Automotive Lighting System Wireless DRL Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting a vehicle with a daytime running light (DRL) function requires modification to the existing electrical wiring, which is inconvenient and not easily achievable without intervention into the original wiring.
Innovation Solution
An automotive lighting system that uses a signal emitting device installed in a lamp socket to emit radio signals based on electrical power supply, allowing a lighting module to operate a light source in different modes without modifying the vehicle's wiring, using a lamp socket connection for reliable electrical and mechanical installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a DRL light source is connected to the position light wiring to enable automatic control, then the DRL function can be activated automatically, but modification to the original wiring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position light adapter as an intermediary device that connects between the position light bulb and the vehicle wiring. This adapter includes a radio frequency transmitter that communicates with a receiver in the DRL control module, enabling automatic DRL activation without requiring direct wiring modifications. The adapter serves as a mediator that bridges the existing position light circuit and the new DRL function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical wiring modifications with a radio frequency communication system. Instead of physically connecting the DRL control to the position light switch circuit through wiring changes, the system uses wireless RF signals transmitted by the adapter and received by the control module to achieve the same control function.
2Ease of operation
If a lamp socket connection is used to install the signal emitting device, then installation is simplified without wiring modification, but electrical connection reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lamp socket universal by designing it to accommodate both traditional light bulbs and the new signal emitting device (adapter). The socket maintains its original electrical connection functionality while also supporting the additional RF transmission function through the integrated adapter, allowing a single connection point to serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the position light bulb function and the RF signal transmission function into a single integrated adapter assembly that connects to the existing lamp socket. This combination allows the device to both receive electrical power for the DRL function and transmit control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for separate wiring connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy installation of additional lighting functions like DRL without altering the original wiring, ensuring reliable operation and coordination with existing lighting systems by varying the luminous flux based on signal reception, ensuring the DRL function is activated only when the low beam is not active.
Implementation Method 1
The signal emitting device operates by emitting a radio signal depending on electrical power supplied to the lighting connection of the lamp socket
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive lighting system (20) is described with a signal emitting device (30) installed in a lamp socket (18). The lamp socket (18) is connected to a lighting connection (16) of a vehicle (10). The signal emitting device (30) emits a signal if the lighting connection (16) is energized. A lighting module (24) is connected to an electrical power supply (28) of the vehicle (10). The lighting module (24) comprises a receiver (42), a control unit (45) and a light source (22). The control unit (46) is disposed to operate the light source (22) in a first mode if a signal is received in the receiver, and in a second mode if the signal is not received.