Lights Out

Professor works to short circuit dead-battery syndrome

November 18, 2008

Professor of Political Science Jim Hoefler is using a grant to find ways for a car's battery to "remember" to turn off its lights when its driver forgets to do so.

During the summer, Policy Studies Coordinator and Professor of Political Science Jim Hoefler received a $2,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to invent and market a device that turns off a vehicle's headlights and interior lights when the ignition shuts down.

Hoefler, whose undergraduate degree is in mechanical engineering, said he always has been interested in how things are designed. While running at night, he often passes empty cars, headlights blazing, and thinks about the reduction in headaches and service calls if there was a solution. Hoefler admits that his own car battery has drained due to forgetfulness.

"Most new cars are designed to turn all lights off after a short amount of time or after the battery drops to a certain voltage," he said. "However, many older cars are the victims of bad design and don't offer these features." Hoefler said he'll keep tinkering with his design to address these energy-draining flaws.