What it does
Rider Guard is a portable safety device that can prevent crash while driving personal mobilities. Visual signals and warning sound can help the rider identify where an obstacle is approaching from (left, front, or right) and how far away it is.
Your inspiration
Why do so many accidents occur with e-scooters and e-bikes? Electric scooters are one of the most convenient forms of personal mobility today. However, many countries are experiencing a significant number of accidents involving these scooters. We focused on a key question: Why do so many accidents occur with e-scooters and e-bikes? During our research, we found a study that concluded: “At high speeds, drivers react slower in emergency situations, such as when a pedestrian suddenly appears.” Based on this, we aimed to develop a system that helps riders react faster in diverse real-world scenarios while driving in high speed.
How it works
Rider Guard operates by using ultrasonic distance measurement to detect nearby obstacles in three directions: front, left (45°), and right (45°). Each of the three ultrasonic sensors continuously emits ultrasonic pulses and the system calculates the distance to an obstacle. These calculated distances are processed in real-time by an Arduino Nano microcontroller, which compares them to preset distance thresholds (5m, 3m, 2m, 0.5m). According to the detected distance, LED indicator lights up in one of four colors (green, blue, yellow, red), depending on the calculated distance. LEDs are located in 3 sectors (left, front, right), so the user can immediately recognize the direction of the approaching obstacle. If the obstacle is detected closer than 1.5m, a buzzer is activated to emit a warning sound and headlight blinks. This allows the rider to hear the danger. Also, pedestrians or approaching object around can be notified that something is coming toward them.
Design process
The development of RIDE GUARD is separated into two parts. One is Engineering design and the other is Exterior design. In Engineering design, we brainstormed how to alert drivers in real time about nearby obstacles. We made these product conditions. A) Using sensors to detect distances in multiple directions. B) Providing visual feedback through LEDs. C) Adding audio warnings through a buzzer. D) Making the device portable, light and easy to mount on scooters or bikes. To achieve these conditions, we needed these. A) 3 ultrasonic sensors (front, left, right). Use MaxBotix MB1010 as ultrasonic sensor. It's cheap and accurate. B) 12 LEDs (4 per direction) for distance levels. C) A piezo buzzer for sound alerts. D) A portable battery for power. E ) Arduino nano to connect all these sensors and battery. In Exterior Design, We wanted to make the design look simple and good to carry. Therefore these are the adequate conditions. A) Select cylinder shape for portability. B) Hide all sensors and LEDs inside for simpler look. C) Use dark clolor glass in order to hide sensors. D) Put LEDs at the top for high visibility. E) Put headlight at the front.
How it is different
While many safety systems for personal mobility devices exist, most of them are built-in, expensive and require complex integration into the vehicle’s internal system. What makes RIDER GUARD unique is its portability and independence from the vehicle itself. With only one RiderGuard, drivers can adapt it at any personal mobilties they have. It can also be made in affordable cost. Unlike other sensors, ultrasonic sensor is one of the cheapest sensor that can detect objects. This allows users to protect themselves and others with low cost. The design is also our stregth. Cylinder shaped design with metal material doesn't look like a safety device. This makes users easily carry the product. The emphasis on “Safety you can carry” is not just a slogan. It defines the product's core strength: any rider can improve their awareness and reaction time just by attaching this small, portable device.
Future plans
We are planning to obtain a patent for this design and functionality. After that, we will make the exact design we showed above into a real product using CAD and 3D printer. We want to demonstrate that this product can be produced for under 30pounds. We will show our product to electric kickboard companies or bicycle gear companies to highlight the effect and achievement that Rider Guard can make. This can pave a way to make this product for commercial purposes. In the long term, we want to persuade the need of RiderGuard to everyone.
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