ZA200802336B - Intergrated vehicle safety and warning system - Google Patents

Description

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to an integrated vehicle safety and warning system.

Features such as head lamps and hazard warning lamps have been ’ standard on vehicles for decades. These features are, amongst other } reasons, included in vehicles to improve the visibility of the vehicles, in : particular during dangerous situations or situations which present an : increased risk to pedestrians or vehicle users.

Apart from the standard vehicle features, numerous initiatives have been launched over a number of years to improve road safety in various countries. However, many of these initiatives, as well as the effective use of standard vehicle safety features, rely on a driver of a motor vehicle activating features on a vehicle, resulting in the success of the initiatives being dependent on the commitment of drivers to participate. For example, campaigns requesting drivers to switch on the head lamps of their vehicles to improve vehicle visibility have not been as successful as anticipated as driver apathy came into play.

Itis an object of this invention to address some of the above problems.

0. ~ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION : i.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated vehicle safety and warning system, the system comprising: a power supply to energise the system; first detection means to detect the release of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle; and a flasher. circuit to, in response to the detection means detecting the : release of the accelerator pedal, flash the brake lamps of the vehicle. :

The system may include a first timer connecting the power supply to head . lamps of a vehicle, the timer being energised when the vehicle is started to delay the automatic switching on of the vehicle head lamps.

The detection means may comprise a sensor or a vacuum switch.

The flasher circuit may comprise a programmable integrated circuit to flash the brake lamps of the vehicle. : Alternatively, the flasher circuit may comprise a flasher unit to flash the brake lamps of the vehicle.

Preferably, the system may comprise a second timer to activate the flasher circuit for a predetermined period of time after the first detection means have detected the release of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

Advantageously the system may further comprise second detection means to detect the engagement of the accelerator pedal or a brake of the vehicle,

the second detection means disconnecting the flasher circuit on the . detection of the engagement of the accelerator pedal or the brake of the oo vehicle.

The second detection means may comprise a motion sensor or a hand brake switch.

The system may further include a motion sensor to detect when the vehicle has come to a stand still.

The motion sensor may activate a hazard lamp warning circuit on detecting that the vehicle is stationary, the hazard lamp warning circuit flashing the : hazard lamps of the vehicle while the vehicle is stationary. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of an integrated vehicle safety and warning system, which comprises a supply circuit, an automatic head/tail lamp circuit, a flashing brake lamp circuit - and a hazard warning lamp circuit, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of an integrated vehicle safety and warning system, which may comprise an alternative flashing brake lamp circuit, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention provides an integrated vehicle safety and warning system to automatically switch the lights, e.g., the head lamps and tail lamps, of a vehicle “on” or “off” whenever the vehicle is started. The integrated vehicle safety and warning system is also to provide for the flashing of brake lamps, commonly referred to as brake lights, when the vehicle is decelerating without the driver of the vehicle engaging the brake pedal, e.g., when the driver releases the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the integrated system may automatically activate the hazard warning lamps (hazard lights) of the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary. This feature may be combined with the detection that one of the vehicle's doors has been opened.

In one example embodiment, the integrated vehicle safety and warning system is installed in a vehicle after the manufacture and assembling of the vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that the integrated vehicle safety and warning system may be installed as part of the vehicle's electronic control and operating system, during the manufacture or assembly of the vehicle. : ~ The system may be deployed in any type of vehicle, which may include any means of automated transportation, for example automobiles, such as passenger cars and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's), motorcycles, buses, trucks and vans. - In the description below, the system is described as deployed in a motor vehicle or automobile.

As mentioned, the integrated vehicle safety and warning system of the present invention provides three integrated safety and warning features in a vehicle: the automatic switching on of the head lamps (e.g., the low beam) of the vehicle, the flashing of brake lamps of the vehicle while the vehicle is decelerating without the brake pedal being engaged and the flashing of the emergency hazard lamps while the vehicle is stationary, optionally when the vehicle is stationary and a door of the vehicle has been opened. These features may all be activated from inside a vehicle, or any combination of them may be activated or disconnected, as deemed necessary.

The system provides for the automatic switching on of the head lamps of the vehicle in order to ensure that the vehicle is visible to other road users, for

: | 5. example when the vehicle is approaching other vehicles or pedestrians. In : one example embodiment, the head lamps (e.g., only the low beam), as well : as the park and tail lamps will be automatically switched on by the system : when the vehicle is started. _ . As will be described in more detail below, according to Figure 1, the system allows for a timer to be energised when the vehicle is switched on. This timer allows for a short delay prior to- activating the head lamps, park and tail lamps of the vehicle. The delay allows the vehicle to start prior fo : . switching the head, park and tail lamps on, thereby to ensure that an additional load is not connected to the battery. This prevents the starter motor from drawing a too large current from the vehicle's battery. In order to allow the glow plugs of a diesel vehicle to warm up before starting, the predetermined time delay may differ between diesel and petrol vehicles.

The system still allows for the dim and bright switch operating the high and low beams of the head lamps to operate normally. The head, park and tail lamps of the vehicle will remain on until the vehicle ignition is switched off again. It will accordingly be appreciated that the head lamp main switch, which is a standard feature on all vehicles, may be eliminated. by the invention. | :

When the accelerator pedal of the vehicle is released or disengaged by the driver, a detection means (described in more detail below) may energise and activate a flasher circuit which flashes the brake lights of the vehicle until the circuit is de-energized or switched off by a preset timer.

The feature of the flashing brake lights are used to wam a trailing vehicle : (e.g., any vehicle traveling behind a particular vehicle) that the vehicle in front is starting to reduce speed. When the vehicle starts accelerating again (or a predetermined time has elapsed), the flash circuit is by-passed and the brake lamps will stop flashing.

Whenever a brake (e.g., hand brake or brake pedal) is applied during the

Ce flashing mode of the flasher circuit, the normal stop circuit (which is a oo | standard feature on all vehicles) will be activated and the brake lamps will be activated while the brake is engaged. The invention provides for a feature where the brake lamps will also switch on when the hand brake is activated. In addition, if the vehicle comes to a stand still, the stop lamps may be activated and remain on until the vehicle is back in motion. :

Although the emergency hazard lamps may be activated during the period : where a vehicle decelerates without the engagement of the brake pedal, the : | use of emergency hazard lamps were not considered, as the activation of hazard lamps should typically only indicate a dangerous situation and should not be associated with the normal operation of the vehicle.

The system may further include a feature to warn oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and other road users, that a vehicle is stationary, e.g., during the loading or off-loading of commuters or deliveries.

The hazard lamp warning circuit will activate the emergency hazard lamps to flash whenever it is detected that the vehicle has stopped. . The circuit will use the standard hazard lamp circuit of the vehicle and will be activated when detection means, e.g., a motion sensor or magnetic switch, detects : that a vehicle has come to a stop. The circuit will deactivate the hazard } lights as soon as the detection means detects that the vehicle is moving again. .

An optional feature, which may be combined with detecting that the vehicle is stationary, is to additionally detect that a door of the vehicle has been opened. This would indicate that passengers/commuters or a load is being off-loaded.

The hazard lamp warning circuit will not bypass the existing hazard lamp circuit, resulting in the existing hazard lamp switch still being able to activate or deactivate the hazard lamps.

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Although the hazard lamp warning circuit may be standard in the integrated

CL vehicle safety and warning system of the present invention, it need not be A activated or connected on installation of the system. This feature may however be of particular importance in vehicles used for public transport, delivery vehicles or extra heavy duty vehicle falling (e.g., vehicles falling in categories C1, C, EC1 and EC).

Turning now to Figure 1, an electrical circuit 10 for an integrated vehicle : safety and warning system is shown, in accordance with one example : embodiment of the invention. The circuit may be functionally divided into a supply circuit 12, an automatic head/tail lamp circuit 14, a flashing brake lamp circuit 16 and a hazard lamp warning circuit 18.

As is mentioned throughout the description below, a number of normally open and normally closed contacts (or switches) associated with reference coils or timers are used as part of the example electric circuits of the integrated vehicle safety and warning system. A normally open contact passes power when its reference coil is energized, “on” or transmitting current, while a normally close contact passes power when its reference coil is “off” or not transmitting power. :

The supply circuit 12 comprises a first timer shown as a timer 20 and an associated normally open contact 22. The first timer connects a power supply, e.g., a 12 Volt supply (not shown), to the automatic head/tail lamp circuit 14 (and the head and tail lamps) of the vehicle. ‘The first timer also connects the 12 Volt supply to the flashing brake lamp and hazard lamp warning circuits 16 and 18. The normally open contact 22 is connected to the relevant output of the timer 20 to allow the contact 22 to close once the : accumulated time of the timer equals a preset time.

When the vehicle is started, e.g., by a driver activating the ignition, the 12

Volt power supply is connected across the terminals of the timer 20 to energise the timer 20. Once the timer 20 has timed out, i.e. the

. accumulated time of the timer equals the preset time, the normally open contact 22 closes and the 12 Volt supply is connected across a relay coil : 24. 3

The relay coil 24 is associated with a normally open contact 26, which closes once the relay coil 24 is energized. By closing this normally open : contact 26, the automatic head/tail lamp circuit 14 and the flashing brake lamp circuit 16 are energised.

The supply circuit 12 provides the delayed 12V supply to the automatic head/tail lamp circuit 14 through a 20 Ampere protection fuse 28. As is shown in Figure 1, a standard feature light (or lamp) switch 30 of the vehicle is bypassed by the head/tail lamp circuit 14, with a dipswitch 36 connecting the 12V supply to a low beam 32 or high beam 34 of the head lamps of the vehicle. The headlamps 32 or 34 will accordingly be switched “on” only after the timer coil 20 has timed out, providing a sufficient delay to the head/tail lamp circuit 14. As mentioned, this delay is provided to prevent that an . additional load is connected to the vehicle's battery, while the starter motor draws a large current from the battery. The delay also provides diesel - vehicles with a sufficient delay to ensure that the glow plugs which provide heat to the cylinder of the diesel vehicle.

The 12V supply from the supply circuit 12 is also connected, via the protection fuse 28, to the tail lamps 38 of the vehicle. The tail lamps are accordingly also only activated after the same predetermined delay of the timer 20. :

Once the ignition of the vehicle is switch off, the 12V supply is interrupted and the relay coil 24 and the timer 20 are de-energised. The normally open contacts 22 and 26 associated respectively with the timer 20 and the relay coil 24 now return to their normally open status, resulting in the tail lamps 38 and head lamps 32 and 34 being turned off automatically.

. | o : ~The flashing brake light circuit 16 is also connected to the 12V supply - ‘through a 5 Ampere protection fuse 40. Two voltage regulators 42 and 50 convert the 12 Volt supply to a 5 Volt supply for a programmable integrated circuit (PIC) 44.

The first voltage regulator 42 is connected to the 12 Volt supply and converts the 12 Volt supply to the 5 Volt supply. The converted 5 Volt supply serves as a power input to the PIC 44, with the PIC 44 forming part of a flasher circuit. :

In order to detect when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is released by the driver of the vehicle, a detection means, shown as either a vacuum switch or sensor 46, is provided in the circuit 16. The vacuum switch may be connected to the inlet manifold of the vehicle. As soon as the pressure in : the inlet manifold drops, e.g., when the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the vacuum switch detects this drop, and closes the vacuum switch 46. In certain vehicle models vacuum switches may be inappropriate and in ‘these circumstances, a proximity switch or magnetic switch/sensor may be used as the detection means. Here the switching means may be connected to monitor the primary throttle lever assembly of the vehicle.

The detection means 46 is connected to ground through a second timer 64, which is associated with a normally open contact 48. Once the detection means 46 closes on detection of the release of the accelerator pedal, a current flows through the timer 64, allowing the normally open contact 48 to close.

With the normally open contact 48 in a closed position, the 12 Volt supply from the supply circuit 12 is connected to a second voltage regulator 50, the second voltage regulator 50 also converting the 12 Volt supply to a 5 Volt supply. The 5 Volt output of the second voltage regulator 50 is connected to one of the inputs of the PIC 44 and acts as an input signal to the PIC 44.

Accordingly, whenever the detection means 46 detects that the accelerator pedal has been released by the driver, the PIC 44 is provided with an input signal via the second voltage regulator 50.

The PIC 44 is programmed to activate one of its outputs and an internal timer, thereby to create an equal timer condition in the circuit 16. This output connects a 5 Volt supply from the PIC 44 to ground through a ~ normally closed contact 52 (which is associated with a third relay coil 54) and a fourth relay coil 56.

The fourth relay coil 56 is associated with a normally open relay contact 58 which connects the 12 Volt supply to a set of brake lamps 60 via a Zener diode 62. As the PIC’s output fluctuates between a 5 Volt supply and 0 Volt : (while the PIC 44 is energized), the normally open contact 58 will fluctuate between a closed and open position, thereby flashing the brake lamps 60.

As mentioned, the normally open contact 48 is associated with the second timer 64. The brake lamps 60 will flash until the pre-set time of the second . timer 64 is timed out, when the normally open contact 48 will open, resulting . -in the PIC 44 no longer receiving an input signal. The brake lamps 60 are : now deactivated and will stop flashing. However, if the detection means 46 : detects that the vehicle is still decelerating (without the application of a brake, which is described in more detail below), the detection means 46 will once again close. :

In order to ensure that the brake lamps only flash while the hand brake or brake pedal is not activated, sections of the brake lamp flashing circuit 16 may be disconnected whenever the hand brake or brake pedal is activated, or whenever the vehicle comes to a stop. For example, when the brake pedal of the vehicle is engaged or the hand brake is activated while the brake lamps 60 are flashing, respective switches 66 and 68 may close.

This will allow a current to flow through the respective switches 66 and 68 to ground through a relay coil 54. The relay coil 54 is associated both with a normally open contact 70 and normally closed contact 52. Accordingly, once current flows through relay coil 54, the normally open contact 70 will

~.2008/¢, <336 -11- | oo close, while the normally close contact 52 also associated with relay coil 54 will open to prevent backfeed to the PIC 44. This effectively bypasses the flasher circuit comprising the voltage regulators 42 and 50, as well as the

PIC 44, allowing the brake pedal switch to operate as normal. : A second Zener diode 72 is also connected into the circuit to prevent any backfeed and damage to the circuit.

Switch 68 may be installed on the handbrake to allow the brake lamps 60 to be switched “on” when the handbrake is applied and the motor vehicle is at a stand still. As shown in Figure 1, the handbrake switch is typically installed in parallel with the brake stop switch 66. : + The supply circuit 12 also comprises a motion sensor or magnetic switch shown as a normally closed contact 74 which has a 12 Volt supply connected to one terminal once the timer 20 has timed out. The normally : closed contact 74 energises a relay coil 76 which is associated with a normally open contact 78 connecting the supply to the hazard lamp circuit.

When the normally closed contact 74 of the motion sensor detects motion, it will open the contact 74, resulting in the relay coil 76 not being energized . and the normally open contact 78 remaining open.

However, once the normally closed contact 74 of the motion sensor detects no motion, i.e., that the vehicle is stationary, the contact will remain in its normally closed position, energising the relay coil 76, which allows the normally open contact 78 to close, thereby connecting the 12 Volts supply through a 5A protection fuse 80 to a secondary side of a hazard lamp switch 82. When the existing hazard lamp switch 82 is closed the hazard lamps will operate as normal.

Although not shown in Figure 1, a door switch may be connected in parallel with a normally open relay, which parallel connection may be connected in series with the normally close contact 74 and coil 76. The door switch would act as detection means to detect that a door of the vehicle is open.

Therefore, only when the door switch is in an open position (ie. a door of the vehicle is open) and the motion sensor has detected that the vehicle is stationary, will the hazard lamp switch 78 close and thereby switch the hazard lamp warning circuit 18 on.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of an electrical circuit 100 for an integrated vehicle safety and warning system, in accordance with another example embodiment of the invention. The circuit may also be functionally divided into a supply circuit 102, an automatic head/tail lamp circuit 104, a flashing brake lamp circuit 106 and a hazard lamp warning circuit 108. The supply circuit 102, automatic head/tail lamp circuit 104 and the hazard lamp warning circuit 108 are the same as the supply circuit 12, automatic head/tail lamp circuit 14 and the hazard lamp warning circuit 108 of Figure 1. The same reference numerals have accordingly been used in these circuits and the descriptions of these circuits have not been repeated below. :

Similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, the flashing brake lamp circuit 106 is } again provided with a 12 Volt supply through a 5 Ampere protection fuse - 110. This protection fuse is connected to a detection means 112, shown as : either a vacuum switch or sensor. The detection means 112 is used to detect when an accelerator pedal of the vehicle is released by the driver of the vehicle, with the detection means 112 closing the circuit (e.g., by closing a contact) whenever the accelerator pedal is released.

Once this contact shown by reference numeral 112 is closed, power is - supplied to a flasher unit 114 via a normally open contact 116. The flasher unit 114 forms part of a flasher circuit. The normally open contact is associated with timer 118, resulting in the normally open contact 116 closing whenever the timer is energized (i.e., when the detection means has detected the accelerator pedal being released) but not timed out. The flasher unit 114 is in turn connected to a set of brake lamps 120 through a normally close contact 122 (associated with relay coil 124) and a Zener diode 126.

The brake lamps 120 will flash until the pre-set time of the timer 118 has timed out, whereafter the normally open contact 116 associated with the : : timer 118 will open, thereby disconnecting the flasher unit 114, resulting in the flashing of the brake lamps being deactivated.

If the brake pedal is engaged (e.g., switch 132 closes) while the brake lamp flashing circuit 106 is activated, a normally open contact 128 associated with relay coil 124 will close, as current will flow through relay coil 124 to ground. Also, the normally closed contact 122 associated with relay coil 124 will open to prevent backfeed to the circuit. This will allow the flasher : unit 114 to be bypassed and the brake pedal switch 132 to operate as normal. oo

Zener diodes 126 and 130 are connected into the circuit to prevent any backfeed from damaging the circuit.

A switch 134 is also installed on the handbrake to switch on the brake lamps when the handbrake is applied and the motor vehicle is stationary. i ’ .

In the embodiment according to Figure 1, the flasher circuit comprises the PIC 44 as well as various contacts, relays and coils, while the flasher circuit in : accordance with Figure 2 comprises the flasher unit 114 and various contacts and relays. However, it will be appreciated that other components could be used as part of a flasher circuit to enable the brake lamps to flash.

It will further be appreciated that the detection means mentioned in both

Figures 1 and 2 may be any suitable detection means connected to different sections of the vehicle.

Also, a person skilled in the art will know that various circuits, which may differ . from the circuits described above, would be able to provide a system in accordance with the present invention.

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Various other features may also, additionally or alternatively, be provided by : the system. For example, the automatic head/tail lamp circuit 14 may be changed by connecting the 12 V supply, through a normally close contact of a relay and a zener diode, to the park and tail lamps of the vehicle, as well as to the low beam contact 32 of the dipswitch 36 used to switch - between the low beam and high beam. This will allow only the low beam to be used when the vehicle is switched on. The dipswitch would then be . connected to the standard feature light (of lamp) switch in order to allow the driver of the vehicle the option to switch to the high beam while driving.

Further circuit changes may be implemented to ensure that, once the head lamps have been switched to the high beam, no feedback will occur. This may be done through a zener diode and a relay which will open the normally closed contact mentioned above.

In one example embodiment, the circuitry may also be adapted in order for the stop lamps of the vehicle to remain on after the vehicle has come to a standstill. . Other changes to the circuit may result in the functionality of the normally open contact 48 and the associated timer 64 being performed by the programmable integrated circuit (PIC) 44 or other suitable device. Also, the configuration on the circuit to allow the brake lamps to flash may also differ.

Although the integrated vehicle safety and warning system of the present invention is shown to comprise a supply circuit, an automatic head/tail lamp circuit, a flashing brake lamp circuit and a hazard lamp warning circuit, any : combination of the circuits may be used or disconnected (e.g., through the use of the fuses 28, 40. 80 or 110) once installed in a vehicle. The integrated vehicle safety and warning system may also comprise only some of these circuits, for example where the features provided by the other circuits are not deemed necessary.

Claims (10)

cL CLAIMS: oo

1. An integrated vehicle safety and warning system, the system comprising: : a power supply to energise the system; first detection means to detect the release of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle; and : : a flasher circuit to, in response to the detection means detecting the release of the accelerator pedal, flash the brake lamps of the vehicle.

2. . A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first timer connecting the power supply to head lamps of a vehicle, the timer : ' being energised when the vehicle is started to delay the automatic switching on of the vehicle head lamps. .

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first detection means comprises a sensor or a vacuum switch.

4. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flasher circuit comprises a programmable integrated circuit to flash the brake lamps of the vehicle.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flasher circuit comprises a flasher unit to flash the brake lamps of the vehicle.

6. | A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second timer to activate the flasher circuit for a predetermined period of time after the first detection means has detected the release of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

) 7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising second detection means to detect the engagement of the - accelerator pedal or a brake of the vehicle, the second detection means disconnecting the flasher circuit on the detection of the engagement of the accelerator pedal or the brake of the vehicle.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second detection means comprises a motion sensor or a hand brake switch.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a motion sensor to detect when the vehicle has come to a stand still.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the motion sensor activates : a hazard lamp warning circuit on detecting that the vehicle is : stationary, the hazard lamp warning circuit flashing the hazard lamps of the vehicle while the vehicle is stationary. DATED THIS 12™ DAY OF MARCH 2008. SPOOR & FISHER nos APPLICANTS PATENT ATTORNEYS :