FORM – 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
AN ELECTRO-MECHANICALLY ENABLED STOP BOARD SYSTEM FOR A
PASSENGER VEHICLE
Applicant(s):
VE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LTD
102, INDUSTRIAL AREA 1, PITHAMPUR- 454775, DIST. DHAR, MP, INDIA
Inventors:
(1) Abhiram Korde
(2) Ravi Joshi
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.
2
AN ELECTRO-MECHANICALLY ENABLED STOP BOARD SYSTEM
FOR A PASSENGER VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of vehicle safety and signaling
systems, and in particular, to an electro-mechanically enabled stop board system for5
a passenger vehicle and method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be
assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section.
Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the10
subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been
previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section
merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also
correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] Stop indication systems are commonly employed in passenger vehicles,15
particularly buses and similar public transport vehicles, to alert approaching
commuters and trailing vehicles during passenger boarding and deboarding. Such
stop indication systems are intended to enhance passenger safety by providing a
clear visual signal to vehicles approaching from behind, thereby reducing the risk
of collisions or accidents near the passenger vehicle entry area.20
[0004] In present-day vehicles, two primary provisions are generally available for
displaying a stop sign to commuters approaching from behind the passenger vehicle.
A first provision includes a mechanically installed stop plate mounted on a
passenger door, wherein the stop plate, typically carrying a stop sticker, moves
horizontally outward when the door is opened. This mechanical stop plate25
arrangement is relatively simple in construction and relies primarily on the door
movement for actuation.
[0005] However, conventional mechanically installed stop plates suffer from
several drawbacks. Such plates are generally small in size and therefore
inadequately visible to approaching commuters, particularly from a distance. The30
3
use of adhesive stickers on the stop plate further introduces reliability issues, as the
stickers are prone to fading, peeling, or removal over time due to environmental
exposure. Additionally, the absence of any illumination or flashing mechanism
renders the stop plate poorly visible during nighttime or low-light conditions.
Further, such mechanical stop plates lack automation or active signaling capability5
and therefore provide limited effectiveness in preventing accidents.
[0006] A second provision commonly employed, particularly in school buses,
involves an electronically operated stop arm system. In such systems, a relatively
larger stop plate is mounted on a pivoting arm and is provided with flashing lights
to enhance visibility. The stop arm is actuated by an electric motor arrangement and10
is typically controlled by the driver through a dedicated switch or control circuit.
[0007] While electronic stop arm systems provide improved visibility, they are
associated with significant limitations. The requirement of an electric motor and
associated control circuitry increases system complexity and cost. Operation of the
stop arm is relatively slow, as the motor must first actuate the arm and initiate15
flashing of the lights before passengers can safely board or deboard. This process
consumes additional electrical energy and introduces delays in passenger
movement.
[0008] Furthermore, conventional electronic stop arm systems are generally
configured to operate only when the passenger vehicle is at a complete halt and20
when the driver manually initiates the stop arm operation. Such dependency on
driver input limits responsiveness and may render the electro-mechanically enabled
stop board system unsuitable or ineffective in emergency situations where
immediate stop indication is required.
[0009] Accordingly, existing stop sign display provisions for passenger vehicles25
either lack sufficient visibility and automation or are costly, energy-intensive, and
operationally restrictive. There therefore exists a need for an improved stop board
system that provides enhanced visibility, automated operation synchronized with
passenger door movement, reduced cost and complexity, and reliable performance
under both normal and emergency operating conditions.30
4
[0010] Another the patent application, “CN101293497A,” titled “Setting method
for passenger getting off caution board of public transport vehicle,” describes the
opening principle of a bus door, a bus get-off door is composed of two or more
folding sectors; when the bus door is in a closing state, each folding door is parallel
to the position of the side surface of a bus body; after the bus door is opened, each5
folding sector is perpendicular to the position of the side surface of the bus body. A
warning board is fixed on one folding sector of the bus door; a mainbody part of the
warning board is arranged outside the edge of the fixed folding sector; the
dislocation aims at exposing the warning board out of the bus body after the bus
door is opened. The mainbody of the warning board parallels to the fixed folding10
sector of the bus door; when the bus door is opened, the warning board, together
with the bus door, changes the original position relationship with the side surface of
the bus body; the warning board extends out of the bus body by making use of the
change of the position relationship; when the bus door is closed, the warning board,
together with the bus door, recovers the original position relationship with the side15
surface of the bus body, thus realizing to automatically withdraw the warning board.
[0011] Another patent application, "US2012013454A1," titled "Elevated Stop
Indicator Lights for Passenger Bus," describes An elevated stop indicator light
system for vehicles such as school buses comprises a translucent or transparent
tubular housing having a strip of light emitting diodes extending therethrough, the20
housing being secured to a drip rail extending along and above side and/or rear
windows of the passenger vehicle by clips fastened to the passenger vehicle.
Operation of the elevated light system is coordinated with conventional warning
devices, such as a fold-out stop sign and flashing red lights of the bus. The elevation
of the stop indicator light system provides a highly visible warning system for25
surrounding traffic when the view of the conventional warning sign on the side of
the bus is obscured by traffic.
[0012] In conventional passenger vehicle stop indication arrangements, deployment
of a stop sign or stop plate is largely independent of real-time passenger door status
and dynamic boarding or deboarding conditions. Such arrangements typically rely30
either on passive mechanical plates with static markings or on electronically
5
actuated stop arms that require deliberate driver intervention. As a result, stop
indication is often delayed, inconsistent, or insufficiently visible at critical moments
when passengers are entering or exiting the passenger vehicle. Passive mechanical
stop plates suffer from limited size and lack of illumination, leading to poor daytime
conspicuity and inadequate nighttime visibility, while sticker-based markings are5
prone to fading or damage over time. Electronically actuated stop arm systems,
although more visible, introduce operational latency due to motor-driven actuation
and are dependent on manual activation by the driver, thereby reducing
responsiveness in emergency situations. Additionally, such systems increase system
cost, energy consumption, and design complexity. Consequently, conventional stop10
indication strategies are associated with delayed or ineffective signaling, increased
accident risk during passenger movement, and an inability to automatically and
reliably synchronize stop indication with actual passenger boarding and deboarding
events.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION15
[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide an electro-mechanically
enabled stop board system for a passenger vehicle that automatically deploys and
retracts a stop indication in synchronization with opening and closing of a passenger
entry door, without requiring any dedicated motorized out-bounding mechanism.
[0014] The objective of the present invention is to overcome limitations of20
conventional mechanical and electronic stop sign systems by eliminating the need
for separate driver-operated controls, special actuation tools, or complex motor-
driven arrangements.
[0015] The objective of the present invention is to provide a hybrid mechanical–
electronic stop board solution that utilizes existing door movement for physical25
actuation while simultaneously enabling enhanced visual signaling through
integrated flashing lights.
[0016] The objective of the present invention is to enable operation of the elongated
stop board and associated flashing lights without requiring any additional power
supply, dedicated electronic controller, or newly developed wiring harness, by30
leveraging existing vehicle electrical circuits.
6
[0017] The objective of the present invention is to deliver a cost-effective and
ergonomically efficient stop board system that minimizes component count,
simplifies installation, and reduces overall manufacturing and maintenance cost.
[0018] The objective of the present invention is to ensure that the elongated stop
board remains within the overall width of the passenger vehicle when retracted,5
thereby maintaining compliance with vehicle homologation and regulatory
requirements.
[0019] The objective of the present invention is to enhance visibility and safety for
passengers and approaching commuters by providing a prominently visible stop
indication during boarding and deboarding under both daytime and nighttime10
conditions.
[0020] The objective of the present invention is to provide a reliable and
application-appropriate stop board system that delivers the desired safety
functionality through a rational combination of mechanical simplicity and electronic
effectiveness.15
[0021] The objective of the present invention is to achieve an efficient, robust, and
scalable stop board solution that can be readily adopted across different passenger
vehicle platforms without significant design changes.
SUMMARY
[0022] The present invention relates to an electro-mechanically enabled stop board20
system for a passenger vehicle.
[0023] According to an aspect, an electro-mechanically enabled stop board system
for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board
system comprises an elongated stop board configured to be mounted adjacent to a
passenger entry door of the passenger vehicle. The electro-mechanically enabled25
stop board system further comprises a mounting arrangement including an
integrated bolt provision on the elongated stop board and a Z-profile bracket
configured to secure the elongated stop board to a passenger step board or door
structure. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system further comprises an
electro-mechanical actuation arrangement operatively coupled to the passenger30
entry door and configured to move the elongated stop board between a retracted
7
position and an extended position. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board
system further comprises at least one flashing light mounted on the elongated stop
board and electrically coupled to an existing vehicle lighting circuit. Further,
opening of the passenger entry door automatically causes the electro-mechanical
actuation arrangement to extend the elongated stop board outward from the5
passenger vehicle for signaling during passenger boarding or deboarding. Further,
closing of the passenger entry door automatically causes the elongated stop board
to retract and remain substantially parallel to the door or window, within an overall
width envelope of the passenger vehicle.
[0024] According to another aspect, a method for operating an electro-mechanically10
enabled stop board system for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The method
comprises steps of mounting an elongated stop board adjacent to a passenger entry
door of the passenger vehicle. The method further comprises steps of securing, via
a mounting arrangement including an integrated bolt provision on the elongated stop
board and a Z-profile bracket, the elongated stop board to a passenger step board or15
door structure. The method further comprises steps of moving, via an electro-
mechanical actuation arrangement operatively coupled to the passenger entry door,
the elongated stop board between a retracted position and an extended position. The
method further comprises steps of mounting at least one flashing light on the
elongated stop board and electrically coupling to an existing vehicle lighting circuit.20
Further, opening of the passenger entry door automatically causes the electro-
mechanical actuation arrangement to extend the elongated stop board outward from
the passenger vehicle for signaling during passenger boarding or deboarding.
Further, closing of the passenger entry door automatically causes the elongated stop
board to retract and remain substantially parallel to the door or window, within an25
overall width envelope of the passenger vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems,
methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person
with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries30
(e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example
8
of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as
multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In
some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be
implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore,
elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions5
are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the
figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating
principles.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an electro-mechanically enabled stop
board system for a passenger vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present10
disclosure; and
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for operating an electro-
mechanically enabled stop board system for a passenger vehicle, according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION15
[0028] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now
be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and
“including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and
be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant
to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the20
listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present25
disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of
the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout
the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments
of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not30
be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth
9
herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible
examples.
[0030] The present invention discloses various embodiments of an electro-
mechanically enabled stop board system for a passenger vehicle. Embodiments of
the present invention comprises an elongated stop board configured to be mounted5
adjacent to a passenger entry door of the passenger vehicle. Embodiments of the
present invention further comprises a mounting arrangement including an integrated
bolt provision on the elongated stop board and a Z-profile bracket configured to
secure the elongated stop board to a passenger step board or door structure.
Embodiments of the present invention further comprises an electro-mechanical10
actuation arrangement operatively coupled to the passenger entry door and
configured to move the elongated stop board between a retracted position and an
extended position. Embodiments of the present invention further comprises at least
one flashing light mounted on the elongated stop board and electrically coupled to
an existing vehicle lighting circuit. Further, opening of the passenger entry door15
automatically causes the electro-mechanical actuation arrangement to extend the
elongated stop board outward from the passenger vehicle for signaling during
passenger boarding or deboarding. Further, closing of the passenger entry door
automatically causes the elongated stop board to retract and remain substantially
parallel to the door or window, within an overall width envelope of the passenger20
vehicle.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an electro-mechanically enabled stop
board system (100) for a passenger vehicle, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0032] In some embodiments, the electro-mechanically enabled stop board system25
(100) comprises an elongated stop board (102) configured to be mounted adjacent
to a passenger entry door of a passenger vehicle. The elongated stop board (102) is
designed to provide a clear and visually prominent stop indication to approaching
commuters during passenger boarding and deboarding. The elongated configuration
enhances lateral visibility as compared to conventional compact stop plates. The30
elongated stop board (102) is positioned such that it is functionally associated with
10
the passenger entry region of the passenger vehicle. The electro-mechanically
enabled stop board system (100) is particularly suited for buses and similar public
transport vehicles. The elongated stop board (102) operates as a safety signaling
element without interfering with normal vehicle operation.
[0033] The elongated stop board (102) is supported by a mounting arrangement5
(104) comprising an integrated bolt provision formed directly on the elongated stop
board (102) and a Z-profile bracket. The Z-profile bracket is configured to secure
the elongated stop board (102) to a passenger step board or a door-adjacent
structural portion of the passenger vehicle. The integrated bolt provision allows
direct fastening of the elongated stop board (102) to the bracket without additional10
adapter components. This arrangement simplifies installation and reduces assembly
time. The mounting configuration ensures mechanical stability under repeated door
operation. The arrangement supports robust and durable field usage.
[0034] In some embodiments, the elongated stop board (102) system comprises an
electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) operatively coupled to the15
passenger entry door. The electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) is
configured to convert the opening and closing motion of the door into corresponding
movement of the elongated stop board (102). Upon opening of the passenger entry
door, the electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) automatically extends the
elongated stop board (102) outward from the passenger vehicle. Upon closing of the20
passenger entry door, the electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) retracts
the elongated stop board (102). The actuation occurs without requiring any separate
manual switch or driver input. This direct mechanical linkage enables reliable and
instantaneous operation.
[0035] In the retracted position, the elongated stop board (102) remains25
substantially parallel to the passenger door or window. The elongated stop board
(102) is configured to lie within the overall width envelope of the passenger vehicle
when retracted. This configuration ensures compliance with vehicle homologation
and regulatory width requirements. The retracted positioning prevents obstruction
during normal driving conditions. The elongated stop board (102) does not protrude30
beyond allowable limits when the door is closed. This design enables continuous
11
compliance without compromising safety functionality. The arrangement supports
seamless integration with existing vehicle designs.
[0036] In some embodiments, at least one flashing light (108) is mounted on the
elongated stop board (102) to enhance visibility. The at least one flashing light (108)
is electrically coupled to an existing vehicle indicator light circuit. The electrical5
arrangement allows the at least one flashing light (108) to receive a flashing signal
directly from the indicator circuit without signal processing. This configuration
eliminates the need for a dedicated electronic controller. The at least one flashing
light (108) enhances daytime and nighttime conspicuity of the elongated stop board
(102). The visual signaling is synchronized with existing vehicle lighting behavior.10
This integration improves safety without increasing system complexity.
[0037] In some embodiments, the at least one flashing light (108) is further
configured to be energized only when a vehicle step lamp circuit (110) is active.
The electrical interconnection ensures that the at least one flashing light (108)
operates specifically during passenger boarding or deboarding events. Activation is15
thereby inherently linked to door opening and step lamp illumination. This selective
energization avoids unnecessary flashing during normal driving. The arrangement
leverages existing vehicle electrical circuits for functional control. No additional
power supply is required for light operation. The configuration supports energy-
efficient system behavior.20
[0038] In some embodiments, the elongated stop board (102) system is configured
to operate without modification or addition of a new wiring harness. Existing
electrical connections of the passenger vehicle are utilized to power and control the
at least one flashing light (108). The absence of new harness development reduces
installation effort and cost. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system25
(100) architecture minimizes intrusion into existing vehicle electrical layouts. The
configuration enhances ease of retrofitting across multiple vehicle platforms. The
design improves reliability by reducing connection points. The electro-
mechanically enabled stop board system (100) remains compatible with standard
vehicle manufacturing practices.30
12
[0039] In operation, opening of the passenger entry door automatically causes the
elongated stop board (102) to extend outward and simultaneously enables flashing
illumination. The extended stop board provides a clear stop indication to
approaching commuters during passenger movement. Closing of the passenger
entry door automatically retracts the elongated stop board (102) and disables the5
flashing illumination. The entire operation occurs without driver intervention. The
coordinated mechanical and electrical behavior ensures timely signaling. The
electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) enhances passenger safety
during boarding and deboarding. The design balances visibility, compliance, and
operational simplicity.10
[0040] The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) provides a cost-
effective and ergonomic safety solution by combining mechanical simplicity with
electronic effectiveness. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100)
reduces component count while improving functional reliability. The elongated stop
board (102) enhances visual prominence under diverse lighting conditions.15
Automatic door-linked operation minimizes human dependency and response delay.
The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) supports regulatory
compliance while improving real-world safety outcomes. The design is scalable and
adaptable across vehicle models. The overall architecture delivers an efficient and
practical stop indication solution.20
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart showing a method (200) for operating an
electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) for a passenger vehicle,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] At operation 202, the elongated stop board (102) is configured to be mounted
adjacent to a passenger entry door of the passenger vehicle. The elongated stop25
board (102) is designed to provide a clear and visually prominent stop indication to
approaching commuters during passenger boarding and deboarding. The elongated
configuration enhances lateral visibility as compared to conventional compact stop
plates. The elongated stop board (102) is positioned such that it is functionally
associated with the passenger entry region of the passenger vehicle. The electro-30
mechanically enabled stop board system (100) is particularly suited for buses and
13
similar public transport vehicles. The elongated stop board (102) operates as a safety
signaling element without interfering with normal vehicle operation.
[0043] At operation 204, the mounting arrangement (104) including an integrated
bolt provision on the elongated stop board (102) and a Z-profile bracket is
configured to secure the elongated stop board (102) to a passenger step board or5
door structure. The elongated stop board (102) is supported by the mounting
arrangement (104). The Z-profile bracket is configured to secure the elongated stop
board (102) to a passenger step board or a door-adjacent structural portion of the
passenger vehicle. The integrated bolt provision allows direct fastening of the
elongated stop board (102) to the bracket without additional adapter components.10
This arrangement simplifies installation and reduces assembly time. The mounting
configuration ensures mechanical stability under repeated door operation. The
arrangement supports robust and durable field usage.
[0044] At operation 206, the electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) is
operatively coupled to the passenger entry door and is configured to move the15
elongated stop board (102) between a retracted position and an extended position.
The electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) is configured to convert the
opening and closing motion of the door into corresponding movement of the
elongated stop board (102). Upon opening of the passenger entry door, the electro-
mechanical actuation arrangement (106) automatically extends the elongated stop20
board (102) outward from the passenger vehicle. Upon closing of the passenger
entry door, the electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) retracts the
elongated stop board (102). The actuation occurs without requiring any separate
manual switch or driver input. This direct mechanical linkage enables reliable and
instantaneous operation.25
[0045] In the retracted position, the elongated stop board (102) remains
substantially parallel to the passenger door or window. The elongated stop board
(102) is configured to lie within the overall width envelope of the passenger vehicle
when retracted. This configuration ensures compliance with vehicle homologation
and regulatory width requirements. The retracted positioning prevents obstruction30
during normal driving conditions. The elongated stop board (102) does not protrude
14
beyond allowable limits when the door is closed. This design enables continuous
compliance without compromising safety functionality. The arrangement supports
seamless integration with existing vehicle designs.
[0046] At operation 208, the at least one flashing light (108) mounted on the
elongated stop board (102) and electrically coupled to an existing vehicle lighting5
circuit. The at least one flashing light (108) is electrically coupled to an existing
vehicle indicator light circuit. The electrical arrangement allows the at least one
flashing light (108) to receive a flashing signal directly from the indicator circuit
without signal processing. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated
electronic controller. The at least one flashing light (108) enhances daytime and10
nighttime conspicuity of the elongated stop board (102). The visual signaling is
synchronized with existing vehicle lighting behavior. This integration improves
safety without increasing system complexity.
[0047] In some embodiments, the at least one flashing light (108) is further
configured to be energized only when a vehicle step lamp circuit (110) is active.15
The electrical interconnection ensures that the at least one flashing light (108)
operates specifically during passenger boarding or deboarding events. Activation is
thereby inherently linked to door opening and step lamp illumination. This selective
energization avoids unnecessary flashing during normal driving. The arrangement
leverages existing vehicle electrical circuits for functional control. No additional20
power supply is required for light operation. The configuration supports energy-
efficient system behavior.
[0048] In some embodiments, the elongated stop board (102) system is configured
to operate without modification or addition of a new wiring harness. Existing
electrical connections of the passenger vehicle are utilized to power and control the25
at least one flashing light (108). The absence of new harness development reduces
installation effort and cost. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system
(100) architecture minimizes intrusion into existing vehicle electrical layouts. The
configuration enhances ease of retrofitting across multiple vehicle platforms. The
design improves reliability by reducing connection points. The electro-30
15
mechanically enabled stop board system (100) remains compatible with standard
vehicle manufacturing practices.
[0049] Further, opening of the passenger entry door automatically causes the
electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) to extend the elongated stop board
(102) outward from the passenger vehicle for signaling during passenger boarding5
or deboarding. The extended stop board provides a clear stop indication to
approaching commuters during passenger movement. Further, closing of the
passenger entry door automatically causes the elongated stop board (102) to retract
and remain substantially parallel to the door or window, within an overall width
envelope of the passenger vehicle. Closing of the passenger entry door10
automatically retracts the elongated stop board (102) and disables the flashing
illumination. The entire operation occurs without driver intervention. The
coordinated mechanical and electrical behavior ensures timely signaling. The
electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) enhances passenger safety
during boarding and deboarding. The design balances visibility, compliance, and15
operational simplicity.
[0050] Various embodiments of the present invention provide significant
advantages through an electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) for a
passenger vehicle, comprising an elongated stop board (102) mounted adjacent to a
passenger entry door, a mounting arrangement (104) including an integrated bolt20
provision and a Z-profile bracket, an electro-mechanical actuation arrangement
(106) operatively coupled to the passenger entry door, and at least one flashing light
(108) electrically coupled to an existing vehicle lighting circuit. The elongated stop
board (102) is adequate in size to ensure high visibility to approaching commuters,
thereby improving safety during passenger boarding and deboarding. The at least25
one flashing light (108) provides clear visual alerts during both daytime and
nighttime conditions, enabling effective warning to passersby under low-visibility
environments. The stop board is configured with durable surface characteristics
such that the board color does not fade over time, resulting in extended service life
and reduced maintenance. Automatic extension and retraction of the stop board in30
direct response to door opening and closing provides automation at an effective cost
16
without requiring a dedicated controller or additional power supply. The system
further enables visual indication when the passenger entry door remains open,
thereby alerting both the driver and passengers. The electro-mechanical actuation
arrangement (106) operates instantaneously with door movement, ensuring rapid
deployment without delay. The system remains effective during emergency5
situations by providing immediate stop indication without driver intervention. The
compact integration ensures no additional space requirement and allows the stop
board to remain within the overall width envelope of the vehicle when retracted.
Collectively, the electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) enhances
passenger safety, operational responsiveness, regulatory compliance, and cost10
efficiency while maintaining simplicity of installation and use.
[0051] It has thus been seen the electro-mechanically enabled stop board system
(100) for a passenger vehicle, as described. The electro-mechanically enabled stop
board system (100) in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants,
all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details15
can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components
used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be whatever
according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is
therefore defined by the attached claims.

CLAIMS

1. An electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) for a passenger
vehicle, the elongated stop board (102) system comprising:
an elongated stop board (102) configured to be mounted adjacent to a5
passenger entry door of the passenger vehicle;
a mounting arrangement (104) including an integrated bolt provision
on the elongated stop board (102) and a Z-profile bracket configured to secure
the elongated stop board (102) to a passenger step board or door structure;
an electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) operatively10
coupled to the passenger entry door and configured to move the elongated
stop board (102) between a retracted position and an extended position; and
at least one flashing light (108) mounted on the elongated stop board
(102) and electrically coupled to an existing vehicle lighting circuit,
wherein opening of the passenger entry door automatically causes the15
electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) to extend the elongated stop
board (102) outward from the passenger vehicle for signaling during
passenger boarding or deboarding, and
wherein closing of the passenger entry door automatically causes the
elongated stop board (102) to retract and remain substantially parallel to the20
door or window, within an overall width envelope of the passenger vehicle.
2. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the elongated stop board (102) is configured to remain
within a homologation-compliant overall vehicle width when in the retracted25
position.
3. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) is
directly driven by the door opening and closing motion without requiring a
separate manual switch or control input.30
4. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the at least one flashing light (108) mounted on the elongated
stop board (102) is configured to receive a flashing signal directly from an
existing vehicle indicator light circuit.
5. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in5
claim 1, wherein the at least one flashing light (108) is further configured to
be energized only when a vehicle step lamp circuit (110) is active.
6. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the elongated stop board (102) system is configured to
operate without a dedicated electronic controller by utilizing existing vehicle10
electrical circuits.
7. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the elongated stop board (102) system is configured to
operate without modification or addition of a new wiring harness in the
passenger vehicle.15
8. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the integrated bolt provision on the elongated stop board
(102) allows direct assembly onto the Z-profile bracket, thereby simplifying
installation and reducing assembly complexity.
9. The electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100) as claimed in20
claim 1, wherein the electro-mechanically enabled stop board system (100)
enhances passenger safety by providing a visually prominent flashing stop
indication during passenger boarding and deboarding while maintaining
regulatory compliance during normal vehicle operation.
10. A method (200) for operating an electro-mechanically enabled stop board25
system (100) for a passenger vehicle, the method (200) comprising:
mounting an elongated stop board (102) adjacent to a passenger entry
door of the passenger vehicle;
securing, via a mounting arrangement (104) including an integrated
bolt provision on the elongated stop board (102) and a Z-profile bracket, the30
elongated stop board (102) to a passenger step board or door structure;
moving, via an electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106)
operatively coupled to the passenger entry door, the elongated stop board
(102) between a retracted position and an extended position; and
mounting at least one flashing light (108) on the elongated stop board
(102) and electrically coupling to an existing vehicle lighting circuit,5
wherein opening of the passenger entry door automatically causes the
electro-mechanical actuation arrangement (106) to extend the elongated stop
board (102) outward from the passenger vehicle for signaling during
passenger boarding or deboarding, and
wherein closing of the passenger entry door automatically causes the10
elongated stop board (102) to retract and remain substantially parallel to the
door or window, within an overall width envelope of the passenger vehicle.