably be implemented using an electronic circuit or be integrated within the warning mechanism 14 itself. A warning mechanism 14 which remains activated after the initial unintentional reaction of the rider 22 serves to continually alert other road users in the vicinity to the rider's 22 presence in case the rider 22 ceases to continue responding with the unintentional reaction.

The warning mechanism 14 according to the present invention may be an additional mechanism to the warning mechanisms 14 preinstalled on the motorcycle 2. Alternatively the warning system 1 may make use of the warning mechanisms 14 already preinstalled on the motorcycle 2. In this set-up, the warning system I would comprise actuating means 17 in the form of electrical circuits that allow the warning mechanism 14 to be operated via its normal operating means and also by the warning system 1 of the present invention. For example, the switch of Figure 5 may be connected in parallel with the standard horn switch, thus using the standard horn and power supply normally fitted to the motorcycle.

Other detectors 4 may be used to monitor the unintentional reaction of the rider 22 to a perceived hazard. These may, for example, include a detector that monitors the upward force that the rider 22 imparts upon the handlebars 24 or a sound detector located in the rider's helmet that detects the unintentional vocal reaction of the rider 22 to a perceived hazard. Any detector in principle may be used in the warning system and the detector mechanisms are not limited to the examples given in the specification.

An embodiment of a detector 4 according to the present invention is shown in figure 5.

The detector 4 comprises a detector body 40, a switch 10 with two electrical contacts 12 and a movable element 36 physically and electrically connected to one of the contacts 12.

Figure 6 shows the deformation of the detector body 40 resulting from the force 39 imparted by the part of the rider 22 unintentionally moving in response to a perceived hazard. The detector body 40 urges the movable element 36 so that both electrical contacts 12 are in connection with the movable element 36, thus allowing electrical current to pass through the switch 10. The moveable element preferably has a variable resilient bias against the applied force of rider 22 which sets a threshold for the detector as described above.

A further embodiment of the detector 4 of the warning system I is shown in figure 7. In this embodiment, both contacts 12 of the detector are physically and electrically connected by a pressure sensitive material 38. Figure 8 shows the deformation of the detector body 40 according to figure 7 resulting from the force 39 imparted by the part of the rider 22 unintentionally moving in response to a perceived hazard. The force 39 applied to the pressure sensitive material 38 causes the material 38 to change its electrical resistivity and vary the electrical resistance between the contacts 12 thus changing an electrical current passing through the detector 4. Alternatively a deformable element with an attached strain gauge could be used, or other devices that vary other properties in response to applied force or pressure, e.g. electrical inductance or capacitance, or colour, opacity, polarisation or other optical properties.

Figures 9a and 9b show connecting diagrams for the actuating means 17 of the present invention embodied by an electrical circuit. The warning mechanism 14 is electrically connected to a power source 16 and two detectors 4, each detector comprising a switch 10. Figure 9a requires the switch contacts 12 in both detectors to be electrically connected for the warning mechanism 14 to activate. Figure 9b requires only one switch contact 12 in either of the detector to be electrically connected for the warning mechanism 14 to activate. The wiring of the circuit is preferably positioned in locations unobtrusive to the rider 22 of the motorcycle 2, electrically isolated and adequately protected from environmental or general wear.

II

Additionally or alternatively the actuating means 17 may comprise electromagnetic devices such as wireless communication apparatus to send electromagnetic signals 46 from the detector 4 to the warning mechanism 14. Figure 10 illustrates circuit diagrams of such an actuating means 17 whereby an electromagnetic transmitter 42 is electrically connected to a detector 4 and a first power source 16 in a first circuit 48. When the detector switch 10 is turned on in response to an unintentional reaction of the rider 22, activating signals in the form of electromagnetic signals 46 are broadcast by the transmitter 42. These signals are correspondingly picked up by a complementary electromagnetic receiver 44 in a second circuit 50, which via a second power source 16 is connected to the warning mechanism 14. Once the electromagnetic signals 46 are received, the warning mechanism 14 activates. The signals may be any suitable form of electromagnetic signal 46 such as radio signals or infrared. The close proximity of the detector 4 to the warning mechanism 14 allows the signal to transmit at a low intensity, not interfering with surrounding electronic equipment or being at dangerous levels to the rider 22 or surrounding people. Low intensity transmitters 42 and complementary receivers 44 also allow the warning system I to be made using inexpensive components, thus making it cheap and simple to implement. Having the detector 4 and warning mechanism 14 physically separated gives greater flexibility in positioning the elements of the warning system I and alleviates any problems in physically locating the wires on or within the motorcycle 2. Furthermore, wireless actuating means allows the detector 4 to be positioned in locations external to the motorcycle 2. This may be, for example, in the helmet or clothes of the rider 22 as the wireless apparatus does not present a safety concern in having the rider 22 tangled up in any physical wiring. Additionally, by allowing detectors 4 to be placed about the body of the rider 22, other unintentional reactions may be monitored such as the rider's physiological reactions to the perceived hazard.

The warning system 1, or any component of the warning system 1, may be permanently or removably mounted to the motorcycle 2 using mounting means 52. Additionally or alternatively, the detector 4 and actuating means 17 may be permanently or removably mounted in or about the clothing or helmet of the rider 22. Removable mounting means 52 may attach the warning system components via a number of devices. These means include, but are not limited to: screw fixings 54, bolt fixings, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, elasticised fittings, and snap-fit systems. Figure 11 shows a detector 4 of the present invention being removably attached to the body of the motorcycle 2 using screw fixings 54. In this particular mounting embodiment, the detector 4 comprises mounting wings 56 with holes through which the screw fixings 54 pass and screw into compatible recesses 58 in the motorcycle 2 body. Any number of mounting means 52 may be applied or be integral to any warning system component with each mounting means 52 permanently or removably attaching the component. Alternatively mounting means 52 may be permanently or removably attached or be integral to the motorcycle 2, whereby warning system components are then attached to the mounting means 52. Permanent mounting means 52 may comprise, but are not limited to, adhesives. Figure 12 shows a detector 4 being permanently attached to the motorcycle 2 body using an adhesive layer 60. One or more adhesive layers 60 may be applied or be integral to a warning system component.

In a further embodiment, a detector 4 and/or actuating means 17 may be integrally formed within a component of the motorcycle 2. For example, the petrol tank 2A may be manufactured to incorporate two detectors 4 and part of the electrical circuitry connecting the detectors 4 to each other and a horn 14. In another embodiment as shown in figure 13, parts of the motorcycle 2, such as the fuel tank 2A, may be manufactured' with integral pockets 62 that securely house detectors 4 and/or actuating means 17. Similarly to figure 13, a further embodiment provides one or more removable pockets 64 that securely house detectors 4 and actuating means 17, the removable pocket 64 being securely attachable to the motorcycle 2. An example of this is shown in figure 14 whereby the removable pockets 64 form part of a removable cover 66 for a fuel tank 2A.

Claims

Claims 1. A detector locatable on a motorcycle, disposed to be operable

in use by detecting an unintentional reaction of a motorcycle rider responding to a perceived hazard.
2. A detector according to claim I comprising a switch with electrical contacts which are disposed to be connectable upon operation of the detector.
3. A detector according to claim I further comprising; a) a moveable means; or, b) a pressure sensitive means; connecting electrical contacts.
4. A detector according to any preceding claim in which the reaction is movement of: a) a leg of the rider, and/or, b) an arm and/or hand of the rider.
5. A detector according to claim 4 in which the movement is the closure of an inner thigh and/or knee of the rider towards the motorcycle.
6. A detector according to claim 4 whereby the movement is the inward and/or upward and/or rearward movement of a hand of the rider.
7. A detector according to any preceding claim comprising mounting means to attach the detector to a motorcycle.
8. A motorcycle or motorcycle seat, handlebar, fuel tank or other motorcycle component comprising a detector as defined in any of claims I -6, and optionally an actuating means arranged to send activating signals from the detector to a warning mechanism.
9. A motorcycle warning system comprising the detector of any of claims I -6 and a warning mechanism, wherein the operation in use of the detector activates the warning mechanism.
10. A motorcycle warning system according to claim 9 further comprising an actuating means arranged to send activating signals from the detector to the warning mechanism.
11 A motorcycle warning system according to claim 10 wherein the actuating means comprise an electrical circuit and the activating signal is an electrical signal.
12. A motorcycle warning system according to claim 11 wherein the actuating means further comprise wireless communication apparatus and the activating signal further includes an electromagnetic signal.
13. A motorcycle warning system according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the warning mechanism comprises: a) ahorn, and/or, b) a headlamp.
14. A motorcycle warning system according to claims 9 to 13 further comprising mounting means to attach the system or any or all of its components to a motorcycle.
15. A detector according to claim 7 or a motorcycle warning system according to claim 14 wherein the mounting means provide removable attachment to the motorcycle.
16. A detector according to claim 7 or a warning system according to claim 14 wherein the mounting means provide permanent attachment to the motorcycle.
17. A detector or warning system according to claim 15 wherein the mounting means comprise any of: screw fixings, bolt fixings, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, elasticised fittings, snap-fit systems, integral pockets and removable pockets.
18. A detector or warning system according to claim 16 wherein the mounting means comprise an adhesive.
19. A motorcycle comprising a warning system according to claims 9 to 17.
20. A motorcycle warning system substantiaIIy as described with reference to or as shown in the drawings.