Cab Receptacle Indicator Light for Power Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cord sets for electrically connecting vehicle accessories to power sources lack visual indicators for power presence and current flow, requiring operators to inspect the engine or instrument panel to verify functionality, especially in unreliable external power sources.
Innovation Solution
An electrical indicator system with a plug coupled to a visible indicator on the vehicle, emitting distinct visual signals to indicate power presence and current flow, simplifying the verification of accessory operation without needing to access the engine or instrument panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If no visual indicator is provided in the receptacle, then the device structure remains simple, but the operator cannot verify power presence and current flow without inspecting the engine compartment or instrument panel
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator light is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrical connection and the operator. The indicator light receives electrical signals from the plug connection and converts them into visible optical signals, mediating the transmission of power status information without requiring direct inspection of electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods (opening hood, checking instrument panel) with an optical indication system. The indicator light provides visual feedback that substitutes for physical inspection of electrical connections and engine compartment status.
2Ease of operation
If the operator must inspect the engine compartment or instrument panel to verify accessory operation, then no additional indicator components are needed, but the operator experiences inconvenience and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle system performs self-verification by automatically providing visual indicators of power presence and current flow status. The indicator light serves itself by directly displaying operational status without requiring the operator to perform separate verification actions through instrument panels or engine inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator light provides preliminary visual confirmation of power presence before the operator attempts to use the accessory. This advance information allows the operator to verify proper connection and power availability immediately upon plugging in, eliminating the need for subsequent inspection steps.
3Reliability
If external power sources are used at truck stops or service stations, then the vehicle accessory can be powered remotely, but the reliability of power delivery cannot be confirmed without visual indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator light system provides real-time feedback about the electrical connection status and power delivery state. The first indicator shows power presence at the plug, while the second indicator shows current flow through the accessory, creating a feedback loop that confirms reliable power delivery from external sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different colored lights or light states to indicate different operational conditions. Visual color changes provide immediate, unambiguous information about power presence and current flow status, allowing the operator to quickly assess power delivery reliability without technical expertise.
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
Provides immediate visual confirmation of power availability and usage to the operator, enhancing convenience and safety by eliminating the need for unnecessary inspections.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug
Implementation Method 2
The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.