Integrated security, tip-over, and turn signal system

Details Integrated security, tip-over, and turn signal system Integrated security, tip-over, and turn signal system

2000-01-21

2001-07-31

Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2632)

Communications: electrical

Land vehicle alarms or indicators

External signal light system

C340S479000, C340S427000, C340S440000, C340S429000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06268794

ABSTRACT:

The present invention relates to systems that provide turn signal control, tip-over shutdown, and security for motorcycles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system that provides all of these functions, in a reliable manner, and with reduced wiring requirements.
A variety of accessory systems such as alarm and turn signal systems are installed on modern day motorcycles. These systems provide convenience and enhanced safety for riders of the vehicles. Tip-over systems, for example, are designed to increase safety by shutting off the motorcycle engine when the vehicle inclination reaches a dangerous level, such as might occur in an accident. As should be apparent, turn signal systems provide signaling to other vehicles and security systems provide theft deterrence.
While all of these systems are available for motorcycles, they are generally installed as separate systems, each with independent controls and wiring. The redundancy of controls and wiring creates problems. One problem is that each system takes up some of the limited space available on a motorcycle. This often results in crowding which makes installation and maintenance of the systems difficult. Another problem is that the wiring of each system is subject to physical failures such as connection faults. Since each system is independently wired, the number of possible failures multiplies with each accessory system installed.
In addition to the problems associated with accessory systems being designed as independent units, most tip-over, security, and turn signal systems do not operate satisfactorily. Present tip-over systems generally rely on pendulums and other mechanical devices to sense vehicle attitude. These types of systems are bulky, unreliable, and usually rendered non-functional when a sidecar is mounted on a motorcycle. Present turn signal systems allow riders to manually control signaling, but generally don't provide satisfactory automatic features. Present security systems generate audible alarms if vehicle tampering is sensed, but many may be bypassed by criminals with proper electronic equipment.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system that provides turn signal control, tip-over shutdown, and security for motorcycles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system for use in a motorcycle having turn signal lamps, turn signal switches, an engine, a starter, and an ignition system. The system includes a sensor such as an accelerometer that is designed to monitor the attitude of the motorcycle. The accelerometer is capable of detecting lateral forces acting on the vehicle. The output of the accelerometer is delivered to a processor. The processor includes a tip-over controller that analyzes the output of the accelerometer and shuts off certain vehicle systems such as the engine and turn signal lamps and disables the starter motor in the event a tip-over condition exists. Shutting off the engine and the turn signal lamps reduces spark sources, thereby reducing the possibility that fuel or other combustible liquids will ignite during a tip-over condition. Shutting off the engine also prevents continued powered movement of the rear wheel of the vehicle, which if allowed to continue during the tip over might injure the rider.
The processor is also programmed to control the motorcycle turn signal lamps and includes a turn signal controller. The turn-signal controller receives inputs from the turn signal switches and sends commands for actuation of the turn signal lamps. The turn-signal controller is operable to calculate the beginning of a turn of the vehicle and the end of a turn of the vehicle based on the output of the accelerometer and a vehicle speed signal. The turn-signal controller can turn off the turn signal lamps at the end of a turn.
The processor also includes a security controller operable to disable the vehicle engine and starter motor, detect alarm conditions, and activate alarm devices when an alarm condition exists.
These features as well as other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.


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