Trailer Lighting Monitoring Adaptive Interval Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclical monitoring of LED lights in trailers leads to visible flickering due to dark flashing, which is annoying and noticeable from a distance, especially in tail and brake lights, as the method reinforces the flickering impression.
Innovation Solution
Gradually extend the waiting time between checks for LED lights if their circuits are functioning correctly, increasing the interval between dark flash pulses to reduce or eliminate flickering, while shortening the waiting time if a circuit interruption is detected to quickly identify faults or trailer decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cyclical warm monitoring is used to check LED lights, then the lighting system can be monitored continuously, but visible flickering occurs due to dark flash pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclical monitoring intervals for LED lights. The control unit performs monitoring at defined intervals, sending test pulses periodically to check circuit status. This periodic monitoring approach enables continuous system surveillance while managing the flickering effect through controlled timing of test pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing monitoring checks at predetermined intervals before actual lighting faults occur. The control unit proactively sends test pulses to verify circuit integrity and light functionality, enabling early detection of issues. This preventive monitoring approach maintains reliability by identifying problems before they affect actual lighting operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If monitoring intervals are shortened to reduce flickering, then flickering impression is reduced, but fault detection speed may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the monitoring interval adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the monitoring frequency based on system state: during normal operation, longer intervals reduce flickering, while upon detecting anomalies or circuit interruptions, the system increases monitoring frequency to quickly identify faults. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reducing flicker and maintaining fast fault detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using monitoring results to adjust subsequent monitoring behavior. When the control unit detects normal circuit status, it extends monitoring intervals to reduce flickering. When circuit interruptions or anomalies are detected, the system shortens intervals to rapidly diagnose faults. This feedback mechanism enables the system to optimize between flicker reduction and fault detection speed based on real-time conditions.
3Productivity
If monitoring frequency is increased to quickly detect faults, then fault detection speed improves, but flickering becomes more noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable monitoring intervals that adapt to system conditions. During normal operation, the system uses extended intervals to minimize flickering. When faults or circuit interruptions are detected, the system dynamically increases monitoring frequency to accelerate fault detection. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between flicker reduction and fault detection speed based on operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring, from a traction vehicle, a lighting system of a trailer with first lights having at least one brake light, at least one right tail light, at least one left tail light, at least one rear fog light and/or at least one reversing light, wherein the first lights are supplied with electricity from the traction vehicle via electric circuits, and wherein during the monitoring of the lighting system of the trailer, each of the first lights is periodically checked with a first waiting time, the check determining whether the electric circuit having the first light to be checked is closed or not, wherein the first waiting time between two checks of one of the first lights is extended incrementally starting from an initial value for each individual first light if the electric circuit through this first light is not interrupted.