Vehicle hazard flasher control system
US7956732B2 · kind B2 · utility
1Cited by
8References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q1/46
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle flasher hazard function is implemented on an electrical controller having control over vehicle exterior lights. The flasher hazard function features an optimized duty cycle and operational frequency, consistent with legal requirements for the flasher rate. The point in time that individual bulbs are turned on is staggered in time to avoid all bulbs being simultaneously activated. This distributes the current surges associated with bulb activation being distributed in time. When a vehicle battery can no longer sustain the legally mandated flasher rate an optional path for flasher operation at a reduced rate is provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.