Rotary Dimmer Switch with LED Indicator for Vehicle Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary lighting systems for motor vehicles lack integration with vehicle operation and safety systems, leading to potential safety and functionality issues when used on motorcycles and ATVs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting control system that integrates with vehicle systems like horns and turn signals, using a compact rotary dimmer switch with a multi-color LED indicator to control and adjust auxiliary lighting systems, including overcurrent protection, allowing seamless operation without compromising safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary lighting systems are integrated with vehicle operation and safety systems, then safety and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines auxiliary lighting control with existing vehicle operation systems (horn, turn signals, high-beam headlights) into a unified control architecture. The control system integrates multiple vehicle functions through a single controller that processes inputs from various vehicle systems and coordinates lighting responses, thereby improving safety through integration while managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls auxiliary lighting based on horn activation, turn signal status, high-beam headlight operation, and user input through a rotary dimmer switch. This multi-functional design allows a single system to handle diverse vehicle operations and safety functions, improving reliability across multiple vehicle systems while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated systems for each function
2Ease of operation
If a compact rotary dimmer switch with LED indicator is used for control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-color LED ring indicator that changes color to communicate system status and provide visual feedback to the operator. The LED ring displays different colors (e.g., green, yellow, red) to indicate various operational states, lighting circuit selections, and system alerts. This visual communication method simplifies operation by providing intuitive, immediate feedback without requiring complex displays or multiple indicators, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary dimmer switch with push-button capability serves as an intermediary control interface between the user and the complex lighting control system. This single control mechanism provides multiple functions: rotating the dial selects different lighting circuits, pressing the button activates specific functions, and the integrated LED ring provides visual feedback. This intermediary device simplifies user interaction with the sophisticated control system by consolidating multiple control actions into a single, intuitive interface
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 system allows for intuitive control of auxiliary lighting systems, ensuring safe and functional operation by synchronizing lighting with vehicle systems, enhancing visibility and personalization without detracting from existing vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) indicator disposed proximate and about at least a portion of the base of the rotary dimmer switch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting system includes a rotatable, depressible, rotary dimmer switch with a light emitting diode ring indicator and a vehicle lighting controller. The vehicle lighting controller controls the operation of at least a first lighting circuit and a second lighting circuit. A digital input from the rotary dimmer switch places the controller in a first configuration mode or a second configuration mode. The digital input from the rotary dimmer also switches between apply configuring the first lighting circuit or the second lighting circuit. The LED illuminates in a first color for the first circuit and a second color for the second circuit. The rotary dimmer adjusts the operating parameter and/or the overcurrent protection associated with the first lighting circuit and the second lighting circuit.