Device and method for sensing and indicating inclination of an automotive vehicle

• US 6,861,949 B2
• Filed: 08/23/2002
• Issued: 03/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Craig Carlson
• Original Assignee: Craig Carlson
• Inventors: Reed, Michael A., Carlson, Craig D., Fowler, J. Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US10/227,580
• Publication Number:
  US 20030146829A1
• Time in Patent Office: 921 Days
• Field of Search: 340/440, 340/439, 340/438, 340/691.6, 340/691.5, 340/691.4, 340/815.4
• US Class Current: 340/440
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0165 to an external condition, e.g. rough road surface, side wind
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/01925 Pendulum-type devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/0511 Roll angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2400/0512 Pitch angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/042 Monitoring means
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/044 Alarm means
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2800/9124 Roll-over protection systems, e.g. for warning or control
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 9/00 Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels

Abstract

A device and method used to indicate vehicle inclination and conditions indicative of a potential rollover is disclosed. The device and method may be embodied in original equipment or in an aftermarket product in a manner so that the driver may easily determine the vehicle inclination. For example, the device and method may be embodied in a mirror assembly mounted in the vehicle. The device and method may also be used to detect the rate of change of inclination to provide a warning of adverse driving conditions. The device and method may also include a compass that indicates a corrected heading of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting inclination of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a controller; and

a sensor communicating with the controller, the sensor being responsive to at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle, the controller calculating a rate of change of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle based on the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle sensed by the sensor, wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accelerometer comprises a dual-axis accelerometer.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, combination with the vehicle, wherein the accelerometer is mounted in a plane extending substantially parallel to a vehicle plane, the vehicle plane defined by a plane through which rotational axes of wheels of the vehicle pass.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, in combination with the vehicle.

5. A method of detecting inclination of a vehicle, and informing a user of the vehicle the method comprising:

sensing at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle;

calculating a rate of change of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle;

sensing at least one of a heading of the vehicle and a temperature; and

providing information to the user of the vehicle, through a device, the information relating to;

(a) at least one of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle, and the rate of change of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle; and

(b) at least one of the heading of the vehicle and the temperature.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein providing information to the user of the vehicle, through a device, the information relating to (a) and (b) comprises simultaneously providing information to the user of the vehicle, through the device, the information relating to both (a) and (b).

7. A method of detecting inclination of a vehicle, the method comprising:

sensing at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle;

calculating a rate of change of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle;

indicating the sensed at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle;

indicating at least one of a heading of the vehicle and a temperature; and

automatically switching from indicating the at least one of the heading of the vehicle and the temperature to indicating the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle when the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle exceeds a threshold.

8. A method of detecting inclination of a vehicle, the method comprising:

sensing at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle;

calculating a rate of change of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle;

indicating the sensed at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle;

indicating at least one of a heading of the vehicle and a temperature; and

automatically switching from indicating the at least one of the heading of the vehicle and the temperature to indicating the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle of the vehicle when the rate of change of the at least one of pitch angle and roll angle exceeds a threshold.

9. A method of detecting inclination of a vehicle, the method comprising:

sensing at least one of a pitch angle and a roll angle of the vehicle;

comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to at least one threshold; and

comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to a different threshold based upon vehicle operating conditions, wherein comparing the sensed at least one of pitch angle and roll angle to a different threshold based upon vehicle operating conditions comprises comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to a different threshold based upon the conditions of the surface being traversed by the vehicle.

10. A method of detecting inclination of a vehicle, the method comprising:

sensing at least one of a pitch angle and a roll angle of the vehicle;

comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to at least one threshold; and

comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to a different threshold based upon vehicle operating conditions, wherein comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to a different threshold based upon vehicle operating conditions comprises comparing the at least one of sensed pitch angle and roll angle to a different threshold based upon the speed of the vehicle.