Intelligent switch system and assembly having integrated protection circuitry

Abstract

A switch system includes a brake pedal having a ferromagnetic target, a main housing that securely retains a brake circuit board and a magnet, a sensor connector subassembly, and a plug connector subassembly. The system also includes a connector circuit board secured within the sensor connector subassembly and in communication with the brake circuit board. The connector circuit board includes at least one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device electrically connected between the brake circuit board and at least one brake lamp. The connector circuit board may also include at least one circuit to protect against over-voltage or over-current to the at least one brake lamp, detect a fault condition, and determine whether the plug connector subassembly is connected to the sensor connector subassembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 269,675, entitled “Connector System and Assembly Having Integrated Protection Circuitry”, filed Oct. 10, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 455,107, entitled “Intelligent Connector System,” filed Oct. 14, 2010, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.[0002]This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 537,845, entitled “Intelligent Brake Switch System,” filed Sep. 22, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0003]This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 537,830, entitled “Brake Switch System and Assembly,” filed Sep. 22, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0004]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an intelligent connector system used in connection ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a connector circuit board that has an interlock circuit to prevent current from flowing to the brake lamp when the plug subassembly is not properly connected to the sensor connector subassembly. This interlock circuit uses a transistor that is turned on and connected to ground when the plug subassembly is not connected, and is turned off and not connected to ground when the plug subassembly is connected. The technical effect is to ensure proper connection between the two subassemblies and prevent accidental activation of the brake lamp.

Problems solved by technology

However, the fuse and relay, and their respective connection systems, are normally housed in a remote junction box that increases complexity and components, and poses mounting space issues.

Additionally, in these connection configurations, a short circuit fault typically blows a fuse and continues to blow fuses (if the fuses are removed and replaced) until the short circuit fault is corrected.

For example, typical brake light switches exhibit persistent wear issues and noise level concerns.

If too much current flows to the brake light through the fuse, the fuse may blow, thereby rendering the brake light inoperative.

As such, the fuse(s) within the brake light circuit may cause the brake light to not work properly without the driver knowing.

Not only is a malfunctioning or non-operational brake light a safety concern, but it may lead to undesirable law enforcement encounters, such as tickets and / or fines.

Again, however, the fuses within the brake light circuit continue to be unreliable and often need replacement.

These switches, which are used by many original equipment manufacturers, exhibit persistent wear issues and noise level concerns.

However, the vehicle may not, in reality, be slowing down.

Thus, the activation of the brake lights may erroneously indicate that the vehicle is slowing, when the driver actually wishes to increase the velocity of the vehicle.

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