LED headlamp with daytime running lamp
OwnerCharles I. Sassooninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved light emitting diode (LED) vehicle headlamps having a dedicated daytime running lamp (DRL) component are described. In various embodiments, a combination Low Beam/DRL headlamp is provided, which uses pulse width modulation (PWM) detection to determine which of the two internal LED light sources (Low Beam or DRL) is powered on. If the Low Beam/DRL headlamp detects a PWM signal on the Low Beam voltage input then it switches to drive the DRL LEDs. If, alternatively, it detects a steady state input voltage then it switches to drive the Low Beam LEDs.
Claims12
A triple beam headlamp, comprising a combination low beam/DRL component mounted inside a headlamp chamber having a reflective inner back wall, and a high beam lamp configured and arranged to output high beam head light when the high beam is selectively turned on, the low beam/DRL component comprising:
- a three-contact connector having a low beam contact, a high beam contact, and a ground;
- and a control circuit configured to monitor input voltage on the low beam contact, wherein said input voltage is used to determine a mode of operation of the headlamp, a dynamic input voltage driving a DRL mode of operation and a steady state input voltage driving a low beam mode of operation, and wherein said input voltage is also used to power the headlamp, without direct connection to the vehicle's battery.
A combination low beam/DRL headlamp, comprising a three-contact connector having a low beam contact, a high beam contact, and a ground;
- and a control circuit configured to monitor input voltage on the low beam contact, wherein said input voltage is used to determine a mode of operation of the headlamp, a dynamic input voltage driving a DRL mode of operation and a steady state input voltage driving a low beam mode of operation, and wherein said input voltage is also used to power the headlamp, without direct connection to the vehicle's battery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.