Adaptive Brake Light Circuit for OEM Turn and Hazard Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket upgrade kits for UTVs often lack integration with OEM systems, leading to a "one size fits all" configuration that detracts from the vehicle's styling and operation, as they are not designed to meet stringent safety standards for public road use, preventing the inclusion of essential accessories like turn signals and hazard lights.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive system that integrates aftermarket flashing and hazard light circuits with the OEM brake light circuit, allowing OEM brake lights to function as turn signals, hazard indicators, and reverse indicators, while preventing inadvertent actuation due to environmental contaminants, and includes additional front lights for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aftermarket upgrade kits are installed to add turn signals and hazard lights, then safety features are improved, but integration with OEM systems deteriorates resulting in a one size fits all configuration that detracts from vehicle styling and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing brake light system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original braking indication function and additional turn signal and hazard light functions through electronic control circuitry. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated turn signal and hazard light components, achieving universal functionality from a single existing component set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light indication functions (brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights) into a single integrated system using the existing brake light assembly. The control circuits merge these functions by routing signals through a common controller that can activate different light patterns based on the selected function, thereby combining multiple accessories into one unified system.
2Reliability
If aftermarket accessories are added to meet safety standards for public road use, then vehicle safety is improved, but device complexity increases requiring separate turn signal kits and adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The brake light system is transformed into a universal platform that handles multiple safety functions (braking, turning, hazards) through electronic control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware kits for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing brake light infrastructure serves multiple safety functions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function. The system uses its own existing hardware (lights, wiring harness) and adds intelligent control circuitry to make it self-sufficient for multiple purposes, reducing dependency on additional separate accessories.
3Ease of manufacture
If brake lights are used for multiple indicator functions, then ease of manufacture is improved by utilizing existing components, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential inadvertent actuation from environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control circuitry as an intermediary layer between environmental contaminants (water, conductive elements) and the brake light system. This intermediary intelligence detects and validates activation signals, distinguishing between genuine user input and spurious signals caused by environmental factors, thereby preventing inadvertent actuation while preserving the multi-functional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular, adaptive brake light to custom light sequencing system generally includes an OEM vehicular brake light circuit electrically connected to OEM brake lights of a vehicle, and an aftermarket flashing circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit to cause the OEM brake lights to flash. The system further includes an aftermarket directional indicator circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit and electrically connected to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing of at least one of an OEM left brake light and an OEM right brake light. The system also includes an aftermarket hazard light circuit that is electrically connected within or to the OEM brake light circuit and to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing hazard by the OEM brake lights. Alternate sequencing systems include solid state electronics and protection against environmental contaminants.