Auxiliary Lighting Control via Vehicle Electric Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auxiliary lighting systems for vehicles, such as those used with snowplows, require labor-intensive electrical connections and alterations to the vehicle's OEM electrical system, making installation time-consuming and complex, often necessitating the use of an electrical technician.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary apparatus with a microprocessor-controlled auxiliary lighting system that is hardwire connectable to a vehicle's trailer plug or electric plug, allowing for simplified installation by eliminating the need for splicing or altering the vehicle's existing wiring, and using a plug-and-play connection method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary lighting systems are connected to the vehicle's electrical system using traditional wiring methods, then the lighting system can be powered and controlled, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming requiring electrical technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lighting system is divided into separate modular components (lights, controller, wiring harness) that can be independently connected to the vehicle's electrical system through the trailer plug, eliminating the need for integrated wiring installation
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing trailer plug serves as an intermediary connection point between the vehicle's electrical system and the auxiliary lighting system, providing power and control signals without requiring direct integration with the vehicle's primary wiring
2Reliability
If auxiliary lighting systems are hardwired into the vehicle's electrical system, then stable power supply is achieved, but the installation becomes complex and invasive requiring system alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer plug, originally designed for trailer connections, is utilized as a universal connection point for auxiliary lighting systems, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple functions without additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's electrical system is pre-configured with the trailer plug and appropriate wiring during manufacturing, so that auxiliary lighting systems can be connected later without requiring new wiring installation or system alterations
3Reliability
If traditional wiring methods are used for auxiliary lighting, then electrical connections can be made, but the installation requires electrical technicians and increases labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lighting system is designed to be self-installable by the vehicle owner using simple plug-and-play connections at the trailer plug, eliminating the need for professional electrical technicians and specialized tools
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary apparatus may be used with a vehicle having an electric plug. The apparatus may include an auxiliary lighting system having a front facing auxiliary light, a controller, and auxiliary wiring that transmits an electric signal from the electric plug. The controller may be programmed to operate the auxiliary light based directly or indirectly on an electric signal from the electric plug.