US 2026/0175774 A1Published application

Vehicle U-Turn Indication System Utilizing Existing Turn Signal Infrastructure

OwnerWen Xin Nainventor

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle U-turn signaling system designed to enhance road safety by clearly communicating a driver's intent to perform a U-turn. Leveraging existing vehicle turn signal infrastructure, the system generates a distinctive blinking pattern visually and temporally different from standard turn signals, ensuring immediate recognition by nearby drivers, pedestrians, or traffic personnel. Implementation methods include updating the vehicle's electronic software or integrating a dual-pattern flasher module, requiring minimal hardware modifications. Activation methods encompass double-clicking the existing turn signal lever, using a dedicated button, a virtual interface, or voice command via the vehicle's voice-assistant system. Dashboard indicators replicate the U-turn signal's unique pattern, featuring optional symbolic or language-specific cues for global use. Additional features include synchronized auditory feedback and optional integration with cameras and proximity sensors for obstacle detection. The system provides a cost-effective and adaptable solution for improved vehicle signaling during complex turning maneuvers.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A U-turn signaling system for a vehicle, comprising:

a) a control module configured to activate a U-turn signal;
b) a lighting system configured through a dual-pattern flasher module to generate both the standard turn signal pattern and a distinct U-turn blinking pattern, without requiring additional external lighting hardware, the lighting system being integrated with the vehicle's existing turn signal lighting infrastructure;
c) wherein the U-turn blinking pattern comprises a sequence of illuminated (“ON”) and off (“OFF”) states, wherein:
i. each “ON” represents the light being illuminated for a defined duration;
and
ii. each “OFF” represents the light being off for a defined duration;
and
iii. the U-turn blinking pattern includes at least two distinct groups of “ON” and “OFF” durations that are visually and temporally different from one another;
d) wherein the blinking pattern for the U-turn signal is distinct from the standard turn signal pattern, which uses uniform “ON” and “OFF” durations, ensuring the U-turn signal is visually recognizable as a unique pattern;
and
e) wherein the duration of each “ON” and “OFF” state is configurable to adapt to varying lighting and traffic conditions.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 19/171,222Filed 5 Apr 2025
Priority: 23 Dec 2024
Published: 25 Jun 2026
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification17 codes

B60Q 1/38
For indicating change of drive direction: using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
B60Q 1/381
Using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps: with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
B60K 35/10
Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles: input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle,…
B60K 35/22
Using visual output, e.g. blinking lights or matrix displays: display screens

Family

Application63/737,863Us provisional application · filed 23 Dec 2024
US 2026/0175774 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Timeline

Citations

Open elsewhere

Building an agent or pulling many patents? Use the API or MCP server instead of scraping pages. Get an API key