Trailer Connector Resistive Ground Path for LED Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle electrical systems for trailer towing are not compatible with LED trailer light circuits, as they fail to sense the electrical ground connection, preventing the energization of LED trailer lights.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a resistive component is introduced between the towing vehicle's energizing circuit and the trailer's lighting circuit, providing a resistive path to ground, allowing the towing vehicle to energize LED trailer lights by integrating resistors or incandescent lights between the LED trailer lights and the towing vehicle plug connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a traditional towing vehicle electrical system is used with LED trailer lights, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but the system fails to sense ground connection and energize the lights
Solution Approach 1:
A resistive component (resistor or incandescent bulb) is introduced as an intermediary element between the LED trailer light circuit and the towing vehicle's electrical system. This intermediary provides a sufficient ground path that allows the towing vehicle to detect the ground connection and energize the circuit, while the LED lights remain connected through their own low-current path. The intermediary component bridges the gap between the high-current detection requirements of the towing vehicle and the low-current operation of LED lights.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional towing vehicle electrical system is used with LED trailer lights, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive component serves as an adapter or intermediary that translates between the electrical characteristics of traditional towing vehicle systems and LED trailer light systems. It provides the necessary current for ground detection while allowing the LED lights to operate efficiently at lower current, thus maintaining compatibility without sacrificing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive component changes the electrical parameters of the circuit by providing a specific resistance value that allows sufficient current flow for ground detection. This parameter modification enables the towing vehicle's ground sensing circuit to detect the connection while the LED lights continue to operate with their low current requirements, achieving compatibility through parameter transformation.
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 normal operational interface between towing vehicles and trailers with LED lights, ensuring proper energization of LED trailer lights by creating a functional ground path, thus overcoming compatibility issues with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The connector includes a resistive component coupled between the first contact and the second contact
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provides for coupling a trailer lighting circuit including a light emitting diode to towing vehicle lighting circuit. The apparatus includes a connector having a first contact for coupling to a trailer lighting circuit input and a second contact for coupling to an electrical ground. The connector includes a resistive component coupled between the first contact and the second contact. The connector is configured to couple the first terminal to an output of the towing vehicle lighting circuit. The resistive component can include a resistor, an incandescent light or another component having suitable electrical resistance. The connector can be in various forms, including a trailer harness plug, a towing vehicle harness plug, or an adapter for coupling a towing vehicle electrical harness plug to a trailer electrical harness plug.