Signal gives motorcycle visibility a boost
By Ben Coxworth
July 27, 2012
The Signal motorcycle helmet light (Photo: Quirky)
Image Gallery (5 images)Because of the increased visibility that they offer, “third brake lights” have become standard on automobiles. Now, it's possible to buy kits that let you add such lights to the back of motorcycle helmets, although they typically have to be installed permanently. The Signal helmet light, however, can simply be strapped on.
Signal incorporates a fiber optic fabric known as Lumigram, that is flexible and lightweight, yet also able to emit bright pulses of light. It stretches over the rider’s existing full-face or open-face helmet, with the illuminated section centered on the back. A radio frequency transmitter on the motorcycle is synced with a receiver on the Signal, letting it know when the bike’s brakes or turn indicators are activated – Signal flares up, or blinks on one side or the other, accordingly.
Signal is currently posted on the Quirky product development website, where users determine the viability of products by indicating their interest in buying commercial versions of them. If enough people get on board with Signal, it may find its way into production.
An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben's interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that's designed to go underwater. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he spends a lot of time going over the handlebars of his mountain bike, hanging out in off-leash parks, and wishing the Pacific Ocean wasn't so far away. All articles by Ben Coxworth
Nice idea.
Need a low power bluetooth transmitter mounted on the bike that would send a beeping type signal to all nearby cell phones and a flashing warning to car navigation units to alert drivers that a motorcycle is near by.
Ct27th July, 2012 @ 03:57 pm PDT
@ctcsme:
There is a system:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7961086.pdf
See Figures 20A and 20B
Cheers!
Guess What27th July, 2012 @ 09:29 pm PDT
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Too narrow. It would be better to make something that rests on the shoulders, sort of like (American) football shoulder pads. Or even integrate it into a wide back protector. Then turn signals would get the benefit of being far apart and easy to discern. Also, shoulders are stationary, while a motorcyclist will often turn his head to see left and right. The back of the neck and shoulders wouldn't be much lower than the center of the head anyway.
Gadgeteer27th July, 2012 @ 03:09 pm PDT