CHMSL Controller with Multi-Source Power Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Center High Mounted Stop Lamps (CHMSLs) are limited to only providing braking signals and lack additional capabilities, especially when not powered during a brake application, and there is a need for enhanced emergency functions that are cost-effective and offer more utility.
Innovation Solution
A CHMSL system with a housing and high-intensity LEDs, utilizing multiple power sources (supercapacitor, rechargeable battery, and primary battery) and electronic circuitry to sense braking or emergency events, switch power sources, and alter light frequency or color to indicate different emergency levels, including a CPU for control and an IMU for accident detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a CHMSL assembly is powered only during brake application, then power consumption is reduced, but emergency functions during non-braking situations cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by switching between multiple power sources (vehicle battery, supercapacitor, rechargeable battery) based on braking events and energy availability. The system dynamically transitions from static single-power-source operation to adaptive multi-power-source operation, enabling emergency functions during non-braking situations while optimizing power consumption through event-driven activation and energy harvesting during brake applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power sources are integrated, then emergency functions are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple power sources (vehicle battery, supercapacitor, rechargeable battery) into a universal power management system that serves both normal braking illumination and emergency functions. The electronic circuitry is designed to universally manage energy harvesting, storage, and distribution across all power sources, enabling the CHMSL assembly to perform multiple functions (brake lighting, emergency warning, energy storage) through a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic circuitry as an intermediary layer between multiple power sources and the light-emitting device. This intermediary manages power source selection, energy harvesting during braking, voltage regulation, and switching between power sources based on energy availability. The intermediary simplifies complexity by providing a centralized control mechanism that automatically manages the multi-power-source system without requiring complex external management circuits.
3Power
If energy harvesting is implemented during braking, then power availability is improved, but circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy harvesting function with the existing brake light power management circuitry. The same electronic circuitry that controls brake lamp illumination is extended to harvest and store energy from the vehicle battery during braking events. By combining energy harvesting, storage, and distribution functions into a single integrated circuit system, the patent improves power availability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the harvesting circuitry shares components and control logic with the existing lighting system.
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 enhanced emergency functions during braking and non-braking situations, extending power usage and providing visual warnings for various emergency events, while maintaining illumination levels and conserving energy by switching power sources and altering light patterns.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting device such as a high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
The different sources of electrical power may include a supercapacitor, a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 3
The different sources of electrical power may include a supercapacitor, a rechargeable battery, or a primary battery
Data Source
AI summary
An improved Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) harvests electrical power while providing additional features when the CHMSL is not powered during a brake application. Electronic circuitry determines if the different sources of electrical power have sufficient energy to activate the light-emitting device; senses a vehicle braking or emergency event to activate the light-emitting device upon sensing the event; and switches from one source of electrical power to a different source of electrical power if it is determined that a particular source of electrical power has become depleted or incapable of activating the light-emitting device. The different sources of electrical power may include a supercapacitor, a rechargeable battery, or a primary battery. The electronic circuitry operative to sense a braking or emergency event may include a brake signal input or an inertial measurement unit (IMU).