Vehicular Lamp Fail-Safe Control Using Acceleration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication disruptions between the vehicle ECU and the lamp ECU can cause vehicular lamps to malfunction, as they rely on information from the vehicle ECU for proper operation, leading to safety and functionality issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an acceleration sensor into the lamp ECU to provide fail-safe functionality by allowing the lamps to operate based on vehicle acceleration information, even when communication with the vehicle ECU is interrupted, and enabling user customization of marker lamp regions while adhering to legal requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of lamps are arranged in a vehicle front end to provide various lamp functions, then the lamp system can perform multiple functions (turning, signaling, illumination), but the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single lamp unit to perform multiple functions through software control. The control unit can configure the same physical lamp arrangement to serve as position lamps, turn signals, brake lights, and daytime running lights by controlling different LED groups independently, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lamp units for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple lamp functions into a single integrated lamp unit. By combining multiple LED groups (first, second, third LED groups) within one lamp housing and using a unified control unit, the design consolidates what would traditionally require separate lamp assemblies, reducing part count while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Device complexity
If a single type of lamp is used for multiple functions, then the number of parts is reduced, but the lamp cannot be independently controlled for each function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lamp unit into multiple independently controllable LED groups. Each LED group (first, second, third LED groups) can be controlled separately by the control unit, allowing independent operation for different functions such as position lighting, turning signals, and brake lighting, even though they share the same physical housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where the lamp system can switch between different functional configurations in real-time. The control unit dynamically assigns different LED groups to different functions based on operational requirements, enabling a single lamp unit to adapt its behavior for various functions without physical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If lamps are arranged to achieve specific functions, then the lamp system meets functional requirements, but the design does not consider future function additions or modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic and reconfigurable lamp system where the control unit can assign different LED groups to different functions through software configuration. This allows the lamp system to adapt to future functional requirements by simply reprogramming the control unit without physical modifications, while maintaining reliable operation of current functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lamp platform that can support multiple current and future functions through software-defined control. The same physical LED groups can be configured for different functions (position lamp, turn signal, brake light, daytime running light) depending on software settings, providing both reliability for current functions and adaptability for future enhancements.
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
Ensures the vehicular lamps maintain functionality and safety by using acceleration-based control, and allows users to customize lamp settings within legal boundaries, enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting element array including a plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged in a first direction along a longitudinal center line of the vehicular lamp
Implementation Method 2
a reflector arranged behind the light-emitting elements in the forward direction and having a reflective surface facing the light-emitting elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vehicular lamp apparatus (100) includes: a lamp unit (110); a lamp Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (200) that controls the lamp unit (110) based on vehicle information received from a vehicle; and an acceleration sensor (202) that provides information indicating vehicle acceleration to the lamp ECU (200). The lamp ECU (200) detects whether or not the reception of the vehicle information is interrupted and controls, when interruption in the reception of the vehicle information is detected, the lamp unit (110) based on the vehicle acceleration.