Brake Controller Interface with RGB LED Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake controllers in towing vehicles lack intuitive and easy-to-understand interfaces, with displays and control buttons that are not user-friendly, and LEDs that do not provide clear feedback on settings or positions.
Innovation Solution
A brake controller design featuring a rotary dial or push button with RGB LEDs around it, providing intuitive feedback and a separate electronics unit for mounting under the dashboard, allowing for simpler and more cost-effective communication with the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional displays and control buttons are used on brake controllers, then the device can communicate basic information, but the interface is not intuitive or easy to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-changing LEDs arranged in an arc around the rotary dial to provide intuitive visual feedback. Different colors indicate different operational states and settings, making the interface easier to understand at a glance. The colored LEDs replace traditional numerical displays and provide immediate visual feedback about brake controller settings and status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through LEDs that change color and illumination patterns based on the rotary dial position and brake controller state. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the current settings and operational status without needing to interpret numerical displays or manual indicators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrated circuit control electronics are separated from the display and control buttons, then the device can be mounted in different locations, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brake controller into two separate modules: a display/control module containing the rotary dial and colored LEDs that can be mounted on the dashboard, and an integrated circuit control electronics module that can be mounted elsewhere in the vehicle. This segmentation provides mounting flexibility while keeping each module relatively simple in design.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for display and control, then the interface can be more intuitive, but the component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotary dial control with an arc of colored LEDs in a single integrated display module, eliminating the need for separate numerical displays, multiple indicator lights, and separate control buttons. This merging provides an intuitive interface while reducing the total number of components and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary dial serves multiple functions: it provides tactile control input and the colored LEDs around it provide multiple types of visual feedback simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate controls and displays, lowering component costs while maintaining interface intuitiveness.
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
The solution enhances user interaction with the brake controller, providing clear feedback and intuitive operation while reducing component costs and dashboard modifications.
Implementation Method 1
ten full color Red-Green-Blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in an arc around the dial
Data Source
AI summary
A brake controller has a control dial with a series of full color LEDs arranged around the dial. The dial with its LEDs is in a module mounted on the dash of the towing vehicle and connected by a cable to a main module mounted out of sight. The dial is a rotary encoder pushbutton mounted on the same circuit board as the LED chips. Status information is output using the LEDs primarily based on color. Substantially all setting input is provided solely by user manipulation of the dial, pushing the dial in to change setting input mode, with the value of the input reflected in the number of LEDs being lit in a color corresponding to the brake controller setting being changed, as the user rotates the dial either clockwise or counterclockwise to change setting values.