Adaptive shunt for pulsing brake light
First Claim
1. A device configured for installation in an existing vehicle brake light circuit having a brake detection line, at least one brake light, and a severed return line, the device including:
- a first lead, a second lead and a third lead, the first lead configured for connection to the brake detection line, and the second lead and the third lead configured for connection to the severed return line, the first lead and the third lead defining a device output, the device output configured for connection in parallel with the at least one brake light;
a control unit; and
a switching member provided in a shunt path connected in parallel with the device output and controlled by the control unit, the switching member configured to operate in a first state or a second state when the first lead is connected to the brake detection line and the second lead and the third lead are connected to the severed return line, wherein the control unit is separate from the shunt path and configured to control the switching member such that (i) a current through the shunt path is reduced when the switching member operates in the first state and thus a current through the at least one brake light is increased when the switching member operates in the first state, and (ii) the current through the shunt path is increased when the switching member operates in the second state and thus the current through the at least one brake light is reduced when the switching member operates in the second state.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronics device is configured for installation in the brake light circuitry of a vehicle braking system. The electronics device is particularly configured to provide a flashing or pulsing appearance for a brake light, such as an automobile CHMSL. The pulsing is accomplished in a precise manner and that provides additional operational safety features than standard automotive brake lights. The electronics device is configured to avoid over-triggering of the pulsating lights due to multiple application of the automobile'"'"'s brakes in a short time frame. The electronics device is further configured to function correctly even if the automobile is equipped with sophisticated computer systems that analyze the brake light circuitry, and is configured to avoid detection as a problem by the vehicle'"'"'s diagnostic systems. At the same time, the electronics device will still allow the vehicle'"'"'s diagnostic scans to detect any actual problems with the brake light system without hindrance.
28 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A device configured for installation in an existing vehicle brake light circuit having a brake detection line, at least one brake light, and a severed return line, the device including:
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a first lead, a second lead and a third lead, the first lead configured for connection to the brake detection line, and the second lead and the third lead configured for connection to the severed return line, the first lead and the third lead defining a device output, the device output configured for connection in parallel with the at least one brake light; a control unit; and a switching member provided in a shunt path connected in parallel with the device output and controlled by the control unit, the switching member configured to operate in a first state or a second state when the first lead is connected to the brake detection line and the second lead and the third lead are connected to the severed return line, wherein the control unit is separate from the shunt path and configured to control the switching member such that (i) a current through the shunt path is reduced when the switching member operates in the first state and thus a current through the at least one brake light is increased when the switching member operates in the first state, and (ii) the current through the shunt path is increased when the switching member operates in the second state and thus the current through the at least one brake light is reduced when the switching member operates in the second state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A brake light control unit connected to a vehicle brake light circuit, the vehicle brake light circuit including a severed brake detection line, at least one brake light, and a return line, the brake light control unit including:
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a first lead, a second lead, and a third lead; a first switching member connected to the severed brake detection line between the first lead and the second lead and in series with the at least one brake light; a second switching member connected to the severed brake detection line between the second lead and the third lead and in parallel with the at least one brake light, the second switching member provided in a shunt path extending between the severed brake detection line and the return line; and a control unit coupled to the first switching member and the second switching member, the control unit configured to (i) detect a braking voltage on the severed brake detection line, (ii) control the first switching member such that a current through the first switching member is substantially constant when the braking voltage is detected on the severed brake detection line, and (iii) control the second switching member such that a current through the at least one brake light cycles between a first magnitude and a second magnitude that is less than the first magnitude after the braking voltage is detected on the severed brake detection line, wherein the control unit is separate from the shunt path, wherein a current through the shunt path is reduced when the current through the at least one brake light is at the first magnitude, and wherein the current through the shunt path is increased when the current through the at least one brake light is at the second magnitude. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of controlling illumination of a brake light in a brake light circuit of a vehicle, the brake light circuit including the brake light and brake light wiring, the brake light wiring including a brake detection line and a return line, the method comprising:
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cutting the brake light wiring; installing a shunt path in parallel with the brake light; applying a vehicle brake; limiting current through the shunt path during a first time period following application of the vehicle brake such that a larger current to flows through the brake light; and increasing current through the shunt path during a second time period following the first time period such that a smaller current flows through the brake light, wherein the shunt path extends between the brake detection line and the return line in the brake light circuit, wherein cutting the brake light wiring results in a severed brake light wire, wherein the shunt path provided in a brake light control unit including a first lead, a second lead, and a third lead, the shunt path provided between the first lead and the third lead, and the second lead and the third lead connected to the severed brake light wire. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification