Tail Light Converter Relay Circuit for Brake-Over-Hazard Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail light converters (TLCs) struggle to accurately indicate brake lights over hazard lights when converting dual bulb system (DBS) vehicles to single bulb system (SBS) trailers, often resulting in incorrect lighting signals and safety concerns due to durability issues and voltage drops.
Innovation Solution
The development of improved TLCs featuring a brake over hazard lighting scheme, utilizing four relay and electronic styles, which can indicate brake lights over hazard lights while providing enhanced durability and minimizing voltage drops across relay contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing TLCs are used to convert DBS vehicles to SBS trailers, then the conversion is simple, but the brake light indication accuracy deteriorates when hazard lights are activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the turn signal and brake light circuits by introducing separate relay control paths. The left and right turn signal circuits are separated from the brake light circuit through dedicated relays (K3 and K4), allowing independent control. This segmentation enables the brake light to be indicated accurately even when hazard lights are activated, resolving the indication accuracy problem while maintaining conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay K2 as an intermediary component that mediates between the hazard light switch and the turn signal bulbs. When hazard lights are activated, K2 provides a bypass path that prevents the hazard signal from interfering with brake light indication. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain both adaptability to different vehicle types and precision in brake light indication.
2Reliability
If TLCs are designed for durability, then service life is extended, but voltage drops across components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch contacts with electromagnetic relays that have optimized contact designs. The relays use silver-tin oxide coated contacts that provide lower contact resistance and reduced voltage drop compared to conventional mechanical switches. This substitution maintains durability through the robust relay construction while minimizing energy loss across the switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the switching components by using relays with optimized contact resistance values. The relay contacts are designed with specific resistance characteristics that reduce voltage drops while maintaining the durability required for long service life. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve both reliability and energy efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing TLCs are used, then installation is straightforward, but protection against short circuits and overloads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protection mechanisms that act preliminarily to prevent damage. The relays and diodes are positioned and configured to detect and respond to short circuit and overload conditions before they can cause damage to the vehicle lighting system. This preliminary protection action is integrated into the conversion kit, maintaining installation simplicity while significantly improving protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses diodes D1-D6 and properly rated relays as protective elements that cushion against electrical surges, short circuits, and overloads. These components are pre-installed in the conversion kit to absorb and divert harmful electrical conditions, protecting both the vehicle and trailer lighting systems. The protection is built-in and requires no additional installation steps, preserving ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to devices used in, but not limited to, vehicle tail light converters. Improvements include: a brake over hazard lighting scheme, durability, light brightness, and an electrical systems separation system.