Adaptive Brake Light Sequencing for UTV Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket upgrade kits for UTVs often lack seamless integration with OEM systems, particularly for vehicles not designed for public road use, as they cannot be equipped with turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights without meeting stringent safety standards, leading to a need for adaptive solutions that maintain OEM styling and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive brake light system that integrates aftermarket flashing and directional indicator circuits with OEM brake light circuits, allowing OEM brake lights to function as turn signals, hazard indicators, and reverse indicators, while maintaining OEM styling and safety features through custom light sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UTVs are equipped with turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights to meet public road safety standards, then safety and road usability are improved, but the vehicle is subject to stringent safety testing and manufacturing requirements that increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing brake light circuit to perform multiple functions: serving as both brake lights and turn signal indicators through an adaptive control system. The brake light assembly is configured to operate in different modes (brake mode, turn signal mode, hazard mode) based on control signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated turn signal circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety functionality
2Reliability
If aftermarket upgrade kits are installed to add turn signals and hazard lights to UTVs, then safety features are improved, but seamless integration with OEM systems and maintenance of OEM styling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aftermarket safety light functions with the OEM brake light system by integrating the turn signal and hazard light functionalities into the existing brake light assembly. The control system combines multiple control signals (brake pedal signal, turn signal request, hazard light request) and routes them through a unified circuit configuration, allowing seamless integration with OEM systems while maintaining aesthetic appearance and electrical architecture compatibility
3Device complexity
If UTVs are manufactured without turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights to avoid stringent safety standards, then manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced, but safety and road usability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the existing brake light infrastructure to serve itself by providing turn signal and hazard light functionalities through software/control logic configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware components. The brake light circuit automatically adapts its operation mode based on control inputs, allowing the system to provide multiple safety functions using the same physical infrastructure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while improving safety
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. They 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.