阅读说明：本技术 车辆集成存储电源管理系统 (Vehicle integrated storage power management system ) 是由 R.戴维斯 N.E.库斯马 R.麦科洛 于 2018-02-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种车辆包括前部模块化组件,所述前部模块化组件具有至少一个前轮、转向组件、节气门和电源。所述车辆可以包括后部模块化组件,所述后部模块化组件能够可移除地耦合到所述前部模块化组件并且具有：至少一个后轮；选择性地耦合到所述至少一个后轮的制动器；以及被配置成在接收到功率信号时发射光的至少一个后灯,在所述后部模块化组件耦合到所述前部模块化组件时,所述至少一个后灯和所述制动器经由共享电气连接件与所述电源处于电气通信。所述车辆可以包括与所述电源处于电气通信的控制器,所述控制器被配置成经由所述共享电气连接件将所述功率信号选择性地提供给所述制动器和所述后灯。(A vehicle includes a front modular assembly having at least one front wheel, a steering assembly, a throttle, and a power source. The vehicle may include a rear modular assembly removably coupleable to the front modular assembly and having: at least one rear wheel; a brake selectively coupled to the at least one rear wheel; and at least one rear light configured to emit light upon receipt of a power signal, the at least one rear light and the brake being in electrical communication with the power source via a shared electrical connection when the rear modular assembly is coupled to the front modular assembly. The vehicle may include a controller in electrical communication with the power source, the controller configured to selectively provide the power signal to the brake and the rear light via the shared electrical connection.)

1. a vehicle, comprising:

A front modular assembly, the front modular assembly comprising:

At least one front wheel is arranged on the front wheel,

A steering assembly for steering the at least one front wheel,

A throttle valve for driving the vehicle, an

A power supply configured to generate a power signal;

A rear modular assembly removably coupleable to the front modular assembly, the rear modular assembly comprising:

At least one rear wheel is arranged on the rear wheel,

A brake selectively coupled to the at least one rear wheel, an

at least one rear light configured to emit light upon receipt of the power signal, the at least one rear light and the brake being in electrical communication with the power source via a shared electrical connection when the rear modular assembly is coupled to the front modular assembly; and

A controller in electrical communication with the power source, the controller configured to selectively provide the power signal to the brake and the rear light via the shared electrical connection.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:

Causing the brake and the at least one rear light to receive the power signal when the throttle is activated, which causes the brake to disengage from the at least one rear wheel and causes the at least one rear light to emit light, and

Preventing the brake and the at least one rear light from receiving the power signal when the throttle is released, which causes the brake to engage the at least one rear wheel and causes the at least one rear light to avoid emitting light by using the power signal.

3. the vehicle of claim 1, wherein the brake includes a solenoid that causes the brake to limit movement of the at least one rear wheel in an engaged state when the power signal is not received and to disengage the brake from the at least one rear wheel when the power signal is received.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a storage device that stores the remaining energy from the power signal when the throttle is activated, and wherein the controller causes the at least one tail light to receive the remaining energy from the power signal for a remaining energy light emission time period after the throttle is released.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the storage device comprises one or more capacitors.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the residual energy light emission time period is from 5 to 30 seconds.

7. the vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one backlight draws current from the power signal, and wherein the current from the power signal is less than a current power threshold.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one rear light comprises a plurality of light elements, and wherein each of the plurality of light elements emits light in a predetermined sequential order.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the at least one light includes a first region and a second region, wherein a first portion of the plurality of light elements is disposed in the first region and a second portion of the plurality of light elements is disposed in the second region, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the first portion of the plurality of light elements in the first region to emit light before causing the second portion of the plurality of light elements in the second region to emit light in the predetermined sequential order.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the first region is a top region of the at least one rear light and the second region is a bottom region of the at least one rear light.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the first region is a first side region of the at least one rear light and the second region is a second side region of the at least one light.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the first side area is a left side of the at least one rear light, and wherein the second side area is a right side of the at least one light.

13. the vehicle of claim 8, wherein the at least one light includes a first region, a second region, and a third region,

Wherein a first portion of the plurality of light elements is arranged in the first region, a second portion of the plurality of light elements is arranged in the second region, and a third portion of the plurality of light elements is arranged in the third region, and

Wherein the controller is configured to cause the first portion of the plurality of light elements in the first area to emit light before causing the plurality of light elements in the second area to emit light, and is configured to cause the second portion of the plurality of light elements in the second area to emit light before causing the third portion of the plurality of light elements in the third area to emit light in the predetermined sequential order.

Background

The present invention relates generally to vehicle power systems, and more particularly to a vehicle power system for powering components in a rear modular assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a front modular assembly having at least one front wheel, a steering assembly for steering the at least one front wheel, a throttle for driving the vehicle, and a power source configured to generate a power signal. The vehicle may include a rear modular assembly removably coupleable to the front modular assembly, the rear modular assembly having at least one rear wheel, a brake selectively coupled to the at least one rear wheel, and at least one rear light configured to emit light upon receipt of the power signal. The at least one rear light and the brake may be in electrical communication with the power source via a shared electrical connection when the rear modular assembly is coupled to the front modular assembly. The vehicle may include a controller in electrical communication with the power source. The controller may be configured to selectively provide the power signal to the brake and the rear light via the shared electrical connection.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the brake and the at least one rear light to receive the power signal when the throttle is activated, which causes the brake to disengage from the at least one rear wheel and causes the at least one rear light to emit light. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to prevent the brake and the at least one rear light from receiving the power signal when the throttle is released, which causes the brake to engage the at least one rear wheel and causes the at least one rear light to avoid emitting light by using the power signal.

In one embodiment, the brake includes a solenoid that causes the brake to limit movement of the at least one rear wheel in an engaged state when the power signal is not received and to disengage the brake from the at least one rear wheel when the power signal is received.

In one embodiment, the controller includes a storage device that stores a remaining energy from the power signal when the throttle is activated. In one embodiment, the controller causes the at least one tail light to receive the remaining energy from the power signal for a remaining energy light emission time period after the throttle is released.

In one embodiment, the storage device includes one or more capacitors.

In one embodiment, the residual energy light emission time period is from 5 to 30 seconds.

in one embodiment, the at least one rear lamp draws current from the power signal. In one embodiment, the current from the power signal is less than a current power threshold.

In one embodiment, the at least one rear light comprises a plurality of light elements. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of light elements emits light in a predetermined sequential order.

in one embodiment, the at least one lamp comprises a first region and a second region. In one embodiment, a first portion of the plurality of light elements is arranged in the first region and a second portion of the plurality of light elements is arranged in the second region. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the first portion of the plurality of light elements in the first region to emit light before causing the second portion of the plurality of light elements in the second region to emit light in a predetermined sequential order.

in one embodiment, the first region is a top region of the at least one rear light and the second region is a bottom region of the at least one rear light.

In one embodiment, the first region is a first side region of the at least one rear lamp and the second region is a second side region of the at least one lamp.

In one embodiment, the first side area is a left side of the at least one rear light, and wherein the second side area is a right side of the at least one light.

In one embodiment, the at least one lamp comprises a first region, a second region and a third region. In one embodiment, a first portion of the plurality of light elements is disposed in the first region, a second portion of the plurality of light elements is disposed in the second region, and a third portion of the plurality of light elements is disposed in the third region. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to cause the first portion of the plurality of light elements in the first region to emit light before causing the plurality of light elements in the second region to emit light, and is configured to cause the second portion of the plurality of light elements in the second region to emit light before causing the third portion of the plurality of light elements in the third region to emit light in a predetermined sequential order.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of a vehicle power system, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

2A-2C are schematic diagrams of exemplary configurations for operating brakes and rear lights of a vehicle (such as the vehicle shown in FIG. 1);

FIG. 3A is a schematic view of a rear light for use with a vehicle (such as the vehicle shown in FIG. 1); and is

fig. 3B-3D are additional schematic views of the rear light as shown in fig. 3A.

Detailed Description

The popularity of modular personal motor vehicles has grown dramatically in the last decades. This growth is attributed to a number of factors, including the emergence of new structural technologies and materials and the more active aging population that likes travel. There is also an increased need for additional components and features for safety, such as rear lights and rear brakes. Such motor vehicles may be modular, with the rear assembly separated from the front assembly to allow for more compact storage, such as fitting in the trunk of an automobile. However, problems arise when the lighting components are in the rear modular assembly and require power from a power source located in the front modular assembly. When the power source of the vehicle is located in the front modular assembly of the vehicle, powering the components in the rear modular assembly may require the addition of a dedicated connection for each component, which may significantly increase manufacturing costs. The need for dedicated connections may also make it more difficult to connect the front and rear modular components because each of the dedicated connections may not mate properly when the rear modular component is coupled to the front modular component. Accordingly, it would be desirable to minimize the number of connections between the front and rear modular assemblies while maximizing the number of powered components in the rear modular assemblies.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout, there is shown in fig. 1-3D a vehicle 100 having a controller 120 for powering components in a rear modular assembly, generally designated 104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes a front modular assembly 102 and a rear modular assembly 104. The front modular assembly 102 may be detachably coupled to the rear modular assembly 104. In one embodiment, as shown, hooks 103a from one component (such as front modular component 102) engage with features (such as bars) (not shown) on another component. The weight of the vehicle 100 may keep the front and rear modular assemblies 102, 104 coupled until the front modular assembly 102 is lifted to separate the two components from each other. In other embodiments, one or more fasteners, latches, or locks may be used to releasably couple the front modular assembly 102 to the rear modular assembly 104. Mating plug connectors 105 from front modular assembly 102 with corresponding plug connectors (not shown) in rear modular assembly 104 may also facilitate releasably coupling front and rear modular assemblies 102, 104 to each other, such as by a socket connection. Thus, the vehicle 100 may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled for storage or transportation in another vehicle (such as the trunk of an automobile).

The front modular assembly 102 may include at least one front wheel (e.g., front wheel 106). In fig. 1, front modular assembly 102 includes a second front wheel (not shown) spaced laterally from front wheel 106 and parallel to front wheel 106. The front modular assembly 102 may include a steering assembly 108 configured to steer the front wheels 106. In fig. 1, the steering assembly 108 is a tiller that a user grips with both hands and turns or turns along a generally vertical axis in the direction the user wishes the vehicle to turn.

The front modular assembly 102 may include a throttle 110. The throttle 110 may be controlled by a user. In one embodiment, the throttle 110 is coupled to the steering assembly 102. The throttle may be a lever, switch or grip that the user actuates with his or her hand. When activated, throttle 110 may be configured to drive one or more rear wheels of vehicle 100. When released, throttle 110 may be configured to avoid driving vehicle 100. In one embodiment, releasing the throttle 110 engages the brakes on one or more of the rear wheels 114, as described in further detail below. In one embodiment, a single throttle 110 is provided for controlling both rear wheels 114.

The front modular assembly 102 may include a power supply 112. In some embodiments, the power source 112 includes one or more batteries, such as batteries 112a and 112 b. In some embodiments, the power source 112 is removable. For example, in some embodiments, one or more fasteners, latches, or locks are used to releasably couple the power source 112 (e.g., batteries 112a and 112 b) to the front modular assembly 102. The power source 112 may be configured to generate a power signal for driving one or more wheels of the vehicle 100 (e.g., the front wheels 106 and/or the rear wheels 114) and to power other components of the vehicle 100.

The rear modular assembly 104 may include at least one rear wheel (e.g., rear wheel 114). In fig. 1, rear modular assembly 104 includes a second rear wheel (not shown) laterally spaced from rear wheel 114 and parallel to rear wheel 114. In response to activation of throttle 110, the rear wheels may be configured to drive vehicle 100 (via one or more electric machines) in a forward or rearward direction.

The rear modular assembly 104 may include a brake 116 that may be configured to operate in an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the brake 116 may be configured to maintain the vehicle 100 in a brake-static state by engaging the rear wheels 114. In the disengaged state, the brake 116 may be configured to avoid keeping the vehicle 100 in a brake-static state by disengaging from the rear wheels 114. In some embodiments, the brake 116 is configured to operate in an engaged state when a power signal is received and to operate in a disengaged state when a power signal is not received (in alternative embodiments, the brake 116 is configured to operate in a disengaged state when a power signal is received and to operate in an engaged state when a power signal is not received). In some embodiments, the actuator 116 comprises a solenoid. In some embodiments, the solenoid may cause the brake 116 to limit movement of the rear wheels 114 in an engaged state when no power signal is received and cause the brake 116 to disengage the rear wheels 114 when a power signal is received. In some embodiments, the brake 116 may include an actuator (e.g., a lever) for manually mechanically engaging or disengaging a drive motor connected to the rear wheels 114 for driving the rear wheels 114 in order to allow a person to propel the vehicle 100 without resistance from the motor. In some embodiments, when the throttle is released, resistance from the drive motor connected to the rear wheels 114 causes the rear wheels 114 to slow down, thereby causing the vehicle 100 to stop. In some embodiments, the drive motor is also configured to recharge the power source 112 when the throttle is released.

The rear modular assembly 104 may include at least one rear light 118 that may be configured to emit light under certain conditions. In some embodiments, the back light 118 is configured to emit light in response to receiving a power signal.

In some embodiments, the brake 116 and the rear light 118 are configured to be in electrical communication with the power source 112 when the rear modular assembly 104 is coupled to the front modular assembly 102. In some embodiments, the brake 116 and the rear light 118 are in electrical communication with the power source 112 via a single shared connection. In some embodiments, the single shared connection is a connector 105 in the front modular assembly 102 that mates with a corresponding connector (not shown) in the rear modular assembly 104. In some embodiments, the connector 105 is a 4-pin connector. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments may utilize a different number of plugs in the connector 105. In some embodiments, the number of plugs may be less than 4. Using a single shared connection, depending on when the power signal is selectively received, the brake 116 can be configured to operate in its engaged and disengaged states, while the rear light 118 is configured to emit light. By using a single shared connector, the cost of electrical connections between some of the electrical components in the rear assembly 104 may be reduced by eliminating the need to include a dedicated connector for each electrical component. Also, fewer connections may reduce the likelihood of poor engagement when a connector from the front component 102 mates with a connector from the rear component 104.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes a controller 120 in electrical communication with the power source 112. The controller 120 may be configured to selectively provide a power signal from the power source 112 to the brake 116 and the at least one rear light 118 via a single shared connection under certain circumstances. For example, in some embodiments, when the throttle is activated, the controller 120 causes the brake 116 to receive the power signal and thereby causes the brake 116 to disengage from the rear wheels 114 in a disengaged state so that the user can propel the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, when throttle 110 is released, controller 120 prevents brake 116 from receiving the power signal and thereby causes brake 116 to engage rear wheels 114 (or restrict movement of rear wheels 114) in the engaged state to maintain vehicle 100 in a braking static state. In some embodiments, the controller 120 causes the tail lamp 118 to receive a power signal when the throttle is activated. In some embodiments, the rear lamp 118 functions as a running lamp that emits light when the vehicle 100 is driven. In some embodiments, the controller 120 prevents the back light 118 from receiving a power signal when the throttle is released, thereby causing the back light 118 to avoid emitting light. With this configuration, vehicle 100 can operate brake 116 and rear light 118 by using a single connection, thereby minimizing the total number of electrical connections between the electrical components in rear modular assembly 104 and power source 112 in front modular assembly 102.

exemplary Power configuration

Fig. 2A-2C show schematic diagrams of an exemplary lighting assembly 200 configured for operating brake 116 and rear light 118 using controller 120 and power source 112 of a vehicle, such as the vehicle shown in fig. 1.

The lighting assembly 200 includes a power source 112 and a controller 120 positioned in the front modular assembly 102. The lighting assembly 200 also includes a stopper 116 and a rear light 118 positioned in parallel in the rear modular assembly 104. The lighting assembly 200 may also include a connector 105 associated with the front modular assembly 102, the connector 105 allowing the actuator 116 and the rear light 118 to be in electrical communication with the controller 120 and the power supply 112 when coupled with another connector 107 associated with the rear modular assembly 104.

in fig. 2A, although not shown, the throttle valve 110 of the vehicle 100 is in an activated state because the user desires to drive the vehicle 100. When the throttle 110 is in the activated state, the power source 112 provides a power signal (represented as arrow 204 and referred to herein as power signal 204) to the controller 120. With the throttle 110 in the activated state, the controller 120 may provide a power signal 204 to the brake 116 and the tail lamp 118. By providing the power signal 204 to the brake 116, the controller 120 may cause the brake 116 to operate in a disengaged state. Thus, the brake 116 may be disengaged from the rear wheels 114 so that the user may drive the vehicle 100. By providing the power signal 204 to the back light 118, the controller 120 may cause the back light 118 to emit light.

In some embodiments, when the controller 120 provides the power signal 204 to the brake 116 and the tail light 118, the controller 120 stores the remaining energy from the power signal in the energy storage 202, which is not used by the brake 116 or the tail light 118 when the throttle is in the activated state. The residual energy may be used in some cases to power electrical components in the rear modular assembly 104, such as the rear lights 118, and as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, energy storage 202 includes one or more capacitors, supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, and inductors. In some embodiments, these additional energy storage components may also be suitable.

In fig. 2B, although not shown, the throttle valve 110 of the vehicle 100 is in a released state because the user desires to stop the vehicle 100. The power source 112 may provide a power signal 204 to the controller 120 when the throttle 110 is in the released state. However, since the throttle 110 is in the released state, the controller 120 prevents the brake 116 and the tail lamp 118 from receiving the power signal (represented as "X" 206 in FIG. 2B). By preventing the brake 116 from receiving the power signal 204, the controller 120 causes the brake 116 to operate in the engaged state. Thus, the brake 116 engages the rear wheels 114 (or limits the movement of the rear wheels 114) so that the user can park and park the vehicle 100. By preventing the back light 118 from receiving the power signal 204, the controller 120 prevents the back light 118 from emitting light based on the power signal 204.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 2C, the controller 120 provides the tail lamp 118 with the remaining energy (represented as arrow 208 and referred to herein as remaining energy 208) from the energy storage 202 when the throttle is in the released state. By providing the residual energy 208 to the tail lamp 118, the controller 120 causes the tail lamp 118 to emit light for a residual energy light emission time period by using the residual energy after the throttle is transitioned from the activated state to the released state. In some embodiments, the residual energy light emission time period is less than 1 minute; less than 50 seconds; less than 40 seconds; less than 30 seconds; less than 20 seconds; less than 10 seconds; less than 5 seconds; or less than 1 second. In some embodiments, the residual energy light emission time period is greater than 1 second; for more than 5 seconds; for more than 10 seconds; greater than 20 seconds; greater than 30 seconds; greater than 40 seconds; greater than 50 seconds; or greater than 1 minute. In some embodiments, the residual energy light emission time period is from 5 to 30 seconds; from 15 to 25 seconds; or about 20 seconds. In some embodiments, the remaining energy light emission time period is dependent on the amount of time the throttle is in the activated state before it transitions to the released state. By causing the rear light 118 to emit light after the throttle is transitioned to the released state, the vehicle 100 may be safer by providing a distinct visual indication to motorists or pedestrians approaching the vehicle from behind. Also, by causing the rear lamp 118 to emit light after the throttle is transitioned to the released state, the vehicle 100 can reduce the amount of switching between the on and off states of the rear lamp 118 associated with the activated and released states of the throttle. Since on/off switching of the lamps may cause degradation of the light sources, by minimizing switching of the back lamps 118, degradation of the back lamps 118 is minimized and the life expectancy of the back lamps 118 may be improved.

Exemplary Lamp configuration

Fig. 3A illustrates an exemplary configuration of a rear light 118 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the back light 118 is configured to draw less than a current power threshold (e.g., 20 mA) from the power signal. By drawing a current below the current power threshold, the tail light 118 may be utilized by the vehicle 100 without interfering with the operation of the brake 116, the brake 116 also drawing current from the same power signal. In some embodiments, the back light 118 may include one or more light elements (such as light elements 502a-r as shown in fig. 3A) that draw an amount of current below a current power threshold. The light elements 502a-r may be light emitting diodes, but in other embodiments, other types of light elements may be used. In the depicted embodiment, each rear light (such as rear light 118) includes approximately 18 light emitting diodes and operates at a power of approximately 0.25 watts or less. However, it is contemplated that a different number of light emitting diodes or elements may be used, as long as the total current drawn by the rear lamp 118 does not exceed the current power threshold.

In some embodiments, the rear lights 118 are configured in a U-shape, but are not limited to a U-shape, as shown in fig. 3A. However, different configurations are used in other embodiments, including an array, a circle, a square, a triangle, or any other shape that allows the rear lights 118 to emit light visible to motorists or pedestrians located behind the vehicle 100 or to otherwise provide a desired lighting effect.

in some embodiments, the current power threshold is between 1 mA and 50 mA; between 2 mA and 45 mA; between 3 mA and 40 mA; between 4 mA and 35 mA; between 5 mA and 30 mA; between 10 mA and 25 mA; between 15 mA and 25 mA; or about 20 mA. In some embodiments, the current power threshold is less than 30 mA; less than 25 mA; less than 20 mA; less than 15 mA; less than 10 mA; less than 5 mA; less than 4 mA; less than 3 mA; less than 2 mA; or less than 1 mA.

In some embodiments, the total wattage of the back light (e.g., including back light 118) is less than 10W; less than 9.5W; less than 9.0W; less than 8.5W; less than 8.0W; less than 7.5W; less than 7.0W; less than 6.5W; less than 6.0W; less than 5.5W; less than 5.0W; less than 4.5W; less than 4.0W; less than 3.5W; less than 3.0W; less than 2.5W; less than 2.0W; less than 1.5W; less than 1.0W; less than 0.5W; less than 0.4W; less than 0.3W; less than 0.2W; or less than 0.1W.

In some embodiments, one or more of the rear lights meet the standards for e-tag lighting for U.S. and/or european uses. The e-identification standard provided in "protocols adopted in relation to Wheeled Vehicles, unified Technical specifications of Equipment and Parts that may be Fitted and/or Used on Wheeled Vehicles, and approved mutual acceptance Conditions based on these specifications," beginning on 9/20 2010 (environmental centering the addition of Universal Technical specifications for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts of which can be fixed and/or Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for regulatory recognitions of approved graduations on the Basis of the descriptions), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 3B-3D illustrate exemplary operations of the rear light 118 as shown in fig. 3A in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, each of the light elements 502a-r is configured to emit light in a predetermined sequential order. In fig. 3B-3D, light elements 502a-r are shown as open boxes when the light elements do not emit light and as solid boxes when the light elements emit light. In some embodiments, each of the light elements 502a-r is divided into one or more groups by area. The controller 120 may be configured to cause the light elements of the first portion in the first area to emit light before causing the plurality of light elements of the second portion in the second area to emit light in a predetermined sequential order. In some embodiments, the controller 120 includes first, second, and third portions of light elements. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may be configured to cause the light elements of the first portion to emit light before the light elements of the second portion, and configured to cause the light elements of the second portion to emit light before the light elements of the third portion. For example, fig. 3B shows the operating state of the rear lamp 118 at time t 1; FIG. 3C illustrates the operating state of the rear lamp 118 at time t 2; and fig. 3D shows the operating state of the rear lamp 118 at time t3, where time t2 occurs after time t1 and time t3 occurs after time t 2. In this embodiment, the rear lamp 118 includes a first region 504, a second region 505, and a third region 506. The light elements 502a-502f are arranged in a first region 504, the light elements 502g-502l are arranged in a second region 505, and the light elements 502m-502r are arranged in a third region 506. In response to receiving the power signal 204 from the controller 120, the light elements 502a-502f in the first zone 504 initially emit light (as shown in FIG. 3B), then the light elements 502g-502l in the second zone 505 emit light (as shown in FIG. 3C), and finally, the light elements 502m-502r in the third zone 506 emit light (as shown in FIG. 3D). In some embodiments, the light elements are configured to emit light in a sequential order by connecting each group of light elements in an area in series with an RC filter. Each RC filter may include a resistor and a capacitor having different characteristics than the other RC filters. By utilizing RC filters having different characteristics, the RC filters can cause corresponding groups of light elements to emit light at different times (e.g., hundreds of milliseconds apart). In some embodiments, the rear light 118 includes two regions, where the light elements 502a-502r may be arranged in a first region and a second region. In some embodiments, light elements 502a-502i in the top region correspond to first region 504, and light elements 502j-502r in the bottom region correspond to second region 504. However, it is contemplated that other areas of the rear lights 118 may be used to group the light elements 502a-502r, such as, inter alia, the left and right sides of the rear lights 118. By sequentially causing the light elements to emit light, the vehicle 100 may utilize the following light elements: which emits less light while still drawing the attention of motorists and pedestrians positioned behind the vehicle 100.

Alternative embodiments

While many embodiments herein discuss brake 116 and rear light 118 as components in rear modular assembly 104 that share a single connection, it is also contemplated that in other embodiments, different or additional electrical components may share a single connection with power source 112 (e.g., brake, rear light, vehicle backup sensors (e.g., tactile, audible), rear vehicle camera, spotlight, USB charging port, etc.).

In at least one embodiment, one or more computers are included having one or more processors and memory (e.g., one or more non-volatile storage devices). In some embodiments, the memory or computer-readable storage medium of the memory stores programs, modules, and data structures for the processor, or a subset thereof, to control and execute the various systems and methods disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement one or more methods disclosed herein.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, particular features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention, and features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. The words "right", "left", "lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the vehicle 100 or any component thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an", and "the" are not limited to one element, but rather should be read to mean "at least one". As used herein, the term "about" can refer to +10% or-10% of the referenced value. For example, "about 9" should be understood to include 8.2 and 9.9.

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also form a part of the present invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

further, to the extent that the method does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitations on the claims. The claims directed to the method of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.