Sequential LED Column Lighting for Directional Turn Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stop and turn signal lights on large vehicles lack visibility and clarity, particularly for oncoming drivers, as they often rely on static or simple blinking indicators that may not effectively convey the intention to stop or turn.
Innovation Solution
The integration of LED lights in a circular taillight configuration with a smart chip that sequentially illuminates columns of lights to indicate stops or turns, providing a clear and directional signal by lighting up from left to right for right turns and from right to left for left turns, ensuring high visibility and accurate communication of the vehicle's intentions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional static or simple blinking indicators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the visibility and clarity of the signal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light signal is segmented into multiple columns (first column, second column, third column, fourth column, fifth column) that can be illuminated independently in sequence. This segmentation allows the creation of directional patterns (left-to-right for right turns, right-to-left for left turns) while maintaining a manageable control structure through the smart chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic illumination patterns where columns are lit sequentially in a repeating cycle. For turn signals, the pattern alternates between left-to-right and right-to-left sequences. For stop signals, all columns illuminate simultaneously and remain lit for a sustained period. This periodic action creates clear, recognizable signal patterns that improve visibility and clarity.
2Loss of information
If sequential column illumination is implemented to indicate direction, then the clarity of turn direction is improved, but the device complexity increases due to smart chip programming
Solution Approach 1:
The smart chip is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device: it controls both stop signals (all columns lit simultaneously) and turn signals (sequential column illumination in different directions). The chip receives input from the vehicle's signal system and automatically executes the appropriate illumination pattern, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for different signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart chip operates autonomously by receiving a simple input signal from the vehicle's steering wheel signal device and automatically generating the appropriate illumination pattern. The chip self-manages the sequencing logic, timing, and column selection without requiring external control circuitry, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining clear directional information.
3Illumination intensity
If all lights are illuminated simultaneously for stop indication, then the visibility of stop signal is maximized, but the ability to distinguish from turn signal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic illumination patterns to differentiate between stop and turn signals. Turn signals use sequential illumination where columns light up one after another in a specific direction (left-to-right or right-to-left). Stop signals use simultaneous illumination where all columns light up at once and remain lit. The dynamic nature of these patterns—sequential versus simultaneous—provides clear visual distinction while maintaining high visibility for both signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action with different patterns: turn signals alternate between left-to-right and right-to-left sequential illumination cycles, while stop signals use a sustained simultaneous illumination pattern. The temporal pattern (sequential cycling versus sustained simultaneous lighting) provides clear distinction between the two signal types, preventing confusion while maximizing visibility.
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 significantly enhances visibility and clarity, enabling oncoming drivers to promptly recognize when a vehicle has stopped or is turning, thereby improving safety by providing a clear and intuitive visual signal.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention incorporates an LED light design
Data Source
AI summary
A stop light and turn signal lights which are incorporated into large vehicles such as a tractor trailer. A mating rear prong which is plugged into the electronics on the back of the vehicle which in turn is connected to the turn signal device usually on the steering wheel of the vehicle. The lights will first be lit on the first column of lights, then immediately the second column of lights, then immediately the third column of lights, then immediately the fourth column of lights and finally the fifth column of lights so that the device signals in a pattern from left to right that the vehicle is making a right turn or signals from right to left that the vehicle is making a left turn. When all lights are lit, it indicates a stop.