Trailer Visual Indicator Adaptor for Distinct Brake Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractor trailers face challenges in effectively indicating braking and turning operations through visual signals, as existing systems often require rewiring or splicing of lighting circuits, which can be complex and prone to errors, and do not efficiently differentiate between normal operation and braking conditions.
Innovation Solution
A visual signaling adaptor with a housing and circuit that includes current blocking devices and a voltage reduction component, allowing for in-line coupling with the trailer's wiring harness without rewiring, and a trailer lamp assembly with a control circuit that supplies distinct voltage signals to lamps based on power, brake, and turn signals, enabling clear differentiation between normal operation and braking conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing visual signaling systems are used, then the trailer can indicate basic operating conditions, but the systems require complex rewiring and splicing of lighting circuits which are prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (adapter or control module) that interfaces between the existing wiring harness and the lighting circuits. This intermediary component simplifies the connection by providing pre-configured circuitry inside a housing, eliminating the need for complex field rewiring and splicing while maintaining reliable signal transmission for brake and turn indications.
2Loss of information
If existing visual signaling systems are used, then basic indication is provided, but the systems do not efficiently differentiate between normal operation and braking conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different visual signal intensities or characteristics for different operational conditions. Specifically, the system delivers enhanced or distinct visual signals (such as brighter brake lights or differentiated flash patterns) localized to specific lighting circuits when braking conditions are detected, while maintaining normal operation signals under standard conditions. This allows clear differentiation of operational status without requiring complete system redesign.
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
The solution allows for efficient and reliable visual indication of braking and turning operations without the need for rewiring, ensuring clear visibility of the trailer's status to other drivers, enhancing safety by providing distinct intensity levels for normal and braking conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage reduction device electrically coupled between the second voltage blocking device and the output. In some embodiments, the voltage reduction device may be embodied as a resistor. In some embodiments, the resistor may be sized to step-down the voltage of the power input by about 0.5.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second current blocking devices may be embodied as diodes. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first current blocking device may be embodied as a diode having an anode coupled to the brake signal input and a cathode coupled to the output.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes a control circuit electrically coupled to a plurality of lamps positioned in a rear header of the trailer. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.