Towing Vehicle Socket with Proximity-Activated LED Illumination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical sockets for towing vehicles are difficult to locate and connect in low-light conditions, requiring users to kneel down or use a flashlight, and the non-interchangeable pins complicate proper orientation.

Innovation Solution

An electrical socket with integrated light sources activated by a proximity sensor, allowing users to easily identify and connect the socket without kneeling, using capacitive or inductive sensors to detect user presence and LED lights for illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrical socket is mounted under the rear bumper or integrated in the rear part of the vehicle, then the electrical connection can be established between towing vehicle and trailer, but the socket becomes difficult to locate and connect in low-light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidsocket accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies illumination (optical effect) to change the visual state of the socket area. Light sources are integrated into the socket housing to emit light that illuminates the socket and surrounding area, making it visible and easily locatable in low-light conditions without changing the socket's physical mounting position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the user uses a flashlight or touches the rear part of the vehicle to locate the socket, then the socket can be found, but the user must kneel down or hold equipment with one hand, making connection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket location detectionVSAvoidconnection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The socket system provides self-service by automatically illuminating itself when a user approaches. The proximity sensor detects the user's presence and triggers the light sources to turn on, eliminating the need for the user to carry or operate external lighting equipment like flashlights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical actions (kneeling down, holding flashlight, searching by touch) with an automated optical system. The proximity sensor and integrated light sources create an automatic illumination system that activates based on user proximity, substituting the need for manual positioning and external tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the electrical contacts are non-interchangeable with fixed pin-to-pin correspondence, then proper electrical connection can be established, but the correct orientation must be found manually, increasing connection time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact alignmentVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated light sources illuminate the socket's internal structure, including the electrical connectors and pin arrangements. This lighting enables the user to clearly see the correct orientation and alignment requirements, reducing the time needed to match pins correctly without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

Enhances visibility and ease of connection by automatically illuminating the socket when a user approaches, reducing the need for manual searching and incorrect orientation, while maintaining robustness and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor and a control unit for activating the light sources in response to the proximity sensor detecting a presence of a user at a distance around the socket below a predetermined threshold distance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

one or more light sources... Switching on the light source also helps the user to manipulate the socket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLED light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

using LED lights for illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10639951B2Electrical socket

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 ENGANCHES Y REMOLQUES ARAGON

AI summary

An electrical socket for connecting an electrical installation of a towing vehicle with an electrical installation of a trailer is provided. The electrical socket comprises a plurality of electrical connectors and a plurality of holes for receiving pins from an electrical plug to connect to the electrical connectors. The socket further comprises one or more light sources, a proximity sensor and a control unit for and a control unit for activating the light sources in response to the proximity sensor detecting a presence of a user at a distance around the socket below a predetermined threshold distance. An electrical kit for connecting an electrical installation of a towing vehicle with an electrical installation of a trailer comprising such an electrical socket is also disclosed.