Integrated Vehicle Lamp Circuit Reduces Size and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle lamps with separate clearance and turn signal lamps are costly and large in size due to their independent circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated vehicle lamp design where a single turn-on circuit drives both a first light source (clearance lamp) and a second light source (turn signal lamp) using shared drive circuitry, with a distribution circuit that manages current flow based on input signals to minimize size and cost, and allows the first light source to be turned off during blinking of the second light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuits are used for clearance lamp and turn signal lamp, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive circuits for the clearance lamp and turn signal lamp into a single integrated circuit. The turn-on circuit receives both the clearance lamp turn-on instruction signal and the turn signal lamp turn-on instruction signal, and controls both light sources through shared circuitry including PWM generation and current control, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining functional separation through signal-based control
2Reliability
If separate circuits are used for clearance lamp and turn signal lamp, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive circuits into a single integrated turn-on circuit that handles both clearance lamp and turn signal lamp control. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers production costs while maintaining the ability to independently control each light source through dedicated input signals
3Area of stationary object
If clearance lamp and turn signal lamp are closely positioned, then space utilization is improved, but visibility of turn signal lamp may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the clearance lamp by implementing PWM (pulse width modulation) based on the turn signal lamp turn-on instruction signal. When the turn signal lamp is activated, the clearance lamp's brightness is dynamically adjusted to be lower, preventing it from overpowering the turn signal lamp's visibility while maintaining space-efficient close positioning of both lamps
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
The integrated design reduces the overall cost and size of the vehicle lamp while ensuring the visibility of the turn signal lamp by turning off the clearance lamp during blinking, thus securing visibility and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The light source 12C includes a plurality of white light emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) provided in series (or in parallel). The light source 12T includes a plurality of amber light emitting elements provided in series (or in parallel).
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lamp includes: a first light source; a second light source; a first input terminal that receives a first turn-on instruction signal of the first light source; a second input terminal that receives a pulsed second turn-on instruction signal of the second light source; and a turn-on circuit that drives the first light source and the second light source based on the first turn-on instruction signal and the second turn-on instruction signal. The turn-on circuit includes: a drive circuit that becomes active based on the first turn-on instruction signal and the second turn-on instruction signal, and outputs a constant drive current from an output terminal; and a distribution circuit that forms a current path such that the drive current flows to the second light source, and forms a current path such that the drive current flows to the first light source.