Self-contained, removable, wireless turn signal system for motor vehicles and trailers

Abstract

A remote-controlled turn signal unit for a vehicle or trailer is provided. In one embodiment, an LED array and digital transceiver are embedded into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light sockets on the exterior of a vehicle and can serve as turn signals being actuated by radio. This bulb can also be part of a self-contained magnetic housing that can be attached temporarily to the vehicle. This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but does not rely upon or required modification of the vehicle's electrical system.

Claims

1. A self-contained remote controlled vehicular light bulb comprising: a light emitting diode; a transceiver unit; a controller, said controller configured to control illumination of said light emitting diode based upon a control signal received by said transceiver unit; and wherein said control signal comprises a unique digital code associated with a remote controller; and wherein said controller is configured with logic to detect a fault condition and communicate said fault condition via the said transceiver unit; and a housing, the housing configured to interface with and receive power from a standard vehicular light bulb socket, the housing comprising a base and a bulb; and wherein said light emitting diode, said transceiver unit, and said controller are contained within the said housing of said vehicular light bulb.

2. The self-contained remote controlled vehicular light bulb of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to alter the illumination state of the said light emitting diode to emit a light signal in response to a command from said transceiver wherein said light signal transmits in an intermittent on and off state, and at a frequency and intensity of reference.

3. The self-contained remote controlled vehicular light bulb of claim 1 wherein said fault condition is chosen from a group of: bulb inoperative; out of range; out of battery; or other fault, and wherein said fault condition is detected by said fault detection logic and are conveyed via said control signal and generated by said transceiver.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a radio turn signal lever and housing;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a stand-alone, magnetic, self-powered, remote-controlled turn signal unit;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained but not self-powered remotely controlled signal bulb; and

(4) FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example of a placement of a magnetic self-powered version of the signal unit on a fender of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view (simplified in shape of chassis design) of the internal battery operated radio turn signal lever and housing. The housing contains a miniature rechargeable battery, a miniature digital radio IC chip, and two indicator lights to indicate system status.

(6) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a stand-alone, magnetic, self-powered (independent of vehicle) remote-controlled (via digital radio) turn signal unit. The unit utilizes a magnet for attachment of the unit to the vehicle, a DOT approved bank of high output LED lamps, a miniature digital radio IC chip, and a bubble level attached to the chassis housing for alignment on the vehicle.

(7) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a self-contained but not self-powered (it uses existing vehicle socket and lens) remotely controlled signal bulb. In a standard-sized turn signal bulb, a miniature IC digital transceiver is embedded along with an array of high-intensity LED lights. This lamp can either display brake, marker or turn intensity of the bulb, depending on both wired and wireless digital control. This is designed as a replacement bulb in existing wiring, with a clear advantage over a traditional taillight or brake lamp in that it can flash brightly as a turn signal does at the control of the vehicle operator.

(8) FIG. 4 is a simple illustration of the placement of the magnetic self-powered version of the signal unit on the fender of a classic vehicle that would not otherwise have turn signals.

(9) Operation

(10) The digital radio/signal lever arm assembly is installed in the vehicle on the steering column. This can be easily removed, and does not require any external wiring or modification of the original vehicle.

(11) The operator of the vehicle actuates the signal lever, which sends a unique digital radio code to the transceiver bulb or assembly. It then lights intermittently with intensity and frequency equal to wired DOT approved turn signals.

(12) As an option to the system, the combined digital transceiver/bulb is installed in an existing, standard tail and brake light socket on the exterior of the vehicle leaving existing wiring untouched.

(13) As another option to the system, self-contained magnetic battery-powered LED assembly and digital radio unit can be magnetically placed on the vehicle for on-road use if the combined digital transceiver/bulb cannot be used on that particular vehicle. This unit is balanced using an integral bubble level for perfect regulatory alignment on vehicle. This assembly can be installed or removed in seconds.

(14) All pieces of the assembly can be removed or installed in seconds and recharged by plugging into a wall outlet. The system also includes a logic that sends a signal to the signal arm and illuminates an indicator if there is a fault in the system (bulb is burned out, out of range, out of battery etc.)