CAN-Bus LED Adaptor With Wireless Power and Bulb-Out Load Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CAN-bus systems struggle to detect and supply appropriate power to LED lighting units, leading to incorrect or intermittent current transmission and activation of the 'bulb out' warning indicator, especially when replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs, due to their low power consumption, and existing solutions like in-line adaptors face issues with overheating and increased wiring complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmitter and resistor-based adaptor that connects to a vehicle CAN-bus, allowing for wireless power delivery to LED lights at a suitable level, while using resistors to mimic the wattage requirement of halogen bulbs, thus preventing the 'bulb out' warning and providing heat dissipation to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED lights are used to replace halogen bulbs, then power consumption is reduced and operating life is extended, but the CAN-bus control unit cannot detect the expected current draw and activates the bulb-out warning indicator
Solution Approach 1:
An adaptor unit is introduced as an intermediary device between the CAN-bus control unit and the LED lighting unit. The adaptor contains resistors that simulate the electrical characteristics of halogen bulbs, allowing the CAN-bus control unit to detect expected current draw and prevent false bulb-out warnings while the LED lights continue to operate at their low power consumption level
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor unit changes the electrical parameters presented to the CAN-bus control unit by using resistors to simulate the higher current draw characteristics of halogen bulbs. This parameter transformation allows the control unit to recognize the lighting circuit as functional while the actual LED lights consume minimal power
2Reliability
If in-line adaptors with multiple resistors are used to adjust LED power levels, then the bulb-out warning is prevented, but overheating and fire hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat-generating function is extracted from the in-line adaptor and relocated to a separate heat dissipation unit. The resistor elements are removed from the adaptor housing and placed in a dedicated unit with specialized heat dissipation features such as fins, vents, or active cooling, separating the electrical simulation function from the thermal management challenge
Solution Approach 2:
The heat generated by the resistors is managed by converting the harmful thermal energy into a controlled dissipation process through heat sinks, thermal vents, or active cooling systems. The heat that would otherwise cause fire hazards is redirected through controlled pathways that safely dissipate energy while maintaining the electrical simulation function
3Reliability
If multiple resistors and wiring connections are added to adjust power levels, then the bulb-out warning is prevented, but circuit fault risk and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resistor elements and wiring connections are merged into a single integrated adaptor unit. The adaptor consolidates the electrical simulation circuitry, heat dissipation mechanisms, and connection interfaces into one unified device that interfaces with the CAN-bus system through a single connection point, eliminating the need for multiple separate wiring modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor unit is designed as a universal interface that combines multiple functions: electrical characteristic simulation, heat dissipation, and CAN-bus communication. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and wiring modifications, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to prevent false bulb-out warnings
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
Enables seamless retro-fitting or replacement of halogen bulbs with LEDs without rewiring, ensuring reliable power transmission and preventing overheating, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of LED lighting systems in vehicles, including trailers, by using wireless power transmission and heat dissipation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit power at a first power level
Implementation Method 2
one or more resistors connected between the connector and transmitter and arranged to draw power from the connector at a second power level higher than the first power level
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor for connecting an LED lighting unit to a vehicle CAN-bus. The adaptor has a connector connectable to a corresponding connector on a vehicle, to receive a lighting current from the CAN-bus of the vehicle. A wireless power transmitter of the adaptor wirelessly transmits power to the LED lighting unit at a first level, typically suited to LED operation. The adaptor further includes one or more resistors connected between the connector and transmitter and arranged to draw power from the connector at a second power level higher than the first power level, which second power level is suitably equivalent to that for halogen or filament lighting.