Patent ID: 9475424
Filing Date: 2016-10-25
CPC Classification: B60Q,F21S

Claim Text:
1. A device configured for installation in an existing vehicle brake light circuit having a brake detection line, at least one brake light, and a severed return line, the device including: a first lead, a second lead and a third lead, the first lead configured for connection to the brake detection line, and the second lead and the third lead configured for connection to the severed return line, the first lead and the third lead defining a device output, the device output configured for connection in parallel with the at least one brake light; a control unit; and a switching member provided in a shunt path connected in parallel with the device output and controlled by the control unit, the switching member configured to operate in a first state or a second state when the first lead is connected to the brake detection line and the second lead and the third lead are connected to the severed return line, wherein the control unit is separate from the shunt path and configured to control the switching member such that (i) a current through the shunt path is reduced when the switching member operates in the first state and thus a current through the at least one brake light is increased when the switching member operates in the first state, and (ii) the current through the shunt path is increased when the switching member operates in the second state and thus the current through the at least one brake light is reduced when the switching member operates in the second state.