Trailer LED Outage Detection Circuit for Mixed Lamp Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional incandescent bulb outage detection systems are ineffective for LED lamps due to the significantly lower current drop when an LED fails, and there is a lack of standardization for detecting failed lamps in vehicles with mixed incandescent and LED lamps, complicating the issue.
Innovation Solution
A circuit system comprising a load element, detection circuit, and power control circuit that detects decreased power consumption in LED lamps by increasing current flow through a PTC thermistor when a failure occurs, generating distinctive current signatures to differentiate lamp failures, and activating an LED fault light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional incandescent bulb outage detection systems are used, then current drop detection works for incandescent bulbs, but the systems cannot effectively detect LED lamp failures due to significantly lower current drop
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the electrical parameters (current, voltage, timing) dynamically based on lamp type detection. When an LED lamp is detected, the system applies higher test currents and adjusted voltage levels to generate detectable responses, whereas incandescent bulbs use standard lower current parameters. This parameter adaptation enables accurate failure detection across both lamp types.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to universally handle both incandescent and LED lamp types through a single integrated circuit. The system automatically identifies lamp type and switches between different detection modes, making it versatile enough to work with either lamp technology without requiring separate detection systems.
2Measurement precision
If higher current is applied to detect LED failures, then detection sensitivity improves, but power consumption increases and may affect incandescent bulb operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic test pulses rather than continuous high current. Brief high-current test pulses are applied at specific intervals to detect lamp failures, while normal operation continues with standard lower current levels. This periodic approach enables sensitive failure detection without sustained high power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system dynamically adjusts current levels based on operational context. During normal operation, standard current levels are maintained for power efficiency. During detection phases, the system dynamically switches to higher current levels to improve sensitivity, then returns to normal operation, optimizing both detection capability and power consumption.
3Reliability
If a standardized detection system is implemented across mixed incandescent and LED lamps, then system complexity increases, but detection reliability improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detection circuit monitors lamp responses and automatically adjusts detection parameters. The circuit receives feedback about lamp type and operational status, then modifies its detection strategy accordingly. This feedback loop enables reliable detection across mixed lamp types while keeping the control logic manageable through adaptive rather than purely predetermined complexity.
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
Effectively detects LED lamp failures by increasing current draw to a detectable level, providing specific fault information to the operator, and avoiding false positives with incandescent bulbs, ensuring reliable trailer lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The power control circuit can also be configured to automatically increase power dissipated by the load element when the detection circuit detects a failure in the LED lamp. The load element can optionally be a thermistor and, furthermore, a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistor.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle LED lighting outage detection circuit is disclosed for detecting a fault in the LED light and automatically increasing the power drawn from the light power supply in response to the fault. A complementary detection circuit is also disclosed for detecting the increased power draw and signaling a fault to an operator. The increased power draw can be selected to be in the form of a pulse that settles to a lower power draw state after a time to avoid excessive and wasteful power draw. The system can be mounted in a vehicle and, more particularly, to a semi-tractor truck.