Vehicle Light Source Diagnosis via Polarization Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diagnostic systems for vehicle light sources are limited to LED types and do not account for the specificities of different light sources, potentially leading to unsafe conditions due to undetected defects, as they fail to provide timely and reliable diagnostics for various lighting functions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that differentiate between continuous and discontinuous ignition light sources, allowing for optimized diagnosis by polarizing light sources during switching phases, adapting switching currents, and using threshold values to ensure reliable detection of failures, thereby informing users promptly of any defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single diagnostic method is used for all light sources, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of diagnosis deteriorates because different light source types have different specificities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis reliabilityVSAvoiddiagnostic method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic method dynamically adapts to different light source types (continuous ignition vs. discontinuous ignition) by detecting the ignition pattern and applying type-specific diagnostic procedures. This allows the system to maintain high reliability without requiring separate fixed diagnostic paths for each light source type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes diagnostic parameters based on light source type detection. For continuous ignition sources, polarization occurs during ignition phases; for discontinuous ignition sources, polarization occurs during non-ignition phases. This parameter adaptation ensures reliable diagnosis across different light source technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polarization is carried out during the switching phase, then the light source defects can be detected, but unwanted ignition effects may occur during polarization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection reliabilityVSAvoidunwanted ignition effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different polarization strategies to different light source types based on their ignition characteristics. For continuous ignition sources, polarization during ignition is acceptable; for discontinuous ignition sources, polarization during non-ignition phases avoids harmful effects. This localized approach ensures safety while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If diagnosis is delayed until after switching, then unwanted ignition effects are avoided, but the user is informed later of defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunwanted ignition effectsVSAvoiduser notification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The timing of polarization and diagnosis is dynamically adjusted based on light source type. Continuous ignition sources allow immediate diagnosis during ignition, while discontinuous ignition sources require waiting until after switching. This dynamic timing minimizes both harmful effects and notification delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the diagnostic method does not differentiate between light source types, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity of diagnosis deteriorates because each light source cannot be diagnosed in an optimal manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis efficiencyVSAvoiddiagnostic system operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic system automatically detects the light source type and selects the appropriate diagnostic procedure without user intervention. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while achieving high diagnosis efficiency through type-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution enables timely and reliable detection of light source failures, preventing unsafe conditions by informing users of defects in all types of light sources, including those invisible or hard to detect, and optimizing energy consumption and control for each type.

Implementation Method 1

the control unit (3) is configured to polarize the light source (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP3744157B1Diagnostic method of removable light sources for vehicule
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3744157B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3744157B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for diagnosing light sources (4) for a vehicle, the light sources (4) comprising at least one continuous illumination light source and at least one discontinuous illumination light source, the diagnosing method comprising the steps consisting of: · polarising the continuous illumination light source and the discontinuous illumination light source, · acquiring an output voltage of each polarised light source, · comparing the acquired output voltage with a threshold value so as to verify an operating state of each light source, characterised in that: · the polarisation of the continuous illumination light source is performed immediately before a switching phase of said light source, · the polarisation of the discontinuous illumination light source is performed immediately after a switching phase of said light source.