Electrical system for vehicle daytime running lights

Abstract

The invention consists of an electrical circuit for a vehicle headlight system whereby the conventional parallel circuit connection of headlights is automatically converted into a series circuit connection under conditions appropriate for daytime running lights, whereby the light output of the headlights is reduced as compared to that in conventional headlight circuit mode, and a method for interconnecting such circuit with conventional headlight systems.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to automotive electrical systems and, in particular, to electrical circuitry to control the headlights of an automobile in both day and night conditions.PRIOR ARTFor many years it has been recognized that a vehicle operating with its headlights on during the day is more easily seen by drivers of other vehicles. Greater visability is thought to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Accordingly, a number of drivers, with a view to that advantage, turn their headlights on during the day.However, there have been perceived disadvantages concomitant with the use of headlights during the day. For example, at full power, headlights draw considerable energy from the car. Gas must be burnt to generate power to operate them or power must be drawn from the battery. Therefore, a car with headlights on will have a lower gas mileage rating than a car with headlights off. Moreover, the life of the headlight filaments is reduced. There is also a danger that...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

It is yet a futher and important object of the invention to provide a circuit for establishing a daytime running mode of operation which can be conveniently manufactured as a unit for easy installation in conventional vehicle headlight systems.

Finally it is an object of this invention to provide an easy method for installing such a circuit with conventional headlight systems.

Problems solved by technology

However, there have been perceived disadvantages concomitant with the use of headlights during the day.

For example, at full power, headlights draw considerable energy from the car.

Moreover, the life of the headlight filaments is reduced.

There is also a danger that car headlights may be left on when the car is parked which may drain the battery to the extent that the car will not restart.

There is also the disadvantage that headlights may cause distracting or disturbing glare for other drivers which may cause them to switch their rearview mirrors to nighttime reduced reflection or to take other actions which may lead to lesser visibility and unsafe conditions.

The patent does not, however, disclose a lower intensity daytime running lights mode of illumination.

Moreover, there is no provision for automatic turning on of the headlights for daytime operation.

As pointed out in Canadian patent No. 932,790, this solution has the disadvantage that heat is dissipated in the impedance and energy is thereby wasted.

The disadvantage of the approach suggested by Canadian patent No. 932,790 is that the low beam filaments will always be energized by the output of the generator even when the high beam mode has been selected by the vehicle operator.

This results in an unnecesary load on the vehicle's electrical system.

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