TWM648035U - Safety system for bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety system for bicycles includes a radar, a controller, and a warning apparatus, which includes a tube, a vibrating motor, and an impact sounder. The vibration motor includes a shaft and an eccentric block. The impact sounder includes an elastic member and an impact block. A first end of the elastic element is fixed to the inner wall of the tube, and a second end of the elastic element is connected to the impact block. When the controller decides to issue a warning based on a radar signal, it outputs a control signal to drive the shaft to rotate. The rotation of the shaft drives the eccentric block to rotate and vibrate, and the eccentric block knocks the impact sounder to make the impact block hit the inner wall and thus generate an impact force and a sound. The warning apparatus simultaneously provides the bicycle rider with vibrating, impacting, and audible warning.

Description

bicycle safety system

This creation is a safety system designed to reduce collisions between bicycles and vehicles behind them.

Cycling not only improves physical and mental health, it also benefits the planet. However, cyclists often share the road with other vehicles, and inappropriate overtaking by vehicles coming from behind can cause danger and make cyclists anxious, reducing the willingness to ride a bicycle on the road.

Many safety devices, such as reflective jackets, reflective strips, LED lights, etc., have been widely used to increase the safety of riding bicycles. This type of safety device increases the visibility of the bike or rider, but does not provide immediate feedback on the approach of nearby vehicles and is not a reliable solution.

Bicycles often pose a hazard to vehicles approaching from behind or from the side, and the rider of the bicycle may not be aware of the approach until impact. Therefore, there is a need for a safety system that automatically detects the situation between a bicycle and nearby vehicles. This system provides warnings to draw the rider's attention, thereby reducing the risk of the bicycle being hit by a vehicle.

Some manufacturers have proposed bicycles with Blind Spot Detection (BSD) radar. When the radar detects an approaching vehicle, a vibration motor in the handlebar tube issues a warning to the rider. However, the vibration warning provided by the vibration motor is insufficient and may be confused with the vibration of the handlebars caused by the uneven road surface. In addition, the rubber handlebars reduce the intensity of the vibration warning, and the rider's hands may leave the handlebars, resulting in inability to I did get a warning. To solve the above problems, a better security system is needed.

This authoring content is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of authoring concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This creative content and prior art content are not intended to identify key or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, this creative content is not intended to be used as an aid in confirming the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In some embodiments, a bicycle safety system includes a radar, a controller, and a warning device. The radar is used to detect signals including one or more parameters of one or more vehicles in the left and right blind spots behind a bicycle. The controller receives the signal from the radar and determines whether to issue a warning based on it. Warning devices include pipe fittings, vibration motors, and impact sound parts. The vibration motor includes a rotating shaft and an eccentric block connected to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the eccentric block are arranged in the pipe. The impact sound-emitting member includes an elastic member and an impact block. The first end of the elastic member is fixed on the inner wall of the pipe member, and the second end of the elastic member is connected to the impact block. When the controller determines that it is necessary to issue a warning, the controller outputs a control signal to drive the rotation of the rotating shaft. The rotation of the rotating shaft drives the eccentric block to rotate and cause vibration. The eccentric block strikes the impact sounding member to cause the impact block to impact the inner The wall thus generates impact force and produces sound. In this way, the warning device simultaneously provides the rider with three types of warnings: vibration, impact, and hearing.

In some embodiments, the eccentric block strikes the elastic member of the striking sound-emitting component, so that the striking block strikes the inner wall to generate an impact force and emit sound.

In some embodiments, the eccentric block strikes the impact block of the sound-emitting member to emit a first sound and cause the elastic member to deform. The deformation of the elastic member causes the impact block to impact the inner wall to generate an impact force and emit Second voice.

In some embodiments, the number of the impact sound-generating parts is plural.

In some embodiments, the sizes of the impact blocks and/or the elastic members of the plurality of impact sound-generating components are different from each other.

In some embodiments, the inner wall has a rough surface.

In some embodiments, the tube has one or more perforations.

Embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part hereof and illustrate specific exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. These embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a bicycle safety system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the bicycle safety system 1 shown in FIG. 1 being installed on a bicycle. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the bicycle safety system 1 mainly includes a radar 10, a controller 11, and a warning device 12. The bicycle safety system 1 is suitable for installation on a bicycle. In this article, "bicycle" refers to a two-wheeled vehicle driven entirely by human power, or a two-wheeled vehicle with electric auxiliary drive, such as an electric bicycle (e-bike).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the radar 10 is disposed at a suitable position in front or behind the bicycle, such as on the support structure of the rear seat. The radar 10 may be a blind spot detection (BSD) radar commonly used in automobiles, which continuously detects one or more vehicles (such as cars or motorcycles, etc.) in the left and right blind spots behind the bicycle. Parameters, such as the distance between the vehicle and the bicycle, the speed of the vehicle, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the controller 11 is disposed at a suitable location on the bicycle, such as the frame, and receives signals from the radar 10 . Preferably, the controller 11 and the radar 10 are electrically connected through lines and transmit data. The controller 11 may contain a battery or may be connected to an external power source. The controller 11 determines whether to issue a warning based on the signal from the radar 10 . When it is necessary to issue a warning, the controller 11 outputs a control signal to drive the warning device 12 to issue a warning. The details will be described in detail below.

3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the warning device 12 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3A , the warning device 12 mainly includes a vibration motor 120 , a pipe 121 , and an impact sounding component 122 . The vibration motor 120 mainly includes a rotating shaft 1201 and an eccentric block 1202 connected to the rotating shaft 1201 . Preferably, the rotating shaft 1201 and the eccentric block 1202 are arranged in the hollow tube 121 . The impact sound-emitting member 122 mainly includes an elastic member 1221 and an impact block 1222. One end of the elastic member 1221 is fixed to the inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121, and the other end is connected to the impact block 1222. One end of the elastic member 1221 and the inner wall 1211 may be fixed by welding, screwing, or other methods known in the art. When the elastic member 1221 is not subjected to external force, the impact block 1222 does not contact the inner wall 1211 of the tube 121 . In this embodiment, the elastic member 1221 is an elastic piece, but it is not limited thereto. Preferably, the pipe member 121, the eccentric block 1202, the elastic member 1221, and the impact block 1222 are made of metal or alloy. The material of the elastic member 1221 may be the same as or different from the material of the impact block 1222 . In some embodiments, the material of the eccentric block 1202 is non-metal, such as plastic.

Referring to FIG. 3A , when a warning needs to be issued, the controller 11 outputs a control signal to drive the rotating shaft 1201 of the vibration motor 120 to rotate. The rotation of the rotating shaft 1201 drives the eccentric block 1202 to rotate, causing vibration due to inertia. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3A , when the rotation of the rotating shaft 1201 drives the eccentric block 1202 to rotate, the eccentric block 1202 strikes the elastic member 1221 and causes its deformation, so that the impact block 1222 at the end (free end) of the elastic member 1221 strikes the inner wall of the pipe 121 1211 thus produces impact force and makes sound. The vibration, impact force and sound transmitted through the pipe 121 are used to remind the rider to pay attention. As shown in FIG. 3B , when the eccentric block 1202 is rotated to a certain position, the eccentric block 1202 is separated from the elastic member 1221 , so that the impact block 1222 returns to its original position, that is, it returns to the original position without contacting the inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121 . Location. Therefore, during the rotation of the rotating shaft 1201, if the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 1201 is fixed, the impact block 1222 periodically impacts the inner wall 1211 of the tube 121 and periodically generates impact force and sounds.

Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , preferably, the controller 11 and the vibration motor 120 are electrically connected and transmit data through lines. According to this embodiment, the warning device 12 provides vibration, impact, and sound warnings to the rider at the same time. In this article, the "sound" emitted by the warning device 12 is a sound wave whose sound pressure is greater than a certain value outdoors, such as 75 dB. The controller 11 can divide the warning into several types, such as three levels, according to the distance between the vehicle and the bicycle. The rotation speed of the rotating shaft 1201 varies according to the level of the warning. For example, when the distance between the vehicle and the bicycle is closer, the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 1201 becomes faster.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , in this embodiment, the tube 121 is a part of the handlebar tube of the bicycle. That is, the vibration motor 120 and the impact sound-emitting member 122 are provided in the handle tube. The vibration and impact force generated by the warning device 12 are transmitted to the rider through the handlebars of the bicycle, and the sound generated by the impact strengthens the warning effect. In a preferred embodiment, the left and right hand handlebars may each have a warning device 12 inside. If a moving vehicle is detected approaching in the left blind spot, the warning device 12 in the left hand handlebar will issue a warning. If a moving vehicle is detected approaching in the right blind spot, the warning device 12 in the right handlebar will issue a warning.

Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, in other embodiments of the present invention, one or more positions of the bicycle can be selectively positioned, such as the seat, (under the seat) seat tube, (left and right) pedal axles, and One or more of the (left and right) crank positions are each provided with a warning device 12 . In some embodiments, in addition to having a warning device 12 in the left and right hand handlebars of the bicycle, a warning device 12 is also provided at one or more of the above positions to ensure that the rider can receive the warning. In one or more of the above positions, if the warning device 12 is installed in the seat, the warning device 12 has an independent pipe 121; if the warning device 12 is installed on the seat tube, (left or right) pedal axle, and/or Within the (left and right) crank, the tube 121 is part of the seat tube, the (left and right) pedal axle, and/or the (left and right) crank.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , compared with the warning device of the conventional technology that installs a vibration motor in the handlebar tube, the warning device 12 of the present application provides a better warning effect. As mentioned above, the vibration motor of the conventional warning device only provides insufficient warning vibration through a single eccentric block. In addition, although the vibration motor itself can also emit sound through the vibration of the eccentric block, its sound pressure is between 50 dB and 65 dB, and its frequency is between 130 Hz and 180 Hz, making it difficult for riders to hear it outdoors. In addition to the vibration warning of the eccentric block, the warning device 12 of the present application also provides an impact warning and a sound warning generated when the impact block 1222 strikes the inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121 . The rider's body parts, such as hands, buttocks, and/or feet, feel the impact force fed back by the tube 121 . In a common embodiment, the sound pressure generated by the warning device 12 ranges from 75 dB to 100 dB outdoors, and the frequency ranges from 1800 Hz to 3800 Hz. Therefore, the rider can easily hear the sound generated by the warning device 12 at the same time.

Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a warning device 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is that the number of impact sound-generating parts 122 is multiple. For example, FIG. 4A shows that the warning device 12 has an impact sounding part 122A, an impact sounding part 122B, and an impact sounding part 122C. When the rotation of the rotating shaft 1201 drives the eccentric block 1202 to rotate, the eccentric block 1202 sequentially strikes the elastic members 1221A, 1221B, and 1221C and causes their deformation, causing the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C to sequentially impact the inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121 to generate an impact force. and make a continuous sound. In some embodiments, the sizes of the multiple impact blocks 1222 and/or the elastic members 1221 of the multiple impact sound-generating components 122 are different from each other, and can be arranged in the order of impact. For example, in the example of FIG. 4B , the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C are all steel balls, and their diameters are 1222A>1222B>1222C (or 1222A<1222B<1222C). In the embodiment of FIG. 4C , the elastic members 1221A, 1221B, and 1221C are all elastic pieces, and their thickness is 1221A>1221B>1221C (or 1221A<1221B<1221C). Compared with the embodiments of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , in this embodiment, the sounds generated by multiple impact sound-emitting members 122 may be continuous, multi-frequency, and/or multi-variable.

5A to 5B are schematic diagrams of a warning device 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the warning device 12 has a vibration motor 120, a pipe member 121, and an impact sound member 122. Compared with the embodiment of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , the configuration of the impact sound-emitting member 122 is different. As shown in FIG. 5A , when the rotation of the rotating shaft 1201 drives the eccentric block 1202 to rotate, the eccentric block 1202 strikes the impact block 1222 to generate a first sound and cause the elastic member 1221 to deform. As shown in FIG. 5B , next, due to the deformation of the elastic member 1221 , the impact block 1222 impacts the inner wall 1211 of the tube 121 to generate an impact force and emit a second sound.

Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the warning device 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. The difference from the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B is that the warning device 12 has a plurality of impact sounding parts 122 , such as an impact sounding part 122A, an impact sounding part 122B, and an impact sounding part 122C. When the rotation of the rotating shaft 1201 drives the eccentric block 1202 to rotate, the eccentric block 1202 strikes the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C in sequence to generate the first sound and cause the elastic members 1221A, 1221B, and 1221C to deform, causing the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C to sequentially The inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121 is struck to generate an impact force and a second sound is emitted.

Referring to FIG. 5C , in this embodiment, the sizes of the multiple impact blocks 1222 and the elastic members 1221 of the multiple impact sound components 122 are the same. However, in some embodiments, the sizes of the multiple impact blocks 1222 and/or the elastic members 1221 of the multiple impact sound-generating members 122 are different from each other, and may be arranged in the order of impact. For example, in the example of FIG. 5C , the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C are all steel balls, and their diameters are 1222A>1222B>1222C or 1222A<1222B<1222C. The sound generated by the multiple impact sound-generating members 122 may be continuous, multi-frequency, and/or multi-variable.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a warning device 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the warning device 12 has a vibration motor 120, a pipe 121, and one or more impact sounding parts 122, such as an impact sounding part 122A, an impact sounding part 122B, and an impact sounding part 122C. The difference from the embodiment of FIG. 5C is that the elastic members 1221A, 1221B, and 1221C are all springs. When the rotation of the rotating shaft 1201 drives the eccentric block 1202 to rotate, the eccentric block 1202 strikes the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C in sequence to generate the first sound and cause the elastic members 1221A, 1221B, and 1221C to deform, causing the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C to sequentially The inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121 is struck to generate an impact force and a second sound is emitted.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, the multiple impact blocks 1222 and elastic members 1221 of the sound-emitting member 122 have the same size. However, in some embodiments, the sizes of the multiple impact blocks 1222 and/or the elastic members 1221 of the multiple impact sound-generating members 122 are different from each other, and may be arranged in the order of impact. For example, in the example of FIG. 6 , the impact blocks 1222A, 1222B, and 1222C are all steel balls, and their diameters can be 1222A>1222B>1222C or 1222A<1222B<1222C. The sound generated by the multiple impact sound-generating members 122 may be continuous, multi-frequency, and/or multi-variable.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a warning device 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment of FIG. 4A is that the inner wall 1211 of the pipe 121 is not smooth but has a roughened surface. The roughened inner wall 1211 helps to increase the impact effect. The roughened inner wall 1211 can also be applied to any embodiment of the present application, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIGS. 4B and 4C, FIGS. 5A to 5C, and FIG. 6.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a warning device 12 according to another embodiment of the invention. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment of FIG. 4A is that the pipe 121 has one or more perforations 1212 to increase the sound pressure and/or change of the sound emitted by the pipe 121 . The pipe 121 with the perforations 1212 can also be applied to any embodiment of the present application, such as the embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4B and 4C, 5A to 5C, 6, and 7.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a bicycle safety system 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. The difference from the system shown in Figure 1 is that the controller 11 can also connect to other devices through wired or wireless means to provide auxiliary warnings to the rider. For example, the bicycle safety system 1 also has rearview mirror LEDs 13 installed on the left and right rearview mirrors and/or LED rings 14 installed on the (left and right) handlebar tubes. The controller 11 is connected to the (left and right) rearview mirror LEDs 13 and/or (left and right) LED rings 14 through lines; when a warning needs to be issued, the controller 11 causes the corresponding side to turn on according to the warning level and/or the warning source blind zone. The rearview mirror LED13 and/or LED ring 14 emits light corresponding to the warning. Among them, the rearview mirror LEDs 13 installed on the left and right rearview mirrors can be a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) surrounding the rearview mirrors, and these LEDs can be in sequence, for example, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Lights up sequentially to increase the warning effect. Different warning levels have different colors of light emitted by the LED ring 14 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the controller 11 may also have a Bluetooth communication module to wirelessly connect to the rider's mobile phone 18 and transmit information to an application on the mobile phone 18 . The information transmitted includes warning messages and other information, such as maps, real-time images behind the bicycle, and text/symbols/graphics/voice prompts, etc.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the rider's mobile phone 18 can be connected to one or more other devices, including earphones 15 , helmets 16 , and/or speakers 17 via Bluetooth, to further provide warning messages to the rider. For example, the prompt voice is transmitted to the earphone 15, the helmet 16, and/or the speaker 17 through Bluetooth. FIG. 10 shows a helmet 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The helmet 16 has a built-in Bluetooth headset and/or a Bluetooth speaker (not shown) to receive warning messages from the mobile phone 18 . In addition, the helmet 16 also has LED lights 160 respectively provided on both sides of the mask. According to the warning level and/or the warning source blind zone, the LED lights 160 on the corresponding side emit light of corresponding intensity or color corresponding to the warning level.

It can be understood from the foregoing that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, this invention is not limited except by the scope of the appended patents.

Although the present technology has been described in terms specific to certain structures and materials, it should be understood that creations defined in the appended patent scope are not necessarily limited to the specific structures and materials described herein. Rather, specific embodiments are described as forms of carrying out the claimed creation. Because many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention falls within the scope of the patents appended below.

Unless otherwise stated, all numbers or expressions used in the specification (except patent scopes), such as those expressing dimensions, physical properties, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." At a minimum, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or patent scope as modified by the term "about" should at least be construed in light of the number of the numerical parameter recited and the application of rounding techniques.

1:Bicycle safety system 10:Radar 11:Controller 12: Warning device 13: Rearview mirror LED 14:LED ring 15: Headphones 16:Helmet 17: Speaker 18:Mobile phone 120:Vibration motor 121:Pipe fittings 122(A/B/C): impact sound parts 160:LED light 1201:Shaft 1202: Eccentric block 1211:Inner wall 1212:Perforation 1221(A/B/C): Elastic parts 1222(A/B/C): Impact block

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosed technology, including preferred embodiments, will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols refer to like elements or parts throughout the views unless otherwise specified.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a bicycle safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the bicycle safety system shown in Figure 1 being installed on a bicycle.

3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a warning device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of a warning device according to another embodiment of the invention.

5A to 5C are schematic diagrams of a warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a warning device according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a bicycle safety system according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 shows a helmet of a bicycle safety system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

12: Warning device

120:Vibration motor

121:Pipe fittings

122: Impact sound parts

1201:Shaft

1202: Eccentric block

1211:Inner wall

1221: Elastic parts

1222: Impact block

Claims (10)

A bicycle safety system including: A radar that detects signals including one or more parameters of one or more vehicles in the left and right blind spots behind a bicycle; A controller that receives the signal from the radar and determines whether to issue a warning based on it; and A warning device, including; a pipe fitting; A vibration motor includes a rotating shaft and an eccentric block connected to the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft and the eccentric block are arranged in the pipe; and An impact sound-emitting member includes an elastic member and an impact block, the first end of the elastic member is fixed on an inner wall of the pipe, and the second end of the elastic member is connected to the impact block; When the controller determines that a warning needs to be issued, the controller outputs a control signal to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. The rotation of the rotating shaft drives the eccentric block to rotate and cause vibration. The eccentric block knocks the impact sounding part to cause the impact block to hit the The inner wall thus generates impact and produces sound. For example, the bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the left-hand handlebar, right-hand handlebar, seat, seatpost, left pedal shaft, right pedal shaft, left crank, and right crank position of the bicycle Set up a warning device for this. The bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the eccentric block strikes the elastic member of the impact sound-emitting member, causing the impact block to impact the inner wall to generate impact force and produce sound. Such as the bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the eccentric block strikes the impact block of the impact sound member to emit a first sound and cause the elastic member to deform, and the deformation of the elastic member causes the impact block to hit the inner wall to generate impact and produce a second sound. For example, the bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the impact sound-emitting component includes a plurality of impact sound-emitting components. For example, in the bicycle safety system of claim 5, the sizes of the impact blocks and/or the elastic members of the plurality of impact sound-emitting members are different from each other. For example, the bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a spring piece. For example, the bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the impact sound-emitting component is a steel ball. The bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a rough surface. The bicycle safety system of claim 1, wherein the pipe includes one or more perforations.

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