Trailer Light Tester Circuit for Independent Power and Signal Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the reliability and operation of electrical circuits on trailers require connection to a vehicle's electric power system, limiting flexibility and safety in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light tester that attaches to the trailer's port, providing electrical power and simulating control signals to test and flash operating lights without connecting to the vehicle's power system, using a housing and testing circuit with components like a switch, timing circuit, and relay to operate independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connection to vehicle electric power system is required for testing, then testing can be performed with vehicle power, but flexibility and safety in emergency situations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source function from the vehicle electric power system and relocates it into the testing device itself. The testing device now contains its own power source (battery) and can operate independently without requiring connection to the vehicle's power system, thereby achieving testing flexibility while eliminating the complexity of mandatory vehicle connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power source (battery) within the testing device that mediates between the need for power and the vehicle power system. This intermediary allows the device to function autonomously, providing both DC and flashing modes without requiring vehicle connection, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and connection requirements.
2Reliability
If vehicle power system connection is required, then power is available for testing, but safety in emergency situations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dependency on the vehicle power system by extracting the power source function and placing it within the testing device. This enables safe emergency testing and flashing operations without requiring vehicle connection, thereby improving emergency safety while maintaining ease of operation through simple plug-and-play functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own power source (battery). It can independently provide power for both DC and flashing modes without needing external vehicle power, ensuring emergency safety while maintaining operational convenience through autonomous functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent power source is used, then testing can occur without vehicle connection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the testing device universal by incorporating a power source that serves multiple functions: providing power for DC testing mode and power for flashing mode. This multi-functionality justifies the added internal complexity, as the same battery and control circuitry enable both operating modes, thereby achieving independent operation capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power source function with the control circuitry into a unified system. The battery serves both DC and flashing operations, and the control circuit integrates both functions, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each mode. This combining approach enables independent operation while managing device complexity efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle light tester is a testing instrument configured for use with a trailer. The trailer comprises a plurality of operating lights and a trailer port. The trailer port attaches the plurality of operating lights to a vehicle electric power system. The vehicle light tester attaches to the trailer port of the trailer. The vehicle light tester provides electrical power to the plurality of operating lights. The vehicle light tester further simulates the control signals that operate the plurality of lights. The vehicle light tester allows for testing of the operation of a plurality of operating lights without requiring the trailer port to be connected to the vehicle electric power system. The vehicle light tester further allows for the flashing of the plurality of operating lights in an emergency situation. The vehicle light tester comprises a housing and a testing circuit. The housing contains the testing circuit.