Self-Contained, Remote Controlled Signaling Bulb

Abstract

With the introduction of powerful LED lighting and miniature digital radio-on-a-chip integrated circuits, the inventor found to be possible to embed a sufficiently bright LED array and digital transceiver into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light socket on the exterior of the 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 (such as when on the highway.) This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but NO reliance upon or modification of the vehicle's electrical system. The system was built and tested and prior art was examined.

Description

[0001] Antique car owners have long wanted turn signals on their vehicles and trailers although many vehicles were not factory-equipped with turn signals prior to 1950. These cars, although in many cases not legally required to display turn signals, benefit greatly in terms of safety if retrofitted turn signals are installed.

[0002] Many antique and specialty vehicle and trailer owners have historically wanted to install accessory turn signal lights on their vehicles, but do not because these non-original equipment items are not only perceived as spoiling the original aesthetic originality of the vehicle or trailer, but having them installed can also result in penalty in judging and concourse car show competitions.

[0003] The obvious advantage is that no modification of the vehicle wiring or aesthetics is necessary for this installation, achieving safety upgrades but without destroying the originality of the vehicle for concourse evaluation or convenience.

DESCRIPTION

[0004] FIG. 1

[0005] 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.

[0006] FIG. 2

[0007] This is 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.

[0008] FIG. 3

[0009] This perspective view shows 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.

[0010] FIG. 4

[0011] This 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.

OPERATION

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.)

Claims

1. A self-contained remote-controlled signaling bulb comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a base and a bulb; a light emitting diode a transceiver unit; a controller, said controller configured to control illumination of the lighting element based upon a control signal received by the transceiver unit; wherein said control signal comprises a unique digital code associated with a remote controller; and wherein said controller is configured to detect a fault condition and communicate said fault condition via the said transceiver unit; and wherein said controller is configured to alter the illumination state of the said light emitting diode to emit a light signal in response to said control signal; and wherein said light emitting diode, said transceiver unit and said controller are contained within said housing of said remote controlled signaling device.