Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Special application – Vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-29
2003-12-16
Nguyen, Hoang V. (Department: 2821)
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Special application
Vehicle
C315S130000, C340S438000, C340S467000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06664736
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a method and system for indicating bulb circuit failure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicles such as automobiles and motorcycles employ a number of bulbs to signal driver actions to other drivers, pedestrians, etc. Such bulbs include brake lamps, turn signal lamps and reverse lamps. Such bulbs are part of a bulb circuit which typically includes a fuse for protecting the bulb circuit wiring in the event of a short circuit. Operators of vehicles are not always aware of a failure in the bulb circuit and thus do not know to obtain service for the bulb circuit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Disclosed herein is a method of monitoring faults in a vehicle bulb circuit including a bulb and a fuse. The method includes detecting acceleration of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration of the vehicle to a limit. Based on the relationship of the acceleration to the limit, it is determined whether a fault exists in the bulb circuit. An indicator is activated in response to detecting a fault in the bulb circuit. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.
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Crawford Daniel A.
Kekel Steven C.
Pakkala William F.
Voges Diana K.
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Funke Jimmy L.
Nguyen Hoang V.
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