Vehicle Lighting Refit with Dummy Load for Detection Compatibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Refitting vehicle lighting systems to meet new regulations and integrate new functions is challenging, especially when detection systems must be bypassed to avoid warnings or flameouts, particularly in vehicles equipped with failure detection systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a power-consumption element, such as a resistor or wireless transmitter, to mimic the power consumption of the replaced light bulb, allowing the refit lighting system to control other lights based on detected status signals, ensuring the detection system believes the replacement light is functioning correctly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a refit lighting system uses one light to fulfill multiple functions by replacing the original light bulb, then the system complexity is reduced and cost is saved, but the vehicle's detection system will detect the replacement and generate warnings or flameout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting system complexityVSAvoiddetection system compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dummy load that copies the electrical characteristics (power consumption, resistance) of the original light bulb. This dummy load is connected in parallel with the refit LED lamp to simulate the presence of the original bulb, tricking the detection system into believing the original light is still installed and functioning normally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dummy load as an intermediary component between the power supply and the detection system. This dummy load acts as a mediator that absorbs excess power and presents the correct electrical signature to the detection system, allowing the refit lighting system to operate without triggering warnings while maintaining the appearance of normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the refit lighting system consumes all power from the original light bulb socket, then the detection system cannot detect the replacement, but the original light bulb cannot be controlled to turn on or off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system compatibilityVSAvoidlight control functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power consumption function into two separate components: the refit LED lamp for actual lighting and the dummy load for detection system deception. By dividing the electrical circuit into these functional segments, the system can independently control the lighting function while the dummy load handles the power consumption signature that the detection system monitors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control where the dummy load's power consumption is adjusted based on the operational state. When the refit LED lamp is off, the dummy load consumes power to simulate the original bulb being on. When the refit LED lamp is on, the dummy load adjusts its consumption to maintain the correct total power signature, enabling both detection system compatibility and proper light control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple light functions are integrated into a single refit light source, then cost is reduced and installation is simplified, but the system must bypass or cheat the detection system to avoid warnings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefit installation easeVSAvoiddetection system bypass complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the refit lighting system universal by enabling a single LED lamp to perform multiple functions (position light, turn signal, brake light) that were previously handled by separate bulbs. The dummy load component provides the universal electrical signature needed to欺骗 the detection system across different vehicle models and lighting configurations, simplifying the refit process while maintaining detection system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables seamless integration of new lighting functions without triggering warnings, allowing multiple light functions to be fulfilled by a single light source, reducing costs and simplifying the refitting process while maintaining compliance with detection systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical element (110) configured to consume the received power and incapable of emitting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2616278B8Lighting system
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 LUMILEDS HLDG BV

AI summary

To satisfy the need for refitting the lighting of a vehicle without the need to modify the controlling system of the vehicle, the present invention proposes a lighting system which comprises an electrical element (110), configured to consume the received power and incapable of emitting light; a light source (130); and a controller (120), configured to receive a first signal indicating the working status of the electrical element (110) and control the light source (130) generating a first light and a second light, respectively, based on the first signal. By utilizing the signal indicating the working status of the electrical element (110), which element is used to replace another automotive lamp, the controller can control the light source (130) to mimic said another automotive lamp while performing its original function.