Vehicle Auxiliary Lighting Controller via 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, and can cause issues like incorrect turn signal operation and disabling of vehicle features when using a vehicle's electric plug.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary lighting system with a controller connected to the vehicle's electric plug, featuring a microprocessor that manages turn signal and brake light operations to prevent incorrect activation and maintains vehicle feature functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary lighting systems are installed by disconnecting and splicing OEM light wiring, then the auxiliary lights can be coordinated and controlled by the vehicle's existing electrical system, but the installation becomes labor intensive and requires altering the vehicle's existing electrical system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that connects to the vehicle's electrical system through the electric plug rather than by splicing into the light wiring. This controller mediates between the vehicle's electrical system and the auxiliary lighting system, enabling coordination without direct wiring alterations. The controller receives signals from the vehicle's electrical system through the plug and uses these signals to control the auxiliary lights, thereby achieving integration while avoiding complex installation procedures.
2Reliability
If numerous electrical connections are made between auxiliary wiring and vehicle light wiring, then the auxiliary lighting system can be powered and controlled, but the installation time increases to approximately two and one half hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the controller universal by designing it to interface with the vehicle's existing electrical system through the standard electric plug, which already contains multiple wiring connections for various vehicle functions. By utilizing this existing multi-functional connection point, the controller gains access to power and control signals without requiring separate wiring connections for each auxiliary light function. This approach maintains reliable electrical connections while dramatically reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle's electric plug is used to control auxiliary lighting, then installation is simplified, but issues arise such as incorrect turn signal operation and disabling of vehicle features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the vehicle's electrical system signals and adjusts its control of the auxiliary lighting accordingly. The controller receives feedback from the vehicle's electrical system about the current operating state (such as whether turn signals are active or what vehicle features are enabled) and uses this feedback to make appropriate adjustments to prevent incorrect operation. This feedback loop ensures that auxiliary lighting control through the electric plug does not interfere with normal vehicle feature functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary lighting system may operate with a controller that is electrically connectable to a vehicle's electric plug. The controller may have a microprocessor that is programmed to perform at least one of these functions: (A) prevent a front facing auxiliary turn signal light from going into an ON condition when a brake on the vehicle has been activated; (B) operate auxiliary turn signal lights into alternating ON and OFF conditions that match the simultaneous ON and OFF conditions of the vehicle's turn signals; and, (C) prevent the vehicle's electronic control unit from detecting that the controller is electrically connected to the electric plug.