Trailer Lamp Control Circuit for Multi-Color Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle lamps are typically designed for specific functions and locations, making it difficult for a single lamp to perform multiple functions, such as tail, turn signal, and brake functions, due to dedicated circuits and color specifications.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction lamp system with a control circuit, sense resistor, and multiple colored circuits (red, amber, etc.) that can be programmed and controlled via wireless communication to perform various functions based on location and command inputs, allowing a single lamp to emit different colors and intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single lamp is designed for a specific function with dedicated circuits and colored lenses, then the lamp can reliably perform that specific function, but it cannot perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single lamp assembly that can perform multiple functions (tail light, brake light, turn signal) through electronic control. The lamp includes multiple LED elements of different colors (red, amber, white) and a control circuit that can activate different combinations of these LEDs based on the required function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lamps for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a control circuit that can dynamically change the lamp's output based on received signals. The control circuit can vary the intensity, color, and activation pattern of different LED elements in real-time, allowing the same physical lamp to adapt its behavior to different functional requirements (e.g., steady red for tail light, pulsing amber for turn signal).
2Ease of operation
If separate dedicated circuits are used for different lamp functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple previously separate circuits (tail light circuit, brake light circuit, turn signal circuit) into a single integrated control circuit. This control circuit receives multiple input signals and internally manages the activation of different LED elements, reducing the number of separate circuit boards, connectors, and wiring harnesses required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed as a universal controller that can handle multiple functions through software or logic control rather than dedicated hardware circuits for each function. This allows independent control of each lamp function while using a single physical circuit board, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple separate lamps are used for different functions, then each lamp can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system size and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple lamp functions into a single physical lamp assembly. The assembly contains multiple LED elements (red, amber, white LEDs) and a control circuit housed in one unit, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate lamp housings mounted at different locations on the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can perform tail light, brake light, and turn signal functions simultaneously or independently. This consolidation significantly reduces the installation space required compared to having separate dedicated lamps for each function, while maintaining the ability to optimize each function's performance through selective LED activation.
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 a single lamp to perform multiple functions efficiently, enhances functionality, and includes health monitoring to notify users when replacement is needed, improving operational flexibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a red circuit and an amber circuit each having different light emitters such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp for a vehicle or other object that includes multiple functions. In one aspect, the lamp includes a first circuit for emitting a first color light (such as red light), and at least a second circuit for emitting a second color of light (such as amber light). In another aspect, the lamp optionally includes a microcontroller that may be programmed to control the activation of the different colored lamp circuits based on lamp location information, and based on an operating mode.