Sealed Light Assembly with External Power Jack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Truckers face challenges in supplying 12-volt power to over-the-road trailers as most trailers lack power jacks, leading to unreliable electrical connectivity and risk of short circuits when splicing wires through the rubber gasket.
Innovation Solution
A sealed light assembly with an external electrical jack that includes a fuse and an LED test circuit, providing a waterproof connection and indicating whether power is available through the jack, ensuring reliable power supply to external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spliced wires are run through or around the rubber gasket to supply power, then power can be supplied to external devices, but the risk of short circuits increases and wire connectivity becomes unreliable due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealed light assembly as an intermediary device that contains an integrated power jack. This mediator provides a protected pathway for electrical connections, eliminating the need to route wires through the rubber gasket while maintaining power supply capability. The light assembly's sealed environment protects electrical components from corrosion and short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly serves multiple functions: it provides illumination (primary function) and simultaneously houses an integrated power jack for supplying power to external devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring solutions while improving reliability through integrated design.
2Reliability
If a sealed light assembly with integrated jack is used, then reliable power supply and protection against short circuits are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light housing, light source, and power jack into a single integrated sealed assembly. By merging these components, the design achieves reliable protected electrical connections without requiring additional separate parts or complex external wiring arrangements.
3Loss of information
If an LED test circuit is added to indicate power availability, then power status can be monitored, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an LED indicator that changes color or illuminates to visually indicate power availability status. This provides clear information feedback about the electrical connection state without requiring complex monitoring systems or additional components beyond the simple LED circuit.
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 solution provides a reliable and safe method to supply power to external devices on trailers, preventing short circuits and corrosion, while ensuring long-term electrical connectivity and easy power availability.
Implementation Method 1
the indicator light includes an LED and a current-limiting resistor) for indicating whether power is available through the second connector
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for supplying external power through a sealed light enclosure that includes a lens portion and a back portion, a first electrical connector mounted through the back portion; a light source inside the enclosure connected to the first electrical connector such that when electrical power is applied to the first electrical connector, the light source illuminates. A second electrical connector has a connection interface exposed on the outer face of the lens portion, wherein the second connector is electrically connected to the first electrical connector, optionally through a series-connected fuse. The second connector is mounted on the back portion and sealed to the lens portion. Some embodiments include a rubber plug that can be plugged into the second connector to keep moisture out, wherein the plug includes an indicator light for indicating whether power is available through the second connector (i.e., that the fuse is not blown).