US 2016/0355179 A1 · Integrated and Automated Automotive Brake/Horn/Light Apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method to automatically and individually, simultaneously, and/or sequentially operate a horn system a light system and/or a braking system of a vehicle. A threat detection system secured in the vehicle detects threats and sends one or more signals, directly or indirectly, to the braking, horn and/or light systems to activate those systems to improve delivery time of safety and/or emergency warning signals to third party vehicles and pedestrians. The systems can be connected directly via relay, or may incorporate an intermediary electronic control unit or controller to coordinate operation of the systems. A deactivation device enables a driver to disconnect the threat detection system from the horn, light and braking systems to permit manual control of those systems. A second deactivation device permits the driver to disconnect coordinated control of the brake, horn and/or light systems from the threat detection system. The apparatus permits automated post-crash operation of the horn and/or light systems to provide audible and visual warning signals to third party vehicles and pedestrians and includes an optional backup battery to operate the horn and light systems should the main battery post-crash. A GPS-controlled turn-signal system permits automated activation of vehicle directional arrow lights.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for operating vehicle horn and light system simultaneously comprising:

a vehicle;
a threat detection system secured in the vehicle, wherein the threat detection system comprises at least one threat detection sensor;
a vehicle horn system secured in the vehicle for emitting audible signals and connected to the threat detection system, wherein the horn system comprises at least one vehicle horn or sound emitting device;
and,
a vehicle light system secured in the vehicle for emitting visual signals and connected to the threat detection system, wherein the vehicle light system comprises at least one light secured to the exterior of the vehicle, and wherein detection of a threat by the at least one sensor activates the horn system and the light system including the at east one vehicle horn or sound emitting device and the at least one vehicle light.

2 more elements

An apparatus for operating a vehicle's brake, horn and light systems simultaneously comprising:

a vehicle;
a treat detection system secured in the vehicle;
wherein the threat detection system comprises at least one sensor;
a controller secured in the vehicle, wherein the controller is connected to the threat detection system;
a vehicle horn system for emitting audible signals secured in the vehicle, wherein the vehicle horn system comprises at least one horn or sound emitting device, and wherein the vehicle horn system is connected to the controller;
a vehicle light system for emitting visual signals secured in the vehicle, wherein the vehicle light system comprises at least one light, and wherein the vehicle light system is connected to the controller;
and,
a brake system secured in the vehicle, wherein the brake system is connected to the controller, wherein the threat detection system sends a signal to the controller when a threat is detected and the controller sends at east one signal to activate the brake system, the vehicle horn system and the vehicle light system simultaneously.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Integrated and Automated Automotive Brake/Horn/Light Apparatus

Life of this patent

Integrated and Automated Automotive Brake/Horn/Light Apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20