FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system and method for operating blinker bulbs in a vehicle.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As it is known that there are two different switches in a vehicle i.e. blinker switch and hazard
switch. A blinker switch is used to turn on “turn signals”. Turn signals, formally called "directional
10 indicators" or "directional signals" and informally known as “blinker bulbs”, "blinkers",
"indicators" or "flashers". Such blinkers are nothing but blinking amber lamps or bulbs which are
mounted near the left and right front and rear corner of a vehicle and sometimes on the side. A
hazard switch is used to turn on "hazards", also known as "hazard warning flashers", "hazard
warning lights", "emergency lights", "4-way flashers", or simply "flashers".
15
In conventional technology, there are 3 different case parts for blinker function, hazard function
& relay (to achieve pulsating dc voltage for blinking lamp) as shown in Fig. 1. If hazard switch is
in running (ON) condition and meanwhile, blinker switch has to be operated then conventionally
one has to switch off the hazard switch for getting blinker function otherwise hazard function will
20 remain in running condition even if the Blinker switch is turned ON. This may lead to
inconvenience to the users or even result in accidents.
For example, during foggy condition, we know that vehicles turn ON the hazard lights. During
this condition, it might be difficult for a vehicle following another vehicle in front. For making a
25 turn to right or left, the front vehicle first have to turn down the hazard and swiftly turn the
corresponding indicator. If for some reason, the driver of front vehicle forgets to turn down the
hazard indicator and swiftly turn on the side indicators, the result could be fatal for the vehicles
following them.
30 The limitations and disadvantages of conventional blinker system are apparent to one of skill in
the art, including for example, the hazard situation and hence, there exists a strong need to provide
system and method for efficiently operating blinker bulbs in a vehicle.
3
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to operate blinker bulbs in a vehicle to avoid fatal accidents.
Further object of the present invention is to effectively operate side indicators 5 when the hazard
warning lights are ON.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a control unit for operating side indicators
when the hazard warning lights are ON.
10
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for operating side
indicators when the hazard warning lights are ON.
Further object of the present invention is to effectively operate one of the side indicators when the
15 other side indicator is fused.
Furthermore object of the present invention is to provide a control unit for operating one of the
side indicators when the other side indicator is fused.
20 Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for operating one of the side
indicators when the other side indicator is fused.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
25 One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a
vehicle, the system comprises: at least two left side blinkers and at least two right side blinkers; a
blinker switch unit including a right blinker switch, a left blinker switch and a hazard switch; and
a control unit coupled with the blinker switch unit and the at least two left side blinkers and the at
least two right side blinkers, the control unit comprising: a memory and a processor coupled with
30 the memory, the processor configured to: illuminate the left side blinkers when the left side blinker
switch is actuated; illuminate the right side blinkers when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
and illuminate both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when the hazard blinker switch is
actuated; wherein, selectively illuminate either the right or left side blinkers when the respective
blinker switch is actuated, even during the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
4
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for operating turn signal blinker bulbs
of a vehicle, the system comprises: at least two left side blinkers and at least two right side blinkers;
a blinker switch unit including a right blinker switch, a left blinker switch and a hazard switch;
and a control unit coupled with the blinker switch unit and the at least two left 5 side blinkers and
the at least two right side blinkers, the control unit comprising: a memory and a processor coupled
with the memory, the processor configured to: illuminate the left side blinkers when the left side
blinker switch is actuated; illuminate the right side blinkers when the right side blinker switch is
actuated; and illuminate both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when the hazard blinker
10 switch is actuated; wherein, selectively illuminate either one of the right or left side blinkers at a
faster blinking rate, when the other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the control unit for operating turn signal
blinker bulbs of a vehicle, the control unit comprising: a memory and a processor coupled with the
15 memory, the processor configured to: illuminate the left side blinkers when the left side blinker
switch is actuated; illuminate the right side blinkers when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
and illuminate both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when the hazard blinker switch is
actuated; wherein, selectively illuminate either the right or left side blinkers when the respective
blinker switch is actuated, even during the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
20
Further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control unit for operating turn signal blinker
bulbs of a vehicle, the control unit comprising: a memory and a processor coupled with the
memory, the processor configured to: illuminate the left side blinkers when the left side blinker
switch is actuated; illuminate the right side blinkers when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
25 and illuminate both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when the hazard blinker switch is
actuated; wherein, selectively illuminate either one of the right or left side blinkers at a faster
blinking rate, when the other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.
Furthermore aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating turn signal blinker
30 bulbs of a vehicle, said method comprising: illuminate left side blinkers when a left side blinker
switch is actuated; illuminate right side blinkers when a right side blinker switch is actuated;
illuminate both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when a hazard blinker switch is
5
actuated; and selectively illuminate either the right or left side blinkers when the respective blinker
switch is actuated, even during the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating turn signal blinker bulbs
of a vehicle, said method comprising: illuminate left side blinkers when a left side 5 blinker switch
is actuated; illuminate right side blinkers when a right side blinker switch is actuated; illuminate
both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when a hazard blinker switch is actuated; and
selectively illuminate either one of the right or left side blinkers at a faster blinking rate, when the
other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.
10
Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control unit for operating turn signal blinker
bulbs of a vehicle, said unit comprising: means for illuminating left side blinkers when a left side
blinker switch is actuated; means for illuminating right side blinkers when a right side blinker
switch is actuated; means for illuminating both left and right side blinkers simultaneously when a
15 hazard blinker switch is actuated; and means for selectively illuminating either the right or left side
blinkers when the respective blinker switch is actuated, even during the hazard blinker switch is
still in actuated mode.
Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control unit for operating turn signal
20 blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said unit comprising: means for illuminating left side blinkers when a
left side blinker switch is actuated; means for illuminating right side blinkers when a right side
blinker switch is actuated; means for illuminating both left and right side blinkers simultaneously
when a hazard blinker switch is actuated; means for selectively illuminating either one of the right
or left side blinkers at a faster blinking rate, when the other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.
25 The following paragraphs are provided in order to describe the best mode of working the invention
and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
30 In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will
now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying
6
drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements
throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments
and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:
5
Figure 1 illustrates the conventionally used components to operate blinker bulbs at various
situations.
Figure 2 illustrates the circuit diagram for operating blinker bulbs according to an aspect of the
10 present invention.
Figures 3 & 4 illustrates the circuit diagram of the system according to an aspect of the present
invention.
15 Figure 5 illustrates the block diagram for operating left blinker bulbs according to an aspect of the
present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates the block diagram for operating right blinker bulbs according to an aspect of
the present invention.
20
Figure 7 illustrates the block diagram for operating left and right blinker bulbs according to an
aspect of the present invention.
Figures 8-12 illustrates the block diagram for selectively operating side indicators according to an
25 aspect of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates the block diagram for operating blinker bulbs according to another aspect of
the present invention.
30 Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have
not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the
drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the
aspects of the present invention.
7
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments and aspects of the invention will now be described here in detail with
reference to the accompanying figures. The terminology and phraseology used herein 5 is solely for
descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as
“including”, “comprising”, “having”, “containing” or “involving”, and variations thereof, is
intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional
subject matter not recited. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail
10 with reference to accompanying figures, in which like elements may be denoted by like reference
numerals for consistency.
The present invention relates to a system and method for operating turn signal blinker bulbs in a
vehicle by providing a provision to enable auto cancellation and reestablishment of hazard, while
15 simultaneously actuating both, the blinker switch and hazard switch. The present invention
combines the operating mechanism of Hazard switch and Blinker switch. The method and system
claimed in the present application allow using blinkers while using hazard without need of
switching OFF the hazard. In other words, in an aspect of the present invention, while hazard is in
running condition and if the vehicle is to be turned left, then at this situation one may simply turn
20 ON left blinker switch, without switching OFF hazard switch so that the right blinker bulbs will
be turn off automatically and only left blinker bulbs will continued to be in blinking condition.
Similar operation may also be applicable for illuminating only right blinker bulbs during the hazard
condition.
25 Fig. 2 shows a system (100) for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of vehicles. The system (100)
comprises an electronic PCB/integrated Circuit (101)/or any other circuitry, front right blinker
bulb (102), rear right blinker bulb (103), front left blinker bulb (104), rear left blinker bub (105).
The PCB (101) has plurality of pins. For example, it comprises PIN 2, PIN 3, PIN 4, PIN 5, PIN
7 and PIN 8. While the O/P of PIN 7 is connected with bulbs (102) and (103), it’s I/P is configured
30 to receive a pulsating DC output voltage from the PCB (101). Similarly, while the O/P of PIN 8 is
connected with bulbs (104) and (105), it’s I/P is configured to receive a pulsating DC output
voltage from the PCB.
8
For simplicity, few internal connections of PIN 2, PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5 within the PCB is shown
in the Fig. 2. However, for detail connections of these pins with a power source or the battery, one
may refer internal circuit diagram of PCB as depicted in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Accordingly, it is shown
that the PIN 2 is grounded and the grounded PIN 2 may be connected to one 5 end of a common
relay switch (112) for selectively connecting with PIN 3 and PIN 4 upon activation of Left and
Right blinker switches. Further, the PIN 2 also connected with one end of a dedicated relay switch
(116) to connect with the PIN 5 upon activation of hazard switch. Further, the PIN 3 and PIN 4 is
externally connected with the right and left blinker switches of the driver cabin (as explained in
10 detail below) respectively, such that PIN 3 and PIN 4 may be configured to receive right and left
switch actuation signals from the right and left blinker switches respectively. Similarly, the PIN 5
is externally connected with the hazard switch of the driver cabin. Also, as one could notice from
the below description that the PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5 is connected with a positive terminal of a
DC power supply. Hence, during the operation, for example, upon pressing the right indicator
15 switch, PIN 3 is connected with the PIN 2 and a close circuit connection is formed. Hence, entire
voltage drop of the power supply appears across PIN 2 and PIN 3 and hence, the PIN 7 receives
the pulsating DC output voltage for blinking or illuminating the right bulbs. Same operation
happens for left blinker, where close circuit formed with PIN 2 and PIN 4 and during which PIN
8 receive the pulsating DC output voltage for blinking or illuminating right bulbs. Also, upon
20 pressing hazard switch, a close circuit connection is formed with PIN 2 and PIN 5, and in this
condition both, the PIN 7 and PIN 8 receives the pulsating DC output voltage to blink or illuminate
both the right and left bulbs. The condition and situation as to how and when each of PIN 7 and
PIN 8 or both receive the PWM signal voltage within the PCB circuity is explained in detail below.
The further explanation of Fig. 2 is avoided for the sake of brevity, since a person skilled in the art
25 may readily understand such details upon reading the detailed description of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4
as described below.
Fig. 3 shows the detailed internal circuit diagram of the PCB (101) according to an aspect of the
present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the internal circuit mainly comprises a switch assembly
30 (111), a control unit (106), left and right driver circuits (107) and (108) having at least one high
speed switches, and a power source (109) using a 12V battery. Inputs of the control unit is coupled
with the switch assembly and whereas, its outputs are coupled with the driver circuits. An output
9
of the driver circuits (107) and (108) is respectively coupled with PIN 7 and PIN 8 of the PCB. As
described in the description of the previous Figure 2, the PIN 7 is coupled with right blinker bulbs
and PIN 8 is coupled with left blinker bulbs of the vehicle so that the control unit controls the
ON/OFF or blinking operation of the blinker bulbs upon actuating switches of the switch assembly
5 (111).
The positive terminal of the 12V battery is connected to a PIN 1 of the PCB and a negative terminal
of the battery is connected to the PIN 2 which is ground. Further, a regulator (110) is used which
converts the 12V supply to 5V (VCC) supply so that the control unit works. The switch assembly
10 (111) having a plurality of PIN 2, PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5, for selectively connecting the left, right
and hazard switches with the 5V supply. In an embodiment, the switch assembly (111) includes
left blinker switch (114), right blinker switch (113) and hazard switch (115). As directed in Fig. 4,
PIN 3 and PIN 4 is configured to receive blinker activation signals from right blinker switch (114)
and left blinker switch (113) respectively. PIN 5 is configured to receive hazard activation signal
15 from hazard switch (115). The switch assembly (111) comprises a couple of normally opened
switches such as the common relay switch (112) and the dedicated relay switch (116). The switch
assembly further comprises PIN 2, PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5 as explained earlier. While PIN 2 is
grounded permanently, the other pins i.e. PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5 are permanently connected to
positive terminal of 5 V power supply through resistors R3, R4 and R5 respectively. While, one
20 end of each of these switches (112) and (116) is grounded by connecting though the PIN 2 (which
is permanently grounded as explained earlier) of the PCB, the other ends of each of these switches
operatively gets engaged with blinker/hazard switch, the engage-able end of the switches (112)
and (116) is connected to the 5V supply by selectively connected with PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5.
25 The control unit mentioned in the disclosure may include a memory and a processor coupled with
the memory. The memory configured to store a specific logic or instructions and the processor
may execute or perform the instructions or logic to carry out the similar functionalities or
operations of control unit as described in the disclosure. Further, the said processor may include a
general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integration
30 circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof
designed to perform the function described herein. A general purpose processor may be a
10
microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be a controller, microcontroller, or state
machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Further, the
memory may include any storage media which can comprise RAM, ROM, 5 EEPROM, CD-ROM
or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other
medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that can be acceded by computer or the processor as mentioned above.
10 Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram for depicting the connection among the left, right and hazard
switches with the circuit diagram of Fig. 3. Accordingly, it shows that while, one end of the right
blinker switch (113), left blinker switch (114) and the hazard switch (115) is connected to the 5V
supply through PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5 respectively, the other end of the each is engage-able, so
that upon pressing the blinker/hazard switch, the engage-able end of the switches (112) and (116)
15 is connected to the 5V supply by selectively connecting with PIN 3, PIN 4 and PIN 5. The Fig. 4
also shows connection between the front and rear indicator/blinker lights (102, 103, 104 and 105)
with the PIN 7 and PIN 8 of PCB.
As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the control unit (106) mainly comprises three input pins 22, 23 and 24
20 and a couple of output pins 26 and 25. The input pin 22 is internally coupled with the output pin
26, the input pin 23 is internally coupled with the output pin 25, and the input pin 24 is internally
coupled with both the output pins 26 and 25. The control unit selectively generates a PWM signal
of a frequency f1 at the output pins 26 and 25, upon receiving the signals of the blinkers and hazard
switches at the input pins 22, 23 and 24. The input 22 of the control unit (106) is coupled with PIN
25 3 by connecting at the common connection between the PIN 3 and resistor R3, so that due to a
series connection with the resistor R3, the input 22 receives a high voltage around 5V from the
VCC supply, in normally opened condition of the switch (112) and whereas, receives a low
voltage, say for e.g., a zero V at the input 22, while the relay switch (112) gets closed with PIN 3
during the actuation of right blinker switch (113). Similarly, the input 23 is coupled with the PIN
30 4 by connecting at the common connection between the PIN 4 and resistor R5, so that due to a
series connection with the resistor R5, the input 23 receives a high voltage around 5V in normally
opened condition of the switch (112) and whereas receives a low voltage, for e.g., a 0V at the input
11
23, while switch (112) gets closed with PIN 4 during the actuation mode of left blinker switch
(114). Also, the input 24 is coupled with the PIN 5 by connecting at the common connection
between the PIN 5 and resistor R4, so that due to a series connection with the resistor R4, the input
24 receives a high voltage around 5V in normally opened condition of the switch (116) and
whereas receives 0V at the input 24, while switch (116) gets closed with PIN 4 during 5 the actuation
mode of hazard switch (115).
The control unit (106) is generally at inactive state, while its input pins 22, 23 and 24 are in high
state. Whereas, the control unit (106) is in active state and selectively generate the PWM signal of
10 predetermined frequency f1 at its outputs, when its corresponding pins 22, 23 and 24 are in low
state. For example, the control unit (106) is configured to generates the PWM signal of the
predetermined frequency f1 at output pin 26 upon sensing low voltage, for e.g., 0V logic at the pin
22, as described above. Similarly, the control unit (106) is configured to generate the PWM signal
of the same frequency f1 at the output pin 26 upon sensing low voltage, for e.g., 0V logic at the pin
15 23. Whereas, the control unit (106) is configured to generate and send the PWM signal of the same
frequency f1 at both the output pins 26 and 25 upon sensing the low voltage at the input pin 24.
Hence, in the manner as mentioned above, the PWM signal is generated at the output pin 26 when
the right blinker switch (113) is actuated; the PWM signal is generated at the output pin 25, when
20 the left blinker switch (114) is actuated; and the PWM signal is generated at both the output pins
26 and 25, when the hazard switch (115) is actuated.
As directed in Fig. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, driver circuits (107) and (108) are high side drivers
which is coupled with coupled with the control unit output pins 26 and 25 respectively. In another
25 embodiment, the said drivers may be low-side drivers. The drivers (107) and (108) are configured
to drive their respective loads such as blinker bulbs connected PIN 7 and PIN 8 respectively upon
receiving the PWM signal at their respective input PIN 3. Particularly, PIN 3 of the driver (107) is
connected with output pin 26 of the control unit (106) through resistor R8 and PIN 3 of the driver
(108) and whereas, PIN 3 of the driver (108) is connected with the output pin 25 of the control unit
30 (106) through resistor R13.
12
In an embodiment, each of these left and right driver circuits (107) and (108) basically comprises
at least one transistor switch, such as but not limited to MOSFET. Gate terminal of the MOSFET
switch is connected at the PIN 3 of the driver. Drain terminal of the MOSFET switch is connected
at the common connection of the pins PIN 8, PIN 9 and PIN 10 and this common connection is
further connected to the 12V (V_BATT) power supply. The source terminal 5 of the MOSFET is
connected at the common connection of the pins PIN 5, PIN 6 and PIN 7 and this common
connection is an output (117) or (118) of the MOSFET of the driver (107) or (108). Hence, the left
and right driver circuits configured to convert the 12 V DC voltage supply into a pulsated DC
voltage when their respective inputs receive enable signal or the PWM signal from the control unit
10 (106). The said pulsated voltage has the frequency f1 which is similar to that of the PWM signal.
Hence, as an operation, upon receiving the PWM signal at the gate terminal PIN 3 of the driver
(107), the input resistance of the MOSFET becomes low and hence, the MOSFET behaves as a
closed switch by relaying the 12V drain supply voltage to the output (117) at a function of PWM
15 signal frequency f1. In other words, the output (117) receives a pulsating DC output at the
frequency f1 of the PWM signal. The driver (108) performs the similar operation upon receiving
the PWM at its corresponding gate terminal PIN 3. Since, the pulsated DC output voltage is directly
fed to the left and right blinker bulbs (102, 103, 104 and 105), these bulbs blinks at a rate
proportional or similar to the pulse frequency f1 of PWM signal, when respective blinker/hazard
20 switch is actuated.
Working of Blinkers without Hazard:
Initially, control unit (106) pin no. 22 and pin no. 23 will be in high position due to getting voltage
25 level through R3 and R5. So in this case, activating PIN 3 of high side drivers (107) and (108)
which have been connected at pin no. 25 and 26 of the control unit (106) respectively will be in
low position.
When blinker switch is in ON condition. For example, left blinker switch (114) is ON, as directed
30 in Fig. 5, then voltage coming through R5 will get grounded through PIN 2 and PIN 4. Therefore,
pin no. 23 of the control unit (106) will be in low position which result in high position of pin no.
25 and this pin is connected with enabled PIN 3 of the high side driver (108) through R13, which
13
will be required condition for getting the driver circuit (108) in ON condition. After detecting the
pin no. 23 is in low state, the control unit (106) will send a PWM signal from pin no. 25 (i.e.
ON/OFF signal) at a constant frequency. Now, the output of the driver (108) which is connected
to the left bulbs (104) and (105) will act according to the pulse level of the PWM signal inputted
to the driver (108) at pin 3, i.e., if the signal pulse at pin 3 is in high position, then 5 the bulbs (104)
and (105) would glow at a frequency f1 in accordance with the pulse signal. Whereas, if the signal
pulse at pin 3 is low, then the bulbs would be in OFF state.
Similarly, the same operation and condition will be applied to operate the right blinker i.e. when
10 right blinker switch (113) is in ON condition. For example, in such situation, pin no. 22 will be
low, which results in getting PWM output at pin no. 3 of so the driver (107) will convert the battery
voltage at a constant frequency voltage, which results that right blinker bulbs will start blinking.
This is condition is depicted in Fig. 6.
15 In the case of HAZARD:
When the Hazard switch (115) is in ON condition, as depicted in Fig. 7, pin no. 24 of control unit
(106) will get low, which is initially in high position due to getting voltage level through R4. Due
to getting pin no. 24 in low state, the control unit (106) will keep pin no. 25 & 26 in high state by
20 sending PWM signals from the pin no 25 & 26. These PWM signals are inputted for drivers (107)
and (108), so both these drivers (107) and (108) will now get PWM input and will convert the
battery voltage at a constant frequency voltage or pulsed DC voltage having a frequency f1 inputted
to all the blinker bulbs. Right blinkers (102, 103) and left blinkers (104, 105) will start blinking
with a rate similar to the frequency of the pulse.
25
The present invention also provides circuit implementation for combined operation of hazard and
blinker, in a situation arises when hazard and blinker switches are ON simultaneously. This is
explained in detail below.
30 As directed in Fig. 8, in the case of hazard operation i.e. when the hazard switch (115) is in ON
condition at time t = 0, then the pin no. 24 will be in low position and due to this, the control unit
(106) will provide a specific PWM output to both the drivers (107) and (108) through pin no. 25
14
&26 ‘respectively, in this condition pin no. 22 and pin no.23 of the control unit (106) will be in
high position because right and left blinker switches (113) and (114) are in OFF condition.
But, when the blinker switch (for example left blinker switch (114) is operated at time t = t1, while
hazard is in running condition, then pin no. 23 will get low through left blinker 5 switch (114) and
the control unit (106) will detect that pin no. 23 is in low position while pin no. 24 is also in low
(i.e. hazard switch is in ON condition) position. Upon detecting that the both the pins 23 and 24
are in low state simultaneously, the control unit will interrupt hazard working situation for a time
being and will stop sending the PWM signal from the pin 25, as longer the pin 23 is in logic low
10 state. In other words, while left blinker switch (114) is in ON state during the hazard condition,
then the control unit is configured to stop sending enable signal for operating the driver (107) and
the right blinker bulbs, as longer the left blinker switch (114) is in ON position. This situation is
explained in Fig. 9.
15 After the operation of left blinker switch (114), when the user will switch off the left blinker switch
(114), then pin no. 23 of the control unit (106) will go back to its original high state. Upon detecting
the high state of the pin no. 23, the control unit (106) now check the logic state of the pin 24. If
the logic state of the pin 24 is low, then the control unit (106) will again re-establish the hazard
condition so as to blink all the right and left bulbs. This situation is explained in Fig. 10. Similar
20 operation of cancellation and re-establishment of hazard is continued as in the case when right
blinker switch (113) is switched ON during hazard condition as explained in Figures 11 and 12.
Here below is a tabular common explaining the operation of blinkers under various conditions:
Right Indicator
switch
Left indicator
switch
Hazard switch Right
blinkers
Left
blinkers
ON OFF OFF ON OFF
OFF ON OFF OFF ON
OFF OFF ON ON ON
ON OFF ON ON OFF
OFF ON ON OFF ON
OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
25
Table 1
15
The present invention relates to a system and method for auto cancellation and re-establishment of
hazard while using blinker switch. The blinkers (i.e. left and right blinkers) can be operated in the
normal way even when hazard in the running condition. In other words, 5 when HAZARD is in
running condition, and blinker switch is switched ON, the Hazard switch will be automatically
switched OFF so that the blinker can operate in its normal way as longer the blinker switch is ON.
However, upon switching OFF blinker switch from this point, the hazard circuit will be
automatically established and hazard switch will be automatically be switched ON as explained
10 above in detail.
The present invention also maintains the rule and regulation of directional lamp in case when any
damage or fuse occurs in any one bulb of a particular side (either left or right). For example, when
front right bulb gets damaged or fused then upon activating right blinker switch, another bulb of
15 that particular side (rear right bulb) will blink at a faster frequency rate (f2) than the earlier
frequency rate (f1) i.e. f2 > f1 or f2 = nf1 in another embodiment, where n is a function of time. This
features enables to formally intimate the driver that bulb of particular side is damaged or fused.
This feature is explained through the circuit as mentioned below.
20 When a bulb of a particular side, say for example, front right bulb (102) gets damaged or fused,
then the high side driver (107) detects such signal of load reduction. Upon detecting this signal,
the driver (107) activates a load feedback signal at pin 14 and consequently send this feedback
signal to the control unit (106) at pin 2, as directed in Fig. 3 and 4. Upon receiving this signal, the
control unit (106) configured to send a PWM signal having a frequency f2 which is different from
25 the common initial frequency f1. For example, the control unit configured to send a PWM signal
having faster i.e. double or more the frequency rate of initial frequency rate of the PWM signal
from pin 26 to pin 3 of the driver (107), so that the other bulb, i.e., rear right bulb (103) blinks at
a faster frequency rate i.e. double or more than the frequency of left bulbs (104 and 105). The
similar operation also happens for the left bulbs too. This feature is diagrammatically explained in
30 Fig. 13 as well as in tables 2-4 for all conditions.
Hazard Condition
16
Condition Right-Front
Indicator
Right-Rear
Indicator
Left-Front
Indicator
Left-Rear
Indicator
Active condition Frequency 1 Frequency 1 Frequency 1 Frequency 1
Right Front Fused Fused Frequency 2 Frequency 1 Frequency 1
Right-Rear Fused Frequency 2 Fused Frequency 1 Frequency 1
Left-Front Fused Frequency 1 Frequency 1 Fused Frequency 2
Left-Rear Fused Frequency 1 Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Fused
Table 2
Right Blinkers ON Condition
Condition Right-Front
Indicator
Right-Rear
Indicator
Left-Front
Indicator
Left-Rear
Indicator
Active condition Frequency 1 Frequency 1 OFF OFF
Right Front Fused OFF Frequency 2 OFF OFF
Right-Rear Fused Frequency 2 OFF OFF OFF
5 Table 3
Left Blinkers ON Condition
Condition Right-Front
Indicator
Right-Rear
Indicator
Left-Front
Indicator
Left-Rear
Indicator
Active condition OFF OFF Frequency 1 Frequency 1
Left-Front Fused OFF OFF Fused Frequency 2
Left-Rear Fused OFF OFF Frequency 2 Fused
Table 4
10
Advantages:
The present invention provides following advantages:
15 1. Because of combination we can operate Blinker switch and hazard switch together without
getting one is off
2. Due to the combination of working mechanism of both switches we can avoid the potential
cause of an accident.
4. User can easily use the both switch at same time.
20 5. There is inbuilt flasher circuit so no need of flashing relay and another circuit which is
responsible for flasher output.
17
The foregoing detailed description has described only a few of the many possible implementations
of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description is given only by way of illustration and
nothing contained in this section should be construed to limit the scope of the invention. The claims
are limited only by the following claims, including the equivalents 5 thereof.
10
15

We Claim:
1. A control unit for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said unit coupled to at
least two left side blinker bulbs and two right blinker bulbs and to left, right and hazard
blinker switches, said 5 unit comprising:
a memory; and
a processor coupled to said memory configured to
illuminate the left side blinker bulbs when the left side blinker switch is actuated;
illuminate the right side blinker bulbs when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
10 and
illuminate both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when the hazard
blinker switch is actuated;
wherein,
selectively illuminate either the right or left side blinker bulbs when the respective
15 blinker switch is actuated, while the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
2. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the processor being coupled to a left driver circuit and
a right driver circuit which in turn is coupled to left and right blinker bulbs respectively.
20 3. The control unit of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to provide a pulse width
modulation signal to the left driver circuit and the right driver circuit to actuate the
respective blinker bulbs.
4. The control unit of claim 2, wherein the driver circuits configured to convert a DC voltage
25 supply into a pulsated DC voltage supply, and wherein the left and right blinker bulbs
receive the respective pulsated DC output voltage from the respective left and right driver
circuits so as to blink at a rate proportional to the pulse frequency.
5. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the processor being configured to illuminate both left
30 and right side blinker bulbs again simultaneously when the right or left side blinker
switches are turned down, when the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
19
6. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the processor is coupled to a power source via a voltage
regulator.
7. A control unit for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said control unit coupled
to at least two left side blinkers bulbs and two right blinkers bulbs and 5 to left, right and
hazard blinker switches, said unit comprising:
a memory; and
a processor coupled to said memory configured to
illuminate the left side blinker bulbs when the left side blinker switch is actuated;
10 illuminate the right side blinker bulbs when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
and
illuminate both the left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when the hazard
blinker switch is actuated;
wherein,
15 selectively illuminate either one of the right or left side blinker bulbs at a faster
blinking rate, when the other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.
8. The control unit of claim 7, wherein the processor configured to determine Vout of the two
bulbs of both left and right side blinker bulbs and increasing the frequency of the blinking
20 rate of the remaining blinker bulb of that side, if one of the bulb of that side gets fused.
9. The control unit of claim 7, wherein the processor being coupled to a left driver circuit and
a right driver circuit which in turn is coupled to left and right blinker bulbs respectively.
25 10. The control unit of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to provide a pulse width
modulation signal to the left driver circuit and the right driver circuit to actuate the
respective blinker bulbs.
11. The control unit of claim 9, wherein the left and right driver circuits configured to convert
30 a DC voltage supply into a pulsated DC voltage supply, and wherein the left and right
blinker bulbs receive the respective pulsated DC output voltage from the respective left
and right driver circuit so as to blink at a rate proportional to the pulse frequency.
20
12. The control unit of claim 7, wherein the processor is coupled to a power source via a voltage
regulator.
5
13. A system for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, the system comprises:
at least two left side blinker bulbs and at least two right side blinker bulbs;
a switch assembly including a right blinker switch, a left blinker switch and a hazard
switch;
a control unit coupled with the blinker switch unit and the at least 10 two left side
blinker bulbs and the at least two right side blinker bulbs, the control unit comprising:
a memory and
a processor coupled with the memory, the processor configured to:
illuminate the left side blinker bulbs when the left side blinker switch is actuated;
15 illuminate the right side blinker bulbs when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
and
illuminate both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when the hazard
blinker switch is actuated;
wherein, selectively illuminate either the right or left side blinkers when the
20 respective blinker switch is actuated, while the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated
mode.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is coupled to a left driver circuit and a right
driver circuit which in turn is coupled to the left and right blinker bulbs respectively.
25
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to provide a pulse width
modulation signal to the left driver circuit and the right driver circuit to actuate the blinker
bulbs.
30
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the left and the right driver circuits configured to convert
a DC voltage supply into a pulsated DC voltage supply, and wherein the left and right
blinker bulbs receive the respective pulsated DC output voltage from the respective left
and right driver circuits so as to blink at a rate proportional to the pulse frequency.
21
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor being configured to illuminate both left and
right side blinker bulbs again simultaneously when the right or left side blinker switches
are turned down, when the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
5
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is coupled to a power source via a voltage
regulator.
19. A system for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, the system comprises:
10 at least two left side blinker bulbs and at least two right side blinker bulbs;
a switch assembly including a right blinker switch, a left blinker switch and a hazard
switch; and
a control unit coupled with the blinker switch unit and the at least two left side
blinker bulbs and the at least two right side blinker bulbs, the control unit comprising
15 a memory and
a processor coupled with the memory, the processor configured to:
illuminate the left side blinker bulbs when the left side blinker
switch is actuated;
illuminate the right side blinker bulbs when the right side blinker
20 switch is actuated; and
illuminate both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously
when the hazard blinker switch is actuated;
wherein, selectively illuminate either one of the right or left side
blinker bulbs at a faster blinking rate, when the other blinker bulb on that
25 side gets fused.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor configured to determine the Vout of the two
bulbs of both left and right side blinker bulbs and increasing the frequency of the blinking
rate of the remaining blinker bulb of that side, if one of the bulb of that side gets fused.
30
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the processor being coupled to a left driver circuit and a
right driver circuit which in turn is coupled to left and right blinker bulbs respectively.
22
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the processor is configured to provide a pulse width
modulation signal to the left and right driver circuits to actuate the respective blinker bulbs.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the left and right driver circuits configured 5 to convert a
DC voltage supply into a pulsated DC voltage supply, and wherein the left and right blinker
bulbs receive the respective pulsated DC output voltage from the respective left and right
driver circuit so as to blink at a rate proportional to the pulse frequency.
10 24. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor is coupled to a power source via a voltage
regulator.
25. A method for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said method comprising:
illuminate left side blinker bulbs when a left side blinker switch is actuated;
15 illuminate right side blinker bulbs when a right side blinker switch is actuated;
illuminate both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when a hazard
blinker switch is actuated; and
selectively illuminate either the right or left side blinker bulbs when the respective
blinker switch is actuated, while the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
20
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprising illuminating both left and
right side blinker bulbs again simultaneously when the right or left side blinker switches
are turned down, when the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated mode.
25 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the method further comprises providing a pulsated DC
voltage to the left and right side bulbs.
28. The method of claims 25 and 27, wherein the step of illuminating the left and right side
bulbs include illuminating the left and right side bulbs at rate proportional to frequency of
30 the pulsated DC voltage.
23
29. A method for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said method comprising:
illuminate the left side blinker bulbs when the left side blinker switch is actuated;
illuminate the right side blinker bulbs when the right side blinker switch is actuated;
illuminate both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when the hazard
blinker switch 5 is actuated; and
selectively illuminate either one of the right or left side blinkers at a faster blinking
rate, when the other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of selectively illuminating either one of the right
10 or left side blinker bulbs at a faster blinking rate comprising:
determine Vout of the two bulbs of both left and right side blinkers; and
increasing the frequency of the blinking rate of the remaining blinker bulb of that
side, if one of the bulb of that side gets fused.
15 31. The method of claim 28, wherein the method further comprises providing a pulsated DC
voltage to the left and right side bulbs.
32. The method of claims 28 and 30, wherein the step of illuminating the left and right side
bulbs include illuminating the left and right side bulbs at a rate proportional to frequency
20 of the pulsated DC voltage.
33. A control unit for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said unit comprising:
means for illuminating left side blinker bulbs when a left side blinker switch is
actuated;
25 means for illuminating right side blinker bulbs when a right side blinker switch is
actuated;
means for illuminating both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when
a hazard blinker switch is actuated; and
24
means for selectively illuminating either the right or left side blinker bulbs when
the respective blinker switch is actuated, while the hazard blinker switch is still in actuated
mode.
34. A control unit for operating turn signal blinker bulbs of a vehicle, said 5 method comprising:
means for illuminating the left side blinker bulbs when the left side blinker switch
is actuated;
means for illuminating the right side blinker bulbs when the right side blinker
switch is actuated;
10 means for illuminating both left and right side blinker bulbs simultaneously when
the hazard blinker switch is actuated; and
means for selectively illuminating either one of the right or left side blinker bulbs
at a faster blinking rate, when the other blinker bulb on that side gets fused.