Coupling Device Status Indication via Optical Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing a status indication of a coupling device in towing vehicles face challenges with electrical safety compliance and susceptibility to corrosion, particularly when using light emitting devices and their connections for visual indicators.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement using a sensor to detect the coupling pin's engaged position, coupled with a light emitting device and an optical waveguide to guide and out-couple light signals, eliminating electrical safety concerns and corrosion issues by positioning the light emitting device in the same safety zone as the sensor and utilizing flexible optical fibers for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light emitting device is arranged on the side of the vehicle and connected to the sensor with an electrical wire, then the driver can observe the status indication in the rear view mirror, but the system becomes susceptible to corrosion and must fulfill electrical safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
An optical waveguide acts as an intermediary between the light emitting device and the observation point. The waveguide transmits the light signal from the sensor vicinity to the vehicle side without requiring electrical connections in the external environment, thus eliminating corrosion susceptibility while maintaining visibility function
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is replaced with an optical transmission system. Instead of using electrical wires to transmit signals from the sensor to the indicator, the patent uses optical waves guided through a waveguide, substituting the electrical field with an optical field to avoid electrical safety issues and corrosion
2Illumination intensity
If the light emitting device is positioned far from the sensor to improve visibility, then the indication can be observed more easily, but the electrical connection becomes more complex and susceptible to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide serves as a mediator that can transmit light over extended distances while maintaining signal integrity. The waveguide's physical structure allows the light signal to travel from the sensor area to the vehicle exterior without requiring complex electrical wiring or connection points
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the sensor and light emitting device remain in the electrical safety zone near the sensor, while the optical waveguide extends the light transmission to the observation point on the vehicle side, separating the electrical and optical functions spatially
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
This solution provides a reliable and corrosion-resistant visual status indication of the coupling device, ensuring compliance with electrical safety regulations and enhancing visibility of the signal around the vehicle, making it easier for the driver to observe without additional safety assurance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide arranged to receive the light signal and guide the light signal
Implementation Method 2
The out-coupling structure may simply be a grating or other irregularity on the surface of the optical waveguide, serving to interrupt the total internal reflection otherwise occurring in the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
an out-coupling structure arranged to out-couple the light signal from the optical waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
An arrangement for providing a status indication of a coupling device of a towing vehicle, comprising a sensor arrangement (20) operable to detect when a coupling pin of the coupling device is in an engaged coupling position, a light emitting device (10) electrically connected to the sensor arrangement, and configured to emit a light signal indicative of when the coupling pin is in an engaged coupling position, the light emitting device (10) being arranged in the vicinity of the sensor. The arrangement further comprises an optical waveguide (11) arranged to receive the light signal and guide the light signal, and an out-coupling structure (17; 18) arranged to out-couple the light signal from the optical waveguide.