Trailer Light Connection Detection Without OFF-State Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer light detection systems struggle to accurately determine the electrical connection status between a vehicle and a trailer, especially when the trailer lights are in an OFF state, leading to potential safety issues due to undetected disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A trailer light management system that uses a constant current source to supply a low constant current to the trailer lights when they are in an OFF state, measuring the voltage drop across the circuitry to determine the electrical connection status, and providing notifications to the vehicle's Human-Machine Interface or user device regarding the connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high current is supplied to detect trailer light connection status, then the detection reliability is improved, but the trailer lights will illuminate causing safety issues and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the current parameter from high current (which would illuminate lights) to low constant current (below illumination threshold) while maintaining detection capability through precise voltage measurement. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable detection without causing harmful light illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct electrical testing (which would cause illumination) with voltage drop measurement under low constant current conditions. By measuring voltage at the constant current source output and comparing with supply voltage, the system achieves detection reliability without the harmful effect of light illumination.
2Measurement precision
If the trailer lights are tested in ON state to detect connection status, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs diagnostics during OFF-state by changing the operating parameter from normal operational current to a low constant current below the illumination threshold. This enables connection status detection with high precision while minimizing energy consumption and avoiding safety issues associated with unintended light illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs connection status detection preliminarily during OFF-state before normal operation begins. By measuring voltage drop under low constant current conditions, the system ensures proper connection is established before higher current operation, thereby preventing energy waste from detecting faulty connections during actual use.
3Loss of information
If conventional detection methods are used that allow trailer lights to illuminate during testing, then the connection status can be detected, but safety issues arise and potential accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the testing parameter from illuminating current to sub-threshold constant current, enabling complete acquisition of connection status information while eliminating safety hazards associated with unintended light illumination during diagnostic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses voltage drop measurement feedback under low constant current to determine connection status without causing harmful light illumination. The voltage measurement provides complete connection information while the low current level ensures safety by preventing accidental activation of trailer lights during detection.
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 system effectively detects the electrical connection status between the vehicle and the trailer without illuminating the trailer lights, ensuring timely notifications to the vehicle operator about any disconnections, thus enhancing safety and preventing potential accidents.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the voltage drop across the circuitry to determine the electrical connection status
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer light management system is disclosed. The system may include a constant current source circuit and a processor. The constant current source circuit may be configured to supply a current to a trailer light. The processor may be configured to obtain a trigger signal and cause the constant current source circuit to supply the current to the trailer light responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to determine a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit responsive to supplying the current. In addition, the processor may determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the voltage drop. The processor may perform a predefined action responsive to determining that the predefined condition may be met.