System for Measuring Lateral Gravitational Effect of Vehicles

• US 20090248240A1
• Filed: 03/27/2008
• Published: 10/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alex Nelsen, Steven C. Olsen
• Original Assignee: Alex Nelsen, Steven C. Olsen
• Inventors: Nelsen, Alex, Olsen, Steven C.
• Application Number:
  US12/056,828
• Publication Number:
  US 20090248240A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/35
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/16 Control of vehicles or other craft simulators G09B9/02
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/02 for teaching control of vehicles or other craft

Abstract

A system for measuring the lateral acceleration of a vehicle. The system includes an accelerometer that measures the lateral gravitational forces, an annunciator that announces the changes in the lateral gravitation forces, a data logging for storing the measured changes and the relative times and a controller. This system is particularly useful for training for performance driving such as racecar drivers and law enforcement drivers.

Claims

1. A system for measuring lateral gravitational forces during the operation of a vehicle, said system comprising:

an enclosure for mounting on to a vehicle;

a measuring sensor mounted within said enclosure for measuring lateral gravitational forces; and

an annunciator for annunciating the measured lateral gravitational forces from said measuring sensor.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said measuring sensor includes:

an accelerometer.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said measuring sensor includes:

a dual axis accelerometer.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises:

a micro-controller for receiving the signal from said measuring sensor and for controlling said annunciator.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises:

a logging module for logging the measured lateral gravitational forces from said measuring sensor.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said logging module includes:

an EEPROM chip.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

an audible signal generator that provides an audible indication of the gravitational forces.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises:

a line out for connection to an external speaker system.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

an audible recorder to allow annunciation messages to be pre-recorded for playback.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

a visual signal generator.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

a calibration module for calibrating the accuracy of said measuring sensor.

20. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

an audible signal generator that provides an audible indication of the gravitational forces.

21. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises:

a line out for connection to an external source.

22. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

an audible recorder to allow annunciation messages to be pre-recorded for playback.

23. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

a visual signal generator.

24. The system of claim 1 wherein said annunciator includes:

a calibration module for calibrating the accuracy of said measuring sensor.

12. A method for training for performance driving wherein said method comprises:

providing a system for measuring lateral gravitational forces having a sensor for measuring lateral gravitational forces and an annunciator for annunciating the measured lateral gravitational forces from said measuring sensor;

mounting said system in the vehicle;

determining the safe range of lateral g-forces for operation of the vehicle;

sensing the lateral g-forces with said system;

listening to the annunciation of said sensed lateral g-forces; and

driving the vehicle within said determined safe range of lateral g-forces.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said method further comprises:

training drivers for racing performance vehicles.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said method further comprises:

training drivers for law enforcement purposes.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said method further comprises:

training drivers for emergency purposes.

16. The system of claim 12 wherein said measuring sensor includes:

an accelerometer.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein said measuring sensor includes:

a dual axis accelerometer.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein said system further comprises:

a micro-controller for receiving the signal from said measuring sensor and for controlling said annunciator.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein said system further comprises:

a logging module for logging the measured lateral gravitational forces from said measuring sensor.