Description:DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to a field of automobiles, and more particularly to a system or method for indicating maneuvers of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicles are equipped with a plurality of indicators which are critical components of automotive safety systems. The indicators which enable a driver to communicate the intended maneuvers such as turning, changing lanes and the like to other drivers through visual signaling. Such visual signaling is essential for preventing collisions, maintaining public order in traffic, ensuring smoother and safer navigation on roadways, and the like. Further, regulatory bodies in most jurisdictions mandate the utilization of such indicators as a legal requirement for vehicles.
[003] Conventional vehicle indicators rely on blinking lights that are manually or automatically activated to signal directional changes. The lights are typically positioned at the front and rear corners of the vehicle. While the visual cues are generally effective, the performance may be compromised under certain environmental conditions such as intense ambient sunlight, fog, heavy rain, snow and the like. Such limitations may reduce the effectiveness of the communication the indicators are intending to convey, thereby increasing the risk of misinterpretation or delayed reaction times from other drivers.
[004] Therefore, there is a pressing need to address the above shortcomings and provide a system for conveying the intended maneuver of the vehicle under low ambient lighting conditions and with low production cost.
SUMMARY
[005] In an embodiment, a system for indicating a maneuver of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include an indicator strip coupled to an exterior portion of a body surface outer (BSO) of the vehicle. Further, the system may include a transmission mechanism adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the indicator strip. Further, the system may include an actuator disposed within the interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the transmission mechanism and a controller communicably coupled to the actuator. The controller generates an actuation signal to actuate the actuator to drive the transmission mechanism. Further, the transmission mechanism, when driven, orients the indicator strip perpendicular to the BSO to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, a method for indicating maneuver of a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include generating, by a controller, an actuation signal to actuate the actuator to drive a transmission mechanism. Further, the transmission mechanism, when driven, orients an indicator strip perpendicular to a body surface outer (BSO) to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle. Further, the indicator strip may be coupled to an exterior portion of the BSO of the vehicle and the transmission mechanism may be adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the indicator strip. Further, the actuator is disposed within the interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the transmission mechanism.
[007] In an embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a system for indicating a maneuver of the vehicle. The system may include an indicator strip coupled to an exterior portion of a body surface outer (BSO) of the vehicle. Further, the system may include a transmission mechanism adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the indicator strip. Further, the system may include an actuator disposed within the interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the transmission mechanism and a controller communicably coupled to the actuator. The controller generates an actuation signal to actuate the actuator to drive the transmission mechanism. Further, the transmission mechanism, when driven, orients the indicator strip perpendicular to BSO to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a system for indicating a maneuver of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 with a pull-type door handle in concealed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 with the pull-type door handle in protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 with a flush-type door handle in a concealed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 with the flush-type door handle in a protruded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the methodology of the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. Additional illustrative embodiments are listed.
[0018] Further, the phrases “in some embodiments”, “in accordance with some embodiments”, “in the embodiments shown”, “in other embodiments”, and the like, mean a particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[0019] As explained earlier, conventional vehicle indicators rely on blinking lights that are manually or automatically activated to signal directional changes for efficient driving. Such lights are typically positioned at the front and rear corners of the vehicle. While the visual cues are generally effective, the performance may be compromised under certain environmental conditions such as intense ambient sunlight, fog, heavy rain, or snow and the like. Such limitations may reduce the effectiveness of the communication the indicators are intending to convey, thereby increasing the risk of misinterpretation or delayed reaction times from other drivers.
[0020] Therefore, a system for indicating a maneuver of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include an indicator strip coupled to an exterior portion of a body surface outer (BSO) of the vehicle. The indicator strip may be configured to provide an additional visual cue through physical movement, enhancing visibility in both day and night conditions.
[0021] Further, the system may include a transmission mechanism adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the indicator strip. Further, the system may include an actuator disposed within the interior surface of the BSO and coupled to the transmission mechanism and a controller communicably coupled to the actuator. The controller generates an actuation signal to actuate the actuator to drive the transmission mechanism. Further, the transmission mechanism, when driven, orients the indicator strip perpendicular to the BSO to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view 100 of a vehicle 101 equipped with a system 102 for indicating a maneuver of the vehicle 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle 101 may include a body surface outer (BSO) 104. By way of example, the BSO 104 may be referred to as an outer sheet metal panel configured to secure an inner space of the vehicle 101. The BSO 104 may be formed by combination of door panels, door handles, side mirrors, fender panels, A/B/C pillars, rocker panels, side skirts and the like. Further, the BSO 104 may include an exterior portion 106 and an interior surface (not shown) disposed opposite to the exterior portion 106.
[0023] In an embodiment, the vehicle 101 may include system 102 for indicating the maneuver of the vehicle 101. The system 102 may be incorporated with the BSO 104. The system 102 may include an indicator strip 108 coupled to an exterior portion 106 of the BSO 104 of the vehicle 101. The indicator strip 108 may be configured to indicate a maneuvering operation of the vehicle 101 by orienting perpendicular to the BSO 104. By way of example, the maneuvering operation may include a left-side turn, a right-side turn, a lane change, an emergency stop, and the like. By way of example, the indicator strip 108 may be adjoined underneath or in a vicinity to a door handle 110 attached to the exterior portion 106.
[0024] Further, the system 102 may include a transmission mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1) adjoined to the interior portion and coupled to the indicator strip 108. The transmission mechanism may be configured to orient the indicator strip 108 perpendicularly to the BSO 104 by the actuation by an actuator. The actuator may be disposed within the interior surface and coupled to the transmission mechanism. The actuator may be configured to drive the transmission mechanism to actuate the indicator strip 108. Further, the system 102 may include a controller communicably coupled to the actuator. The controller may generate an actuation signal to actuate the actuator to drive the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism, when driven, may orient the indicator strip 108 perpendicular to BSO 104 to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle 101.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view 200 of the system 102 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts the indicator strip 108 coupled to the exterior portion 106 of the BSO 104 and when actuated, may be configured to orient perpendicular to the BSO 104. In other words, the indicator strip 108 may be rotated about a pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104 transitioning from a concealed state to a protruded state to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle 101.
[0026] Further, the indicator strip 108 may be fabricated from material such as but not limited to polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, aluminum alloys, thermoplastic elastomers, fiber-reinforced composites and the like. The indicator strip 108 may be of geometric configuration conductive to aerodynamics such as but not limited to slender fins, elongated blades, arrow-like projections, rectangular bars and the like. Further, the indicator strip 108 may be of length ranging from 50 mm to about 250 mm and width ranging from 10 mm to about 50 mm.
[0027] The indicator strip 108 may include a plurality of illumination lights 202 which may be configured to augment illumination thereof under low ambient lighting conditions. The plurality of illumination lights 202 may include but not be limited to chip-onboard LEDs, addressable RGB LEDs, side emitting LED strips, high visibility automotive grade LEDs and the like. It is to be noted, the plurality of illumination lights 202 may be illuminated to provide additional light when the indicator strip 108 may be rotated about the pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104. Such rotation is explained in greater details hereinafter.
[0028] The system 102 may include a transmission mechanism 204 adjoined to an interior surface 205 of the BSO 104 and an actuator 206 coupled to the transmission mechanism 204. By way of example, the transmission mechanism 204 may include at least one set of bevel gears to direct the actuation of the actuator 206 to the indicator strip 108. By way of another example, the transmission mechanism 204 may include but not limited to worm gear, spur gear, rack and pinion, telescopic linkage, and the like.
[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the actuator 206 may be disposed within the interior surface 205 and may be coupled to the transmission mechanism 204. By way of example, the actuator 206 may include but not limited to brushed DC motors, stepper motor, micro linear actuators, solenoid, shape memory alloy actuator, and the like. The actuator 206 may be configured to drive the transmission mechanism 204 to operate the indicator strip 108 from the concealed state to the protruded state to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle 101.
[0030] Further, the actuator 206 may be communicably coupled to the controller. The controller may include but not limited to Body Control Module (BCM), Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Transmission Control Unit (TCU), Central Gateway Module (CGM), Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) controller and the like. The controller may be configured to generate an actuation signal upon an activation of an indicator signal of the vehicle 101. The indicator signal may include but not limited to turn signal activation, lane change indicator and the like. Upon generation and transmission of the actuation signal by the controller, the actuator 206 may engage and drive the transmission mechanism 204 in a first direction. The mechanical output of the transmission mechanism 204 may cause the indicator strip 108 to orient perpendicularly to the BSO 104 in a first direction which causes the indicator strip 108 to pivot outwards from the BSO into the protruded state. As a result, the perceptibility of the indicator strip 108 may be enhanced to adjacent road users and effectively conveys the intended maneuver of the vehicle 101.
[0031] Conversely, upon deactivation of the indicator signal of the vehicle 101, the controller may be configured to generate a retraction signal. Upon generation and transmission of the retraction signal by the controller, the actuator 206 engages and drives the transmission mechanism 204 in a second direction. It is to be noted that the first direction is opposite to the second direction. The first direction and the second direction may include either a clockwise direction or an anticlockwise direction. Further, the mechanical output of the transmission mechanism 204 may cause the indicator strip 108 to orient perpendicularly to the BSO 104 in a second direction transitioning from the protruded state to the concealed state.
[0032] It is to be noted that the vehicle 101 may include a plurality of the said systems 102 for indicating the maneuver of vehicle 101. Particularly, the vehicle 101 may include a left-side indicator system and a right-side indicator system. During operation, when the left signal may be activated, the indicator strip 108 on the left-side BSO may transition from a concealed state to a protruded state. Conversely, when the right signal may be activated, the indicator strip 108 on the right-side BSO may transition from the concealed state to the protruded state. This transition of the indicator strip 108 from the concealed state to the protruded state is explained in conjunction with FIGs. 3A-4B.
[0033] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view 300A of the system 102 with a pull-type door handle 302 in a concealed state 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view 300B of the system 102 with the pull-type door handle 302 in a protruded state 306, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] As apparent from FIG. 3A, initially the indicator strip 108 of the system 102 for indicating the maneuver of vehicle 101 may be in concealed state 304. The indicator strip 108 of the system 102 may be configured to attain the protruded state 306 such that the indication signal may be generated in order to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle 101 either in the left-side turn, the right-side turn, the lane change, the emergency stop, and the like. Further, the protruded state 406 of the system for the pull-type door handle 302 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 3B.
[0035] As apparent from FIG. 3B, during operation of the vehicle 101 i.e., during transient state of the vehicle 101, when the user may initiate the maneuvering operation requiring the indication signal for an upcoming or oncoming vehicle, the controller may activate the indication signal. The maneuvering signal may be manually operated via an indicator switch (not shown). By way of example, the indication signal may include. Upon activation of the indication signal, the controller may be configured to generate the actuation signal.
[0036] Upon generation and transmission of the actuation signal by the controller, the actuator 206 may engage and drive the transmission mechanism 204 in the first direction. In response to the actuation signal, the transmission mechanism 204 may generate the mechanical output. Accordingly, the indicator strip 108 may be rotated about the pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104 in the first direction. As a result, the indicator strip 108 may transition from the concealed state 304 to the protruded state 306 as apparent from FIG. 3B.
[0037] Correspondingly, the generation of the actuation signal by the controller may trigger activation of the plurality of illumination lights 202 affixed to the indicator strip 108. The plurality of illumination lights 202 may illuminate in synchronization with the transition of the indicator strip 108 from the concealed state 304 to the protruded state 306. As a result, the perceptibility of the indicator strip 108 may be enhanced to adjacent road users and effectively conveys the intended maneuver of the vehicle 101 to the oncoming vehicles.
[0038] After the completion of the maneuvering operation, when the user may deactivate the indication signal of the vehicle 101 via the indicator switch. The controller may be configured to generate the retraction signal. Upon generation and transmission of the retraction signal by the controller, the actuator 206 may engage and drive the transmission mechanism 204 in the second direction. In response to the retraction signal, the transmission mechanism 204 may generate the mechanical output. Such mechanical output of the transmission mechanism 204 may cause the indicator strip 108 to rotate about the pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104 in the second direction. As a result, the indicator strip 108 may transition from the protruded state 306 to the concealed state 304 as apparent from FIG. 3A. Correspondingly, the generation of the retraction signal by the controller may deactivate the plurality of illumination lights 202, thereby restoring the system 102 to the concealed state 304 and maintaining the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle 101.
[0039] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view 400A of the system 102 with a flush-type door handle 402 in concealed state 404, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As apparent from FIG. 4A, initially the indicator strip 108 of the system 102 for indicating the maneuver of vehicle 101 may be in concealed state 404. The indicator strip 108 may be configured to attain the protruded state 406 such that the indication signal may be generated in order to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle 101. Further, the protruded state 406 of the system for the flush0type door handle is explained in conjunction with FIG. 4B.
[0040] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view 400B of the system 102 with the flush-type door handle 402 in protruded state 406, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, during operation of the vehicle 101, when the user may initiate the maneuvering operation requiring the indication signal for the upcoming or oncoming vehicle, the vehicle 101 may activate the indication signal.
[0041] Upon activation of the indication signal the controller may be configured to generate the actuation signal. Upon generation and transmission of the actuation signal, the actuator 206 may engage and drive the transmission mechanism 204 in the first direction based on the mechanical output. Such mechanical output may cause the indicator strip 108 to rotate about the pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104 in the first direction. As a result, the indicator strip 108 may transition from the concealed state 404 to the protruded state 406. This is already explained in conjunction with FIG. 3B.
[0042] Correspondingly, the plurality of illumination lights 202 may illuminate in synchronization with the transition of the indicator strip 108 from the concealed state 404 to the protruded state 406 to enhance the perceptibility of the indicator strip 108. This is already explained in conjunction with FIG. 3B.
[0043] Further, after the completion of the maneuver, the vehicle 101 may deactivate the indication signal of the vehicle 101. Accordingly, the controller may be configured to generate the retraction signal. Upon generation and transmission of the retraction signal by the controller, the actuator 206 may engage and drive the transmission mechanism 204 in the second direction based on the generated mechanical output. Therefore, the indicator strip 108 to rotate about the pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104 in the second direction. As a result, the indicator strip 108 may transition from the protruded state 406 to the concealed state 404 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Correspondingly, the generation of the retraction signal by the controller may deactivate the plurality of illumination lights 202, thereby restoring the system 102 to the concealed state 404 and maintaining the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle 101. This is already explained in conjunction with FIG. 3B.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart 500 of the methodology of the system 102 for indicating the maneuver of the vehicle 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 502, the controller may be configured to generate the actuation signal upon the activation of the indicator signal of the vehicle 101. Particularly, when user may initiate the maneuver operation signal, the vehicle 101 may activate the indication signal. Upon activation of the indication signal, the controller may be configured to generate the actuation signal to actuate the actuator 206. Upon generation and transmission of the actuation signal by the controller, the actuator 206 may engage and drive the transmission mechanism 204 in the first direction.
[0045] At step 504, the transmission mechanism 204 may orient the indicator strip 108 perpendicular to the BSO 104 to indicate the maneuver of vehicle 101. Particularly, the mechanical output of the transmission mechanism 204 may cause the indicator strip 108 to orient about the pivot axis (PA) orthogonal to the BSO 104 transitioning from the concealed state 304, 404 to the protruded state 306, 406. As a result, the perceptibility of the indicator strip 108 may be enhanced to adjacent road users and effectively conveys the intended maneuver of the vehicle 101.
[0046] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the techniques described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional, or well-understood in the art. The techniques discussed above provide for system to indicate maneuver of the vehicle .
[0047] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[0048] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the method and system described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional or well understood in the art. The method and system discussed above may provide several advantages that enhance vehicle signaling performance and reliability. The transition of the indicator strip offers a perceptible signal regardless of ambient lighting conditions. Additionally, the system facilitates 360-degree visibility, as the transition of the indicator strip extends the indication signal beyond the limited field of view. The physical nature of the indicator strip also serves as a redundant or backup signaling system, capable of conveying vehicle maneuver in the event of electronic failure. Additionally, the system is designed for simple and cost-effective integration, incorporating a compact actuator and the transmission mechanism to orient the indicator strip.
[0049] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0050] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (102) for indicating a maneuver of a vehicle (101), the system (102) comprising:
an indicator strip (108) coupled to an exterior portion (106) of a body surface outer (BSO) (104) of the vehicle;
a transmission mechanism (204) adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO (104) and coupled to the indicator strip (108);
an actuator (206) disposed within the interior surface of the BSO (104) and coupled to the transmission mechanism (204); and
a controller communicably coupled to the actuator (206), wherein the controller generates an actuation signal to actuate the actuator (206) to drive the transmission mechanism (204), wherein the transmission mechanism (204), when driven, orients the indicator strip (108) perpendicular to BSO (104) to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle (101).
2. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller generates the actuation signal upon an activation of an indicator signal of the vehicle (101).
3. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicator strip (108) comprises:
a plurality of illumination lights (202) configured to augment illumination thereof, under low ambient lighting conditions.
4. A method for indicating maneuver of a vehicle (101), comprising:
generating, by a controller, an actuation signal to actuate the actuator (206) to drive a transmission mechanism (204), wherein the transmission mechanism (204), when driven, orients an indicator strip (108) perpendicular to a body surface outer (BSO) (104) to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle (101),
wherein the indicator strip (108) is coupled to an exterior portion (106) of the BSO (104) of the vehicle (101),
wherein the transmission mechanism (204) is adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO (104) and coupled to the indicator strip (108),
wherein the actuator (206) is disposed within the interior surface of the BSO (104) and coupled to the transmission mechanism (204).
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein generating, by a controller, the actuation signal comprises:
generating, by the controller, the actuation signal upon an activation of an indicator signal of the vehicle (101).
6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indicator strip (108) comprises a plurality of illumination lights (202) configured to augment illumination thereof, under low ambient lighting conditions.
7. A vehicle (101), comprising:
a system (102) for indicating a maneuver of the vehicle (101), wherein the system (102) comprises:
an indicator strip (108) coupled to an exterior portion (106) of a body surface outer (BSO) (104) of the vehicle (101);
a transmission mechanism (204) adjoined to an interior surface of the BSO (104) and coupled to the indicator strip (108);
an actuator (206) disposed within the interior surface of the BSO (104) and coupled to the transmission mechanism (204); and
a controller communicably coupled to the actuator (206), wherein the controller generates an actuation signal to actuate the actuator (206) to drive the transmission mechanism (204), wherein the transmission mechanism (204), when driven, orients the indicator strip (108) perpendicular to BSO (104) to indicate the maneuver of the vehicle (101).
8. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller generates the actuation signal upon an activation of an indicator signal of the vehicle (101).
9. The vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indicator strip (108) comprises a plurality of illumination lights (202) configured to augment illumination thereof, under low ambient lighting conditions.