Vehicle Lighting Control Circuit Using Microcomputer Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems for motorcycles require a complex setup with multiple parts, including large capacity diodes and relays, which complicates management and increases costs, especially when trying to distinguish between winker and position lamp functions.
Innovation Solution
A simplified lighting system using a microcomputer-controlled power supply circuit that operates in conjunction with an alarm apparatus to power winker lamps, eliminating the need for large capacity diodes and a winker hazard holding relay by using a microcomputer to switch between winker and hazard indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single filament bulb is used as both winker lamp and position lamp, then the number of parts is reduced, but it becomes difficult to definitely distinguish flickering for winker lamp and lighting for position lamp
Solution Approach 1:
A relay unit is introduced as an intermediary device between the lamp and the control switches. The relay unit includes a relay coil and relay contacts that physically separate the control signals for winker and position lamp functions, enabling clear distinction between the two modes while using a single filament bulb.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into separate functional paths: one path for winker control and another for position lamp control. The relay unit divides the control signals spatially and functionally, allowing the single bulb to be clearly controlled for different purposes without functional confusion.
2Reliability
If two different relays with different specifications are used for winker and position lamp control, then lamp function distinction is improved, but the management of the lighting system becomes complicated and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single relay unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the winker lamp mode and the position lamp mode using one integrated device. The relay unit includes both a relay coil for signal reception and relay contacts for output control, enabling it to handle different lamp functions within a single component rather than requiring separate relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay coil and relay contacts are merged into a single relay unit that serves both winker and position lamp control functions. This integration reduces the total number of components while maintaining clear functional distinction between the two lamp modes.
3Power
If large capacity diodes are used in the lighting system, then current control is achieved, but the cost increases and assembling problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for large capacity diodes with a relay-based electromagnetic control system. The relay unit uses electromagnetic fields to control current flow to the lamp, substituting solid-state diode components with an electromagnetic switching mechanism that is easier to assemble and less costly.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay unit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the lamp, providing current control through electromagnetic switching rather than requiring large capacity diodes. This intermediary approach simplifies the components needed for current control.
Data Source
AI summary
The lighting system having a plurality of winker lamps disposed on front and rear portions of a vehicle body, a winker switch, and a lighting control circuit which performs changeover function allowing the winker lamps at a front portion of the vehicle body to lit as position lamps. The lighting control circuit is connected to a battery through an ignition switch. The lighting system further includes a power supply circuit which supplies, in an ignition off state, power to the lighting control circuit in response to an output signal from an antitheft apparatus to cause the winker lamps to light up or flicker. The output terminal of the antitheft device is connected to an electrical connection formed between the winker switch and the left and right rear lamps.