Dual-voltage control for an electrical load
US5661368A · kind A · utility
114Cited by
5References
4Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R16/03
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment of the present invention, a daytime running lamp (DRL) system for a motor vehicle includes a switchable connection from the headlamps of the vehicle to the neutral connection of the vehicle's alternator. Compared with the full system voltage of the vehicle, the neutral connection of the alternator is a lower-voltage source which can drive the headlamps at reduced brightness. Such reduced brightness is a typical characteristic of DRL systems. The system disclosed herein can be more cost-effective and provide greater energy efficiency than alternative DRL systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.