Vehicle Direction Indicator Lamp Control Using Threshold Voltage Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle directional indicators require a separate microprocessor for control, increasing manufacturing costs and semiconductor package size due to the need for multiple electrical connections between the microprocessor and lamps.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize lamps turned on at different threshold voltages, with a controller adjusting input voltage to sequentially turn lamps on/off, minimizing the number of pins needed for connection and allowing for reduced manufacturing costs and package size by using resistors to adjust luminous intensity and setting threshold voltages during semiconductor production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate microprocessor is used to control multiple lamps, then the directional indicator can be controlled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the controller and multiple lamps into a single integrated semiconductor package. The controller contains multiple output pins that are electrically connected to multiple lamps within the same package, eliminating the need for separate microprocessors and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller within the semiconductor package performs multiple functions by controlling multiple lamps through its multiple output pins. This multi-functional controller replaces what would traditionally require separate control components, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Ease of operation
If a microprocessor and multiple lamps are electrically connected by pins, then the lamps can be controlled, but the semiconductor package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the controller and multiple lamps into a single integrated semiconductor package with internal electrical connections. This merging eliminates the need for external pin connections between separate components, significantly reducing the semiconductor package size while maintaining full control functionality.
3Productivity
If lamps are turned on at different threshold voltages, then sequential turning on/off is achieved, but voltage control precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes different threshold voltage parameters for each lamp to achieve sequential turning on/off. By designing lamps with distinct threshold voltages, the system achieves efficient sequential control through simple voltage ramping, balancing productivity improvement with manageable manufacturing precision requirements.
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 approach reduces manufacturing costs and semiconductor package size by enabling connection through a single pin, maintaining uniform luminous intensities and improving visibility while controlling directional indicators efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of lamps turned on at different threshold voltages and indicating a turning direction of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A resistor that adjusts luminous intensity of the lamps may be connected in series to each of the lamps
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a directional indicator of a vehicle includes the directional indicator including a plurality of lamps turned on at different threshold voltages and indicating a turning direction of the vehicle. A controller is configured to change an input voltage that is supplied to the lamps to sequentially turn on/off the lamps.