Vehicle Lamp Control Device Using Binary Signal Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lamp light distribution control systems require different custom ICs for leveling and swivel actuators, leading to complexity, high costs, and maintenance challenges, as well as precision issues during failures.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a unified configuration of input ports and a setting unit that associates binary signals with numerical values, using a pull-down circuit to maintain control precision by setting a binary signal array corresponding to a reference value, even in the presence of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different custom ICs are used for each actuator (LA, SA, LSA), then control precision is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single control IC that can control multiple types of actuators (LA, SA, and LSA) through a unified control interface. The control IC reads binary signals from input ports and determines actuator type and control parameters programmatically, eliminating the need for separate custom ICs for each actuator type while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying binary signal configurations (patterns of 0s and 1s) input to the control IC to differentiate between actuator types and control modes. By changing the binary signal parameters rather than hardware configuration, the system achieves versatile actuator control with a single IC design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose IC with program storage is used, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and program writing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the program storage and configuration complexity from the IC manufacturing process itself. Instead of programming each IC individually during manufacturing, the system uses external binary signal inputs that can be configured without modifying the IC hardware or requiring complex programming during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive binary signal configurations rather than complex programmed logic. The binary input signals act as disposable, easily changeable configuration parameters that don't require expensive programmed ICs, making the system easier and cheaper to manufacture while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If binary signal input configuration is used for actuator control, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision decreases when failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the binary signal configuration so that the default state (when input ports are pulled down to 0) corresponds to a safe reference value for actuator control. This ensures that if a failure occurs and input ports become undefined, the system defaults to a known good state rather than an erroneous value, preventing precision degradation during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the control IC read the binary signal states from input ports and adjust actuator control based on the detected pattern. The system continuously monitors the binary input configuration and adjusts control parameters accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to the current configuration state and maintain precision even when configuration changes occur.
4Reliability
If pull-down circuit configuration is used for input ports, then failure behavior is controlled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using simple pull-down resistors that automatically force input ports to a defined 0 state when no external signal is applied. This passive circuit element requires no active control or complex logic to ensure reliable failure behavior, making the implementation straightforward and easy to manufacture while providing robust failure protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device that includes a plurality of input ports, each of which receives a binary signal including a first level and a second level, and a setting unit, which sets a numerical value related to control based on the binary signal input to each of the input ports, is disclosed. The input port is configured to be at the second level when a failure occurs, and the setting unit associates different binary signal arrays with a plurality of the numerical values, respectively, and sets a binary signal array corresponding to a numerical value equivalent to a reference value among the plurality of numerical values as an array in which the number of the second level is the largest.