Auxiliary Lighting Control via Trailer Plug Signal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 requiring specialized technical expertise.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary lighting system that uses a trailer plug's electrical signal to control auxiliary lights through a microprocessor-based controller, eliminating the need for complex wiring modifications by hardwiring a wire bundle from the trailer plug to the auxiliary lighting system, allowing for simpler installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex wiring modifications are made to integrate auxiliary lighting with OEM electrical system, then lighting coordination and control are achieved, but installation time increases and technical expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the auxiliary lighting control from the OEM electrical system by using an independent microprocessor-based controller that communicates via wireless signals. This segmentation allows the auxiliary lights to operate independently while still achieving coordination through signal transmission, eliminating the need for complex physical wiring integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (transceiver system) is introduced between the OEM electrical system and the auxiliary lighting system. This intermediary enables signal transmission without direct electrical connection, simplifying installation while maintaining lighting coordination and control capabilities.
2Reliability
If complex wiring modifications are made to integrate auxiliary lighting with OEM electrical system, then lighting coordination and control are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the integration process by using wireless communication. The auxiliary lighting system takes out the need for complex wiring modifications while maintaining the essential function of lighting coordination through signal transmission via the wireless intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically connecting the auxiliary lighting to the OEM electrical system through complex wiring, the system uses electromagnetic signals transmitted through the wireless intermediary to achieve the same control and coordination functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If trailer plug electrical signals are used to control auxiliary lights, then installation simplicity is improved, but signal transmission reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver system acts as a reliable intermediary that faithfully transmits electrical signals from the trailer plug to the auxiliary lighting controller. This intermediary ensures signal transmission reliability by maintaining signal integrity throughout the wireless communication process, preventing degradation or loss of control signals.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An auxiliary apparatus may be used with a vehicle. The auxiliary apparatus may include an auxiliary implement, an auxiliary lighting system and auxiliary wiring. When the auxiliary wiring is properly connected: (1) an operator adjustable auxiliary implement control is operable to operate the auxiliary implement; (2) an operator adjustable auxiliary light control is operable to operate an auxiliary headlight; and, (3) an operator adjustable vehicle light control is operable to operate an auxiliary supplemental light.