Vehicle Light Source Failure Detection via Signal Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for motor vehicle light sources, particularly LEDs, lack effective means to detect total and partial failures, which is critical for ensuring safety and constant luminosity in automotive lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with diagnostic means that processes signals from multiple control units to detect partial and total failures using binary signals, reducing wiring and enhancing electromagnetic compatibility by employing a microcontroller and logic gates to generate failure detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate diagnostic connections are used for each control means, then reliable failure detection is achieved, but wiring complexity and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic signals from several control means into a single diagnostic connection. The processing unit aggregates the diagnostic signals using logical operations (AND gate for total failure detection, OR gate for partial failure detection), allowing reliable failure detection while reducing wiring complexity to just one diagnostic connection between the power supply device and the external diagnostic system.
2Loss of information
If multiple separate diagnostic connections are used for each control means, then complete diagnostic information is obtained, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diagnostic signals into a single communication line, reducing the number of wires and thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference. The processing unit processes the combined information from all control means through logical operations, ensuring that complete diagnostic information is retained despite the reduced number of physical connections.
3Device complexity
If simple linear power supply converters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect partial and total failures simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary between the simple linear power supply converters and the diagnostic system. This processing unit aggregates diagnostic signals from multiple control means using logical operations (AND gate for total failure, OR gate for partial failure), enabling simultaneous detection of both partial and total failures while maintaining the simplicity of the power supply circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit implements feedback by continuously monitoring diagnostic signals from all control means and providing consolidated failure detection information. The logical operations (AND and OR gates) process the feedback signals to distinguish between partial and total failures, enhancing the reliability of the simple linear power supply system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a power supply device for a plurality of light sources in a motor vehicle. The device comprises a plurality of means for controlling the power supply to at least one of the light sources. Each control means includes diagnostic means configured to provide a diagnostic signal for said light source. According to the invention, the device is capable of providing two binary signals to identify a partial and/or total failure of the plurality of light sources.