Trailer Hitch Lighting With Camera for Low-Visibility Reversing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of passenger vehicles, especially those with limited experience, face difficulties in low visibility conditions during snow removal operations due to obstructed reverse lights and inclement weather, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental vehicle illumination system mounted on a trailer hitch receiver that receives signals from the vehicle to actuate additional lighting, including a camera and actuators, which can be controlled wirelessly or through a key fob or mobile device, providing enhanced visibility and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If supplemental illumination system is added to vehicle, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental illumination system is divided into separate functional modules including LED light sources, control circuitry, and mounting structures that can be independently installed and maintained. This segmentation allows the visibility enhancement function to be added without requiring complete system redesign, thus managing complexity while improving illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental illumination system is designed to perform multiple functions: providing reverse illumination, parking illumination, and potential integration with camera systems for enhanced visibility. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive visibility solutions across various operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If wireless control and camera systems are added, then operational assistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system provides visual feedback to the operator, enabling real-time monitoring of the vehicle's surroundings during reverse or low-visibility operations. This feedback loop enhances ease of operation by giving operators situational awareness, justifying the added complexity through improved operational control and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication modules act as intermediaries between the illumination system, camera system, and operator's mobile device or vehicle controls. This intermediary layer enables convenient wireless operation and system coordination without requiring complex hardwired connections, managing complexity while enhancing ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A supplemental vehicle illumination system is mounted on a structure that is received by a trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle. The supplemental illumination system receives a signal from the vehicle. This actuates a supplemental lighting system that provides additional illumination, in addition to lights disposed on the vehicle. The supplemental lighting system can also, or instead, be activated over a wireless connection.