Trailer Light Checking System Solo Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require a second person to verify the electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer by manually actuating vehicle lights and visually confirming corresponding trailer lights, which is inefficient and requires external assistance.
Innovation Solution
A trailer light checking system that includes a lighting control system capable of simulating manual actuation of vehicle lights to check the electrical connection between vehicle and trailer lights, allowing for solo verification through a terminal connection and operator input device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation of vehicle lights is performed from inside the vehicle, then the driver can operate the lights, but a second person is required to verify trailer light actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the driver to independently check trailer light connections without requiring a second person. The control system automatically actuates vehicle lights and detects corresponding trailer light responses, allowing the driver to perform the entire verification process alone through the existing interior controls and dashboard indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback to the driver about trailer light actuation status. When the driver actuates a vehicle light, the system detects whether the corresponding trailer light responds and communicates this information back to the driver through the dashboard, eliminating the need for visual confirmation by a second person.
2Reliability
If a second person performs the connection checking procedure, then trailer light actuation can be confirmed, but the process requires multiple persons and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system performs the confirmation function that previously required a second person. The control system automatically monitors and detects trailer light actuation in response to vehicle light commands, providing reliable connection verification while allowing the driver to complete the task alone, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual visual confirmation method (mechanical human observation) with an automated electrical detection system. The control system electronically monitors circuit continuity and light actuation responses, substituting the mechanical process of a second person visually checking lights with an automated electrical verification process.
3Ease of operation
If exterior vehicle lights are actuated manually, then the checking procedure can be performed, but it cannot confirm trailer light actuation from inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and communicates trailer light status information back to the driver. When exterior vehicle lights are actuated through the existing controls, the detection system monitors the corresponding trailer light responses and provides feedback to the driver through dashboard indicators, preventing loss of information about trailer light actuation status.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the driver and the trailer lights. It receives the driver's light actuation commands, monitors the electrical circuits connecting to the trailer, detects trailer light responses, and communicates this information back to the driver, thereby bridging the information gap that previously required a second person outside the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems for checking an electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer. In one embodiment, a trailer light checking system for a vehicle comprises a plurality of exterior vehicle lights and a terminal connection configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights to a respective trailer light. The trailer light checking system also comprises a lighting control system having a trailer connection checking mode configured to check the terminal connection by simulating manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights, such that a respective trailer light will actuate in combination with the simulated manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights if the terminal connection and the respective trailer light are functioning correctly.