Sequential LED Lighting System with Diagnostic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light systems for signaling a motor vehicle's driving direction using LEDs connected in series lack reliable functional safety, as a sequential circuit failure may only activate the first LED, which goes undetected by vehicle diagnostics, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a DC/DC converter or constant current sources, thermal protection, excess voltage protection, and a diagnostic element that ensures sequential LED activation and alerts the driver of failures, with a reserve security element for error handling, allowing for both sequential and simultaneous LED operation within defined time frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LEDs are connected in series for sequential operation, then the lighting system can signal driving direction changes, but a sequential circuit failure may only activate the first LED which goes undetected by vehicle diagnostics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a diagnostic system that continuously monitors the operational status of each LED and control circuit components. When a failure is detected, the system provides feedback through the warning light to alert the driver, enabling real-time detection and response to sequential circuit failures that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a warning light that activates before complete system failure occurs. This preliminary alert mechanism allows the driver to be notified of potential issues in advance, providing a buffer period to address the problem before it compromises safety-critical functions.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a warning light is added to detect LED failures, then diagnostic capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The warning light serves multiple functions: it indicates system activation status, alerts drivers to failures, and provides diagnostic information. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent improves failure detection capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Ensures reliable functional safety by detecting and responding to failures, maintaining LED operation and reducing power consumption during faults, while ensuring sequential and simultaneous lighting within specific time constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) connected in series
Implementation Method 2
a thermal protection element 4, the resistance thereof varies in dependence of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a method and a device for sequentially operating light source, in particular a lighting system for signalizing a change of driving direction of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) connected in series, said diodes can be activated in a pre-determined sequence within a required time frame t0. The method comprises activating within a required time frame (t0) a sequential operation of a plurality of LEDs, wherein the operation of the first LED in the plurality of LEDs and operation of the last LED in the plurality of LEDs is carried out within an actual time frame (t1) of operation. The method further comprises activating after lapse of a safety time frame (t2) of all LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n) simultaneously.