Trailer Breakaway Emergency Lighting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailer lighting systems cease to function when uncoupled from a tow vehicle, posing a safety risk in emergency situations, especially at night, as they rely on the vehicle's electrical system for operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-sustaining emergency lighting system for trailers, comprising a battery, break-away switch, manual switch, and intermittent relay, which activates the trailer's lighting system independently of the tow vehicle's system, allowing for continuous operation as emergency flashing lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trailer lighting system is coupled to the vehicle lighting system via an umbilical cord, then the trailer lighting system operates normally during towing, but the lighting system ceases to function when uncoupled from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the vehicle-connected lighting system and the battery-powered emergency lighting system. The battery system includes a 12-volt battery, breakaway switch, and lighting components that can operate independently when the umbilical cord is disconnected, ensuring continuous lighting functionality in both coupled and uncoupled states
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is pre-charged and positioned on the trailer before uncoupling occurs. The breakaway switch is pre-configured to automatically activate the battery-powered lighting system when the umbilical cord is disconnected, ensuring immediate illumination without delay when the trailer becomes independent from the vehicle
2Device complexity
If the trailer lighting system relies on the vehicle's electrical system, then the system design is simple, but the trailer cannot provide emergency lighting when disconnected from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle-connected lighting system with an independent battery-powered lighting system into a unified trailer lighting assembly. Both systems share the same lighting components (brake lights, turn signals, marker lights), allowing a single set of lights to serve dual purposes: vehicle-dependent operation during towing and independent battery operation during emergencies
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates normally when connected to the vehicle's electrical system and automatically switches to battery power when disconnected. The breakaway switch enables the system to adapt its power source based on connection status, providing both routine towing functionality and emergency independent operation through the same physical lighting components
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
Enables trailers to maintain operational lighting even when disconnected from a tow vehicle, enhancing safety by providing continuous visibility and alerting drivers to potential hazards, particularly in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a battery, break-away switch, manual switch, and intermittent relay
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing emergency lighting for a trailer by way of retrofit or original manufacture. The system may include a battery and an intermittent flasher controlled by one or more switches. The system may include a break-away switch operable to activate both the trailer braking system and emergency lights in the event that the trailer becomes disconnected from the vehicle. The system may also include a switch for manual activation. Another embodiment may include a module attachable to a plug of a trailer electrical system. When attached, the module activates emergency lighting on the trailer.