Have you ever almost run into the back of another car because you misjudged how heavily it was braking? If some research work at Virginia Tech succeeds, then smart brake lights might prevent some accidents.
So what is a “smart” brake light? When you slow down, the brake lights switch on no matter how hard you press the pedal. A smart brake light would show if someone was just touching the brakes or making an emergency stop.
This thought occurred to American businessman Meade Gwinn after he was “rear-ended”. He approached Virginia Tech’s mechanical engineering department and was introduced to Professor Mehdi Ahmadian. John Hennage, a PhD student, is also now involved.
“The device works based on detecting the deceleration of a vehicle during braking,” says Ahmadian. “If the device detects rapid deceleration, then it activates the smart brake light to warn other drivers on the road.”
Ahmadian’s device uses a microchip called a tri-axial accelerometer. Deceleration forces during braking displace its silicon structure by minute distances, causing detectable changes in capacitance. That allows the electronics to judge the braking force applied.
Fitting smart brake lights seems more of a challenge than the electronics. Regulations prevent original equipment being altered on vehicles, so students put together a prototype horizontal light bar using amber, red and flashing lights. Hennage is now combining the braking sensor electronics with the extra LEDs found on commercial vehicles as a cheaper option.
Mercedes-Benz already provides standard brake lights which flash when braked at high speed, although Virginia Tech’s work provides greater sophistication. —