Fifth Wheel Trailer Light Test Circuit for Simultaneous Flashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems for trailers lack an efficient method to test and ensure the proper operation of multiple trailer lights simultaneously, which is crucial for safety and compliance with regulations like FMVSS.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel trailer light testing device that includes a plurality of trailer lights, flashing circuits, isolation diodes, switches, and a wiring harness connector, which are electrically interconnected to illuminate and flash each light, ensuring they are functioning correctly and visible from the exterior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple trailer lights are tested individually, then each light can be tested thoroughly, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is segmented into multiple independent test channels, each capable of testing a specific trailer light (brake light, left turn signal, right turn signal, running lights). This segmentation allows simultaneous testing of multiple lights through parallel operation, dramatically improving testing efficiency while maintaining thorough individual testing for each light function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light testing functions into a single integrated device that can test brake lights, turn signals, and running lights simultaneously. By merging these functions into one unified testing system with a common power source and control mechanism, the device eliminates the need for multiple separate testing devices or sequential testing procedures, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Device complexity
If a simple lighting system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously flash multiple lights for comprehensive testing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device incorporates universal testing capabilities that can simultaneously test multiple different light functions (brake lights, turn signals, running lights) through a unified circuit design. The flashing circuit is designed to universally control all light types, and the isolation diodes provide universal protection across all channels. This multi-functionality approach maintains relatively simple overall device complexity while ensuring comprehensive and reliable testing of all trailer light functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces isolation diodes as intermediary components between the power source and each light channel. These diodes act as mediators that prevent electrical interference and feedback between different light circuits, allowing the system to maintain simple wiring while achieving reliable simultaneous testing of multiple lights. The intermediary components enable complex testing functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If trailer lights are tested without simultaneous flashing capability, then the circuit design is simpler, but the visibility and verification of all light operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device incorporates a flashing circuit that periodically activates each trailer light in sequence, creating a visible blinking pattern that makes it easy to verify light operation. This periodic flashing action significantly improves ease of operation and light verification compared to steady-state lighting, as the alternating on-off states are much more noticeable and easier to detect from a distance. The flashing mechanism uses standard electronic timing components, adding minimal complexity to the overall device while dramatically improving operational ease.
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 device effectively tests and ensures all trailer lights are operating correctly, providing a visible indication of the trailer's status and compliance with safety standards by simultaneously illuminating and flashing the brake, turn, and running lights.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of trailer lights, the plurality of flashing circuits, the plurality of isolation diodes, the plurality of switches, and the wiring harness connector are electrically interconnected
Data Source
AI summary
The fifth wheel trailer light testing device is a maintenance device. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device is adapted for use with a trailer. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device comprises the plurality of trailer lights, a plurality of flashing circuits, a plurality of isolation diodes, a plurality of switches, and a wiring harness connector. The plurality of trailer lights, the plurality of flashing circuits, the plurality of isolation diodes, the plurality of switches, and the wiring harness connector are electrically interconnected. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device electrically tests a plurality of trailer lights. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device illuminates the plurality of trailer lights to be sure that each trailer light selected from the plurality of trailer lights is operating. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device is further configured to simultaneously flash all of the plurality of trailer lights.