Vehicle Light Test Sequencing for Trailer Wiring Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting additional vehicle lights, such as trailer lights, are cumbersome and ineffective in detecting non-matching or incorrectly connected lights, often requiring multiple people and failing to identify crossed wiring issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting system with an electronic controller that supplies power to vehicle lights and connecting interfaces in a sequence to inspect whether additional lights match, allowing single-person inspection without the need to be present in the driver's seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable light testers are used to inspect additional lights, then inspection capability is provided, but the inspection process becomes cumbersome and may be ineffective if lights are incorrectly connected after testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the vehicle's existing lighting control system) that mediates between the tester and the additional lights. The controller acts as a mediator that receives test signals from the tester and automatically supplies power to the vehicle lights and connecting interfaces in sequence, eliminating the need for manual inspection procedures and portable testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's lighting system performs the inspection function itself through the controller that automatically sequences power supply to vehicle lights and connecting interfaces. The system serves itself by using its own control architecture to conduct the inspection, eliminating the need for external portable testers and complex manual procedures.
2Measurement precision
If two people are required to inspect additional lights, then complete inspection is possible, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-inspection through the controller that automatically sequences power supply to all vehicle lights and connecting interfaces. The system inspects itself without requiring external personnel, eliminating the time loss associated with coordinating multiple inspectors while maintaining complete inspection coverage through automated sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides feedback by monitoring the state of each connecting interface and vehicle light in sequence. The automated feedback mechanism detects whether each component receives power correctly, providing complete inspection information without requiring human observers, thus reducing inspection time while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional lights are temporarily connected via electrical connectors, then flexibility is provided, but the connection may be incorrect or crossed wiring may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by automatically supplying power to each connecting interface and associated vehicle light in a predetermined sequence before final connection is confirmed. This preliminary power sequencing action detects potential wiring errors or mismatches before the additional lights are fully integrated into operation, maintaining both flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that mediates between the electrical connectors and the lighting system. It monitors the connection status and power flow through each interface, detecting crossed wiring or incorrect connections by comparing expected versus actual power distribution patterns, thus ensuring connection correctness while preserving flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If the driver must be present in the driver's seat to activate lights for inspection, then accurate observation is possible, but the inspection process becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-inspection through automated controller sequencing, eliminating the need for driver presence. The controller automatically activates and monitors each light and interface in sequence, providing accurate inspection data without requiring human observation, thus improving convenience while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides automated feedback on the operational status of each connecting interface and vehicle light through electronic monitoring. This feedback mechanism replaces human visual observation with electronic detection, maintaining accuracy while eliminating the inconvenience of requiring driver presence for inspection.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A vehicle (2) comprises a plurality of vehicle lights (14a-k) to be matched by additional lights (8a-j) in use; respective connecting interfaces (20a-20h) associated with each of the vehicle lights (14a- k); and an electronic controller (24) for controlling supply of light- activating power to the vehicle lights (14a-k) and to the associated connecting interfaces (20a-20h). The controller (24) is configured, in a light testing mode, to supply said power to each of the vehicle lights (14a-k) and to each of the associated connecting interfaces (20a-20h) in a sequence for inspecting whether additional lights (8a-j) connected in use to the connecting interfaces (20a-20h) match the vehicle lights (14a-k). Related systems, methods and controllers are also described.