Universal Vehicle Rear Light with Polarity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle rear light systems require distinct left and right configurations, leading to storage and mounting complexities and risks of reverse mounting due to differences in wiring and programming.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle rear light system where both left and right rear lights share the same wiring harness but with reversed connections, utilizing a rectifier device to supply voltage and a polarity detection device to determine the light's orientation, allowing a single type of light with differentiated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distinct left and right rear light configurations are used, then differentiated operation of light sources is achieved, but storage and mounting complexities increase and risk of reverse mounting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single rear light unit that can function as either left or right light. The control unit detects polarity (positive or negative connection) and automatically configures the light source activation accordingly, eliminating the need for separate left and right light designs while maintaining correct differentiated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by detecting the polarity parameter of the electrical connection. Based on whether the connection is positive or negative, the control unit changes its behavior to activate appropriate light sources, enabling a single device to adapt to different lateral positions without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If distinct left and right rear light configurations are used, then differentiated operation of light sources is achieved, but risk of reverse mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same rear light unit is universally designed to work in both left and right positions. The control unit automatically detects the connection polarity and configures light source activation accordingly, eliminating the risk of reverse mounting while simplifying the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs self-service by automatically detecting the connection polarity and configuring the light source activation without requiring external programming or manual setup. This self-configuration capability eliminates mounting errors and simplifies installation.
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
Simplifies storage and mounting while maintaining differentiated operation of left and right rear lights, essential for activating specific light sources like direction indicators, by integrating connection reversal into the light's connector, ensuring identical left and right lights from a geometric and electrical perspective.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier device, configured to deliver to the output node a supply voltage equal to the absolute value of the voltage between the first and second supply terminals
Implementation Method 2
a polarity detection device, connected to the control unit, and configured to supply the latter with data indicating which of the first and second supply terminals is connected to a positive supply cable
Data Source
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AI summary
The rear light (10) comprises: - light sources; - a first power supply terminal (51) and a second power supply terminal (52), one connected to a positive power supply cable (28) of a vehicle wiring harness (17) and the other to a ground cable (29) of the harness; - at least one communication terminal (53, 54) connected to a cable (25) of a multiplexed communication medium; - a control unit for activating the light sources; - a power supply circuit for the light sources comprising a rectifier and a polarity detection device. The left rear light (10G) and the right rear light (10D) are identical. They are mounted on a vehicle symmetrically, from a geometric point of view, and inverted, from an electrical point of view.