Sequential LED Tail Lights For Ford Mustang

Transcription

1 Sequential LED Tail Lights For Ford Mustang Project Proposal Brandon Delgado Western Washington University EET Fall 2013 Page 1 of 5

2 I. Project Summary The Proposed project is the design and creation of a microprocessor controlled CAN connected sequential LED tail light system specifically for early model Ford Mustangs. The unit will be able to detect user input such as left/right turn indicator activation, running light activation, and brake system operation. LEDs will be used in the tail light housing. Multiple light sources will allow for and aesthetically pleasing and noticeable display alerting other drivers to the user s intentions. Microcontrollers will control the timing of the LEDs and the CAN network will transmit data from one controller to the other. II. Description There will be three main components in the system, user input detection, signal controller, and the signals themselves. The user input detection will rely on a microcontroller (MCU) that will detect activation of the turn signal switch including the direction of the switch throw. This will be handled by routing each of the two 12V leads of the turn signal switch into ports of the MCU that can detect high low states. This will be the same method used to detect when the user activates the running lights. However, there will be provisions for a pressure sensitive device connected through and A/D converter to activate the brake lights. This will allow the MCU to detect when the driver performs a panic stop and will alert the signal controller to flash the brake lights quickly to alert other drivers of a rapid stop. All communications to the signal controller will be made over the CAN. The signal controller will also use an MCU to process the signal states sent from the user input detection controller. The signal controller will then use pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the signal board. The signal controller will also handle the timing and direction of the LEDs. For running lights the LEDs will constantly run at lower than 100% power to illuminate the rear of the vehicle. For a turn indicator the lights will be flashed in sequence from the inside of the light housing to the outside at a higher power than that of the running light so that other driver will be able to distinguish the difference. For brake lights all LEDs will run at higher power to alert others to a stop. If a panic stop signal is received then all LEDs will flash to gain the attention of other drivers quickly. The signal board will be of my own design and use surface mount LEDs. The LEDs will be arranged so that they are visible in all three panels of the tail lights and will operate in individual banks. They will be powered off of the vehicles 12v rail and operated via PWM signal from the signal controller. Additional features that could be included are extra modules that operate on the CAN buss. Such as an engine monitoring board with data logging. Also, the whole car could be converted to use the CAN buss so that all electronics are controlled via MCU, including the heater fan which could be controlled using PWM. Page 2 of 5

3 All off Running lights Brake Lights Panic Brake Lights (flashing) Turn indicator sequence III. Standards I will use the SAE J1939 CAN standard which will guide CAN integration into a highway legal vehicle. SAE J585 FEB2008 Tail Lamps (Rear Position Lamps) for Use on Motor Vehicles Less than 2032 mm in Overall Width SAE J586 JUL2007 Stop Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less than 2032 mm in Overall Width SAE J1373 MAY2006 Rear Cornering Lamps for Use on Motor Vehicles Less than 9.1 m in Overall Length The last three standards may not apply due to the age of the vehicle however. Also, because these are not road illumination devices I will not be required to follow SAE J2650 SEP2005 Performance Requirements for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Road Illumination Device Systems. Page 3 of 5

4 IV. Background and Benefits This project will be applied to use in the aftermarket for Mustang market. It will allow the user to update their vehicle to more current technology as well as adding a more appealing look to the car. It will also be increase the visibility of the vehicle thus increasing safety and reducing the risk of collision. This is especially important in an older vehicle which was not built to withstand an impact and protect the occupants as are newer vehicles. Similar products are available. However these products use through hole LEDs and rely on the old flasher unit and do not include panic brake detection. The through hole units also do not look as well made nor as professional as a surface mount component. All products however must conform to SAE standards as will my unit. As I do not currently have access to lumincity testing equipment the intensity of the diodes will vary until it can be determined at which power level it is appropriate to run them. V. Societal and Global Impacts The main impacts on society and the world are increased safety and increased efficiency. LEDs will be much brighter than the current single incandescent bulb that is used in the vehicle. Other motorist will be able to clearly see signal lamps and know what the intended path of the vehicle is. This will translate to a reduction in both the number of live lost or altered and the loss of these vehicles. The use of these units can help to reduce the tragedy that is incurred in a car wreck. Also, increased efficiency will greatly impact the world. The use of LEDs over incandescents will reduce the load the alternator puts on the engine thus improving fuel economy. Improved fuel economy will result in less pollution of the atmosphere. Also, this will leave the driver with more money that can he can then use to stimulate the world economy. VI. Development and Demonstration. The product must be developed using widely available resources such as LEDs and MCUs. Design will use NI circuit develop suite to design the LED signal boards which will then need to be contracted out for printing. Assembly will be done on site however. Demonstration will include operable switches and the Tail light assembly of a Mustang. I estimate the majority of my time will be spent on the creation of the signal boards which must first be designed and laid out then printed and assembled. Page 4 of 5

5 +12v Turn Indicator Switch +5v Headlight Switch User Input Detection MCU +12v Brake Pedal Switch Signal Control MCU Light board Page 5 of 5