Trailer Light Adapter Decoding Modulated Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer light systems face difficulties in interfacing with modern towing vehicles that combine turn, stop, and running light signals using modulated lighting, making it inconvenient to locate and connect separate signal lines for trailer installations.
Innovation Solution
A trailer light adapter that decodes combined modulated signals from the towing vehicle and provides separate output signals for the trailer lights, using a decoder circuit and power circuit to directly illuminate or buffer the signals, reducing installation complexity by detecting and interpreting PWM and voltage modulated signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate signal lines for STOP, LEFT, RIGHT, and RUNNING light circuits are located and connected, then the trailer lighting system can be properly interfaced with the towing vehicle, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming due to the long distances and difficulty of locating these circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate signal line functions (STOP, LEFT, RIGHT, RUNNING) into a single combined signal line that carries all lighting control information. The adapter device receives this single combined modulated signal and internally separates it into the individual lighting control signals needed for trailer operation, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device serves as an intermediary between the towing vehicle's combined modulated signal and the trailer's separate lighting circuits. It decodes the combined signal and generates the appropriate separate control signals for each lighting function, eliminating the need for installers to locate and connect multiple separate signal lines in the vehicle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a buffered lighting converter is used to interface with modulated lighting signals, then the trailer can operate with PWM or variable voltage signals, but the installation requires locating signal wires at specific locations (CHMSL, side markers, dashboard) which are far from the trailer connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device is designed to universally accept combined modulated signals containing STOP, LEFT, RIGHT, and RUNNING light information through a single input connection. It internally processes and separates these signals to control all trailer lighting functions, making the system adaptable to various vehicle configurations without requiring location-specific wire tapping.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the intensity of a single lamp is controlled using PWM techniques to indicate running light and stop/turn conditions, then energy efficiency is improved, but the trailer lighting system requires decoding capability to interpret these modulated signals
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device dynamically responds to the modulated input signal by detecting PWM duty cycles and voltage levels. It dynamically switches its internal circuitry to generate appropriate output signals for different lighting conditions (running light at lower duty cycle, stop/turn at 100% duty cycle), enabling energy-efficient vehicle lighting while providing stable trailer lighting control.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer light adapter that is adapted to supply signals to operate the lights of a towed vehicle from modulated signals of a lighting circuit of a towing vehicle, includes at least one input that is adapted to receive a modulated signal from the lighting circuit of the towing vehicle and at least one output that is adapted to supply an output signal to operate a light of the towed vehicle. The adapter further includes a decoder that is adapted to decode a modulated signal and to provide a decoded signal indicative of a desired state of the light of the towed vehicle. The adapter further includes a power circuit that is responsive to the decoded signal and is adapted to supply the output signal to operate the light of the towed vehicle. The adapter may be responsive to a variable voltage modulated signal, a pulse-width modulated signal, or the like.