Power and lighting a vehicle accessory

Abstract

The invention provides a method for powering and lighting a vehicle accessory. A vehicle accessory may include an accessory body configured to be operably coupled to a vehicle; a power transfer assembly configured to operably couple a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transfer power to the accessory body; and an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered. The power transfer assembly may transfer power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and the power may excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments generally relate to vehicle accessories, and more specifically to illuminated vehicle accessories. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle accessories are often customized and added to vehicles to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal, as well as to display desired patterns and designs. In recent years, illuminated vehicle accessories have become increasingly popular. Typical illuminated vehicle accessories utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and other wired light-emitting elements to provide the necessary illumination.

[0003] However, LEDs and other wired light-emitting elements limit the construction of vehicle accessories and are difficult to implement in many types of vehicle accessories. Therefore, a lit vehicle accessory utilizing electroluminescent materials and additive manufacturing processes may be needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an example embodiment, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle can be provided. The vehicle accessory may include: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; and an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered. The power transmission assembly can transmit power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and the power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0005] In another example embodiment, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle may be provided. The vehicle accessory may include: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered; and control circuitry disposed at the accessory body and configured to transmit power to the electroluminescent material. The power transmission assembly may transmit power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and the power may excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry may be printed via conductive ink printing.

[0006] In another example embodiment, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle may be provided. The vehicle accessory may include: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered; and control circuitry disposed at the accessory body and configured to transmit power to the electroluminescent material. The power transmission assembly may transmit power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and the power may excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry may be printed via conductive ink printing. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram depicts a vehicle accessory for a vehicle according to an example embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 A top view of the footrest space according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 A top view of a vehicle accessory according to an example embodiment is depicted;

[0011] Figure 4 A top view of the footrest space and vehicle accessories according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of the wheel chamber according to an example embodiment is depicted;

[0013] Figure 6 A front view of a vehicle accessory according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view depicting a wheel well and vehicle accessories according to an example embodiment is shown; and

[0015] Figure 8 A printed assembly of a vehicle accessory according to an example embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Some exemplary embodiments will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, exemplary embodiments. In fact, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable requirements. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” will be interpreted as a logical operator that produces a true result whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, an operable connection should be understood to involve direct or indirect connections, in either case of which the connection enables functional interconnection of components operably linked to each other.

[0017] Furthermore, as used herein, terms such as “about” and “substantially” should be understood as explicit approximations that take into account variations in measurements that cannot be precisely measured or, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, are generally not precisely measured. Thus, for example, a parameter “about” or “substantially” given a value or characteristic should be understood as being sufficiently close to the given value or characteristic such that the performance of the object or product to which the parameter is applied appears from the perspective of a person skilled in the art as if the object or product exactly possessed the given value or characteristic.

[0018] Some example embodiments described herein can solve the above-mentioned problems. In this regard, for example, some embodiments can provide vehicle accessories for a vehicle to increase vehicle functionality. Thus, vehicle accessories can provide lighting to enhance the vehicle.

[0019] Figure 1 A block diagram of a vehicle accessory 100 for a vehicle 110 according to an example embodiment is shown. In some cases, the vehicle 110 may include a chassis. In the example embodiment, the chassis may be a frame or body of the vehicle 110. The chassis or frame may support the vehicle 110 and may form the basic structure of the vehicle. In some cases, the chassis and / or frame may be formed from one or more cast or welded metal subframes, or may be an integral construction, and suspension elements may be operatively coupled to the chassis or frame to facilitate operatively coupling the wheel assembly to the chassis or frame.

[0020] In example embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, vehicle accessory 100 can be added to vehicle 110. Vehicle accessory 100 can include various different accessory types for different locations on vehicle 110. For example, in some cases, vehicle accessory 100 can be a floor mat, mudguard, wheel well liner, cargo mat, or cargo liner. Vehicle accessory 100 is not limited to the above list of accessory types and can be any number of accessory types integrated with and / or operatively coupled to vehicle 110. In some cases, vehicle 110 can include multiple instances of vehicle accessory 100. Multiple instances of vehicle accessory 100 can include multiple instances of the same type of vehicle accessory 100, or can include multiple different types of vehicle accessories 100.

[0021] Typically, operators and customers expect vehicle accessory 100 to include lighting to highlight different patterns, logos, or other designs on the vehicle accessory 100. Therefore, vehicle accessory 100 can be operatively coupled to a power transmission assembly 120, which provides power to illuminate the vehicle accessory 100. Power transmission assembly 120 can be operatively coupled to vehicle 110 and / or a first power source 130. First power source 130 can be of various different types. In some cases, first power source 130 is the on-board power source of vehicle 110 and provides power to power transmission assembly 120. The on-board power source of vehicle 110 may include the main battery of vehicle 110 or batteries for different systems or assemblies of vehicle 110 (i.e., suspension assembly, control system, etc.). In an example embodiment, first power source 130 may be included within power transmission assembly 120.

[0022] The power transmission assembly 120 can transfer power from the first power source 130 to the vehicle accessory 100 in a variety of different ways. For example, the power transmission assembly 120 can transfer power to the vehicle accessory 100 via a wired connection. The wired connection can be operatively coupled to the accessory body 200 of the vehicle accessory 100. A DC contact via a connector is another example of a wired connection. In some cases, the power transmission assembly 120 can transfer power to the vehicle accessory 100 via induction. Inductive power transfer can utilize a magnetic field to transfer power without requiring a definite or wired physical electrical connection. For example, the power transmission assembly 120 can transfer power from the first power source 130 to the vehicle accessory 100 via AC induction.

[0023] Inductive power transfer can be one type of wireless power transfer method utilized by the power transfer assembly 120. In an example embodiment, the power transfer assembly 120 may include other wireless power transfer methods. Another wireless power transfer method may use radio frequency (RF) power elements. RF power elements may be wireless power transfer elements that pick up low-intensity radio frequency waves from a source and convert the energy of the waves into electricity.

[0024] In some cases, control module 140 may be operatively coupled to vehicle accessory 100, power transmission assembly 120, and / or vehicle 110, and operative coupling may be provided via a variety of methods. Control module 140 may use wired or wireless communication to transmit and receive information from vehicle components. In some cases, control module 140 may receive information from other vehicle control modules connected to vehicle 110 or from external control modules (i.e., databases, service centers, subscription providers, etc.).

[0025] In an example embodiment, control module 140 may be a controller. In some cases, control module 140 may include one or more control modules (i.e., sub-control modules or operatively coupled to other control modules). Control module 140 may include a processing circuitry system including a processor and memory. The processing circuitry system may be configured to provide electronic control of inputs to one or more functional units of vehicle accessory 100 and to process data received at or generated by one or more functional units of vehicle accessory 100. Thus, according to the example embodiment, the processing circuitry system may be configured to perform data processing, control function execution, and / or other processing and management services. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry system may be embodied as a semiconductor chip or chipset. In other words, the processing circuitry system may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) comprising materials, components, and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a substrate). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, size savings, and / or electrical interaction limitations for the component circuitry included thereon. Thus, in some cases, the processing circuitry system may be configured to implement embodiments of the invention on a single chip or as a single "system-on-a-chip". Therefore, in some cases, a chip or chipset can constitute a component for performing one or more operations to provide the functionality described herein. In example embodiments, other vehicle control modules may include similar processing circuitry systems.

[0026] In some cases, as described above, vehicle accessory 100 may include accessory body 200, electroluminescent material 210, and control circuitry 220. Accessory body 200 may form the majority of vehicle accessory 100. Accessory body 200 may be made of a variety of different materials, depending on the type and purpose of vehicle accessory 100. For example, if vehicle accessory 100 is a floor mat or cargo mat, accessory body 200 may be flexible and made of rubber or rubber-like materials or flexible plastics. If vehicle accessory 100 is a wheel well liner, accessory body 200 may be made of highly durable and / or rigid / semi-rigid materials to account for increased environmental exposure. If vehicle accessory 100 is a mudguard, accessory body 200 may be highly durable while remaining flexible to ensure mudguard functionality.

[0027] Electroluminescent material 210 can be disposed at the accessory body 200. When excited by electricity from the power transmission assembly 120, electroluminescent material 210 can emit light. In some cases, electroluminescent material 210 can be made by various different methods and materials. For example, electroluminescent material 210 can be made via a zinc sulfide composition with different types of added metals. For example, depending on the type of metal added with the zinc sulfide composition (i.e., copper, silver, manganese, etc.), the color and other properties of electroluminescent material 210 vary.

[0028] In some cases, the electroluminescent material 210 may be integrated within the coating 150 and applied to the accessory body 200. However, in other cases, if the coating 150 is applied but not integrated with the electroluminescent material 210, the coating 150 may be translucent, allowing any light generated by the electroluminescent material 210 to pass through the coating 150 with minimal attenuation. The coating 150 may be waterproof and increase the durability and functionality of the vehicle accessory 100. In example embodiments, the electroluminescent material 210 may be integrated into other materials (i.e., plastics, fabrics, etc.) and applied to the accessory body 200. The electroluminescent material 210 may be operatively coupled to an electroluminescent material electrical connector to deliver power to the electroluminescent material 210. The electroluminescent material electrical connector may be integrated with the electroluminescent material 210 or other materials in the coating 150.

[0029] The electroluminescent material 210 can receive power directly or via the control circuitry 220 from the power delivery assembly 120. In an example embodiment, the control circuitry 220 can be directly and operatively coupled to the electroluminescent material 210 via a wired connection. For example, the wired connection can be operatively coupled to an electrical connector of the electroluminescent material to supply power to the electroluminescent material 210.

[0030] The control circuit 220 can be added to the accessory body 200 via conductive ink printing. In some cases, such as Figure 8As shown, conductive ink printing can be performed via printing system 800. Printing system 800 can use inkjet printer 820 to apply highly precise circuitry to a variety of objects, including fabrics and rigid objects. The conductive ink can be a liquid-based ink. Using conductive ink printing, computer-aided design (CAD) representations of circuit systems or electronic devices can be directly incorporated during or after the main manufacturing or assembly process of accessory body 200 or vehicle accessory 100 without loss of specificity. Conductive ink printing can include conductive inks composed of conductive metal fillers and polymer resins. The conductive metal filler can provide the desired electrical and thermal properties. For example, the conductive metal filler can be silver, as conductive inks need to be easily liquefied at relatively low temperatures (i.e., 500℉ or lower) while maintaining their conductivity throughout the printing process and application. In some cases, depending on the application, the temperature threshold can be higher (i.e., 2000℉ or lower). The polymer resin can provide mechanical strength and flexibility when applying conductive ink printing. For example, silver nitrate can be a commonly used ink for conductive ink printing. Forming the control circuit 220 via conductive ink printing allows for increased flexibility in both the accessory body 200 and the vehicle accessory 100. Furthermore, conductive ink printing facilitates the integration of the control circuit 220. Conductive ink printing can also be a conductive ink coating process.

[0031] In some cases, control circuitry 220 may be operatively coupled to a second power source 240. The second power source 240 may be separate from the power delivery assembly 120 and the first power source 130. In an example embodiment, the second power source 240 may be integrated within the accessory body 200. For example, the second power source 240 may be embedded within or disposed on the accessory body 200. Thus, for example, the second power source 240 may be a local power source at the accessory body 200, such as a rechargeable battery that can be recharged from the first power source 130 via the power delivery assembly 120. Control circuitry 220 may utilize power from the first power source 130 and the second power source 240, individually or in combination, to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light. Furthermore, although the control circuit 220 may adjust, modulate, or otherwise supply power to the electroluminescent material 210 on a non-discrete or continuous basis only when such power is available, in some cases, the control circuit 220 may limit the supply of power to the electroluminescent material 210 unless or until a trigger signal has been received at the control circuit 220 or the control circuit 220 determines that a trigger event has occurred.

[0032] Figures 2 to 7 An environmental background for employing vehicle accessory 100 of vehicle 110 according to an example embodiment is shown. Figures 2 to 4An environmental background is depicted in which the vehicle accessory 100 is used as a footrest space 111 and a pedal assembly 113 of the vehicle 110. Figures 5 to 7 The environmental background depicts the mudguard used as a wheel well 114 of the vehicle 110. The dashed lines indicating that it is hidden from the current view depict elements that can be integrated into the vehicle accessory 100 or set on an invisible layer or side of the vehicle accessory 100.

[0033] In some cases, the power delivery assembly 120 may include a power transmitter 121. The power transmitter 121 enables power to be delivered from the power delivery assembly 120 and the first power source 130 to the accessory body 200. In some cases, the power transmitter 121 is a type of connector or plug that is directly operatively coupled to the accessory body 200. For example, the accessory body 200 may include a power receiver 201 that is operatively coupled to the power transmitter 121 and operatively coupled to the control circuitry 220 of the power delivery assembly 120. In some cases, the power receiver 201 may be a socket or other outlet for receiving the power transmitter 121, or vice versa. Thus, for example, one of the power transmitter 121 or the power receiver 201 may be inserted into the other.

[0034] In some cases, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 may not be operatively connected via a wired connection. For example, if the power delivery assembly 120 utilizes inductive power delivery, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can wirelessly deliver power between the power delivery assembly 120 and the vehicle accessory 100 via a changing magnetic field generated between the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201. To achieve inductive power delivery, the power transmitter 121 may include a first coil to generate a changing magnetic field, and the power receiver 201 may include a second coil to inductively generate a local current based on the changing magnetic field. Different types of power transmitters 121 and power receivers 201 may also achieve power delivery via RF power elements. In an example embodiment, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 may be embedded in and / or integrally formed with the vehicle 110 and the accessory body 200, respectively. For example, if the power delivery assembly 120 is wirelessly delivering power to the accessory body 200, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be embedded in the vehicle 110 and the accessory body 200, respectively, without interfering with the power delivery.

[0035] In some cases, the power transmitter 121 and power receiver 201 may be located at an attachment point between the accessory body 200 and the vehicle 110. The vehicle attachment mechanism 202 of the accessory body 200 may be operatively coupled to the accessory attachment mechanism 112 of the vehicle 110 at the attachment point between the accessory body 200 and the vehicle 110. In example embodiments, the vehicle attachment mechanism 202 and the accessory attachment mechanism 112 may be a button assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly, a hook assembly, a form-fit assembly, or any other fixing assembly that facilitates the operative coupling of the vehicle accessory 100 and the vehicle 110. The power transmitter 121 and power receiver 201 may be integrated with the accessory attachment mechanism 112 and the power transmitter 121, respectively. For example, in response to the operative coupling of the attachment mechanism 112 of the vehicle 110 to the vehicle attachment mechanism 202 of the vehicle accessory 100, the power transmitter 121 and power receiver 201 may be operatively coupled to deliver power from the power delivery assembly 120. In other words, the accessory attachment mechanism 112 and the vehicle attachment mechanism 202 can help align the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201. In some cases, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be integrated / included / formed integrally with the accessory attachment mechanism 112 and the vehicle attachment mechanism 202, respectively.

[0036] The power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be connected as follows: Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figures 5 to 7 As shown in the image. Figures 3 to 4 as well as Figures 5 to 7 Vehicle accessories 100, operably connected to the vehicle, are depicted as floor mats and mudguards, respectively. Accessory attachment mechanism 112 can be operably connected to vehicle attachment mechanism 202 to align power transmitter 121 and power receiver 201. Accessory attachment mechanism 112 and vehicle attachment mechanism 202 can be located at different positions on vehicle 110 and vehicle accessory 100, respectively. In some cases, power transmitter 121 and power receiver 201 may not be configured to be directly aligned with accessory attachment mechanism 112 and vehicle attachment mechanism 202, but they can still be aligned in response to the operable connection of accessory attachment mechanism 112 and vehicle attachment mechanism 202.

[0037] In some cases, the control circuit 220 may be operatively directly coupled to the power supply 201. The control circuit 220 may extend along the length of the electroluminescent material 210 to provide the necessary power to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light. Therefore, the electroluminescent material 210 and the control circuit 220 may be positioned along the length of a design or pattern on the vehicle accessory 100 that is desired to be illuminated. For example, patterns or designs illuminated within the vehicle accessory 100 include, but are not limited to, logos, outlines (i.e., the perimeter of the vehicle accessory's boundary), and Easter eggs (dates, coordinates, etc.). In an example embodiment, the control circuit 220 may deliver power to the electroluminescent material 210 without contacting it. The control circuit 220 may deliver power via generating an electric field or via an electrical connector on the electroluminescent material. In some cases, the control circuit 220 may be integrated within a coating 150 that includes the electroluminescent material 210.

[0038] Control circuitry 220 can receive power from multiple sources. In some cases, as previously described, a second power source 240 may be integrated within vehicle accessory 100 and supply power to control circuitry 220 in addition to power delivery assembly 120. In example embodiments, control circuitry 220 may utilize only power from either power delivery assembly 120 or second power source 240. For instance, vehicle accessory 100 may only require intermittent illumination and therefore may only require discontinuous power from one power source to meet its power needs.

[0039] In some cases, the second power source 240 may be powered via or embodied in the piezoelectric element 600. The piezoelectric element 600 may utilize the movement or displacement of the vehicle accessory 100 and convert the movement or displacement of the suspension elements into electrical energy. In an example embodiment, the movement or displacement of the vehicle accessory 100 caused by vibration, wind, or airflow (i.e., for a fender) may be converted into electrical energy via the piezoelectric element 600.

[0040] In some cases, the second power source 240 may be powered via a thermoelectric element. A thermoelectric element can utilize heat and convert it into electrical energy. In an example embodiment, the second power source 240 may be powered via a radio frequency (RF) power element. The RF power element may be a wireless power transfer element that picks up low-intensity radio frequency waves from a source and converts the energy of the waves into electrical energy. The auxiliary power source 240 may be another battery or integrated with the vehicle accessory battery 230.

[0041] In some cases, the power delivery assembly 120 and the second power source 240 may be operatively coupled to the vehicle accessory battery 230. The vehicle accessory battery 230 may be integrated within or disposed on the vehicle accessory 100. In an example embodiment, either or both of the power delivery assembly 120 and the second power source 240 may supply power to the vehicle accessory battery 230, which may store power for powering the vehicle accessory 100. The vehicle accessory battery 230 may be operatively coupled to control circuitry 220 to provide power to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light. In an example embodiment, the power delivery assembly 120 and / or the second power source may directly supply power to the electroluminescent material 210 to utilize / activate its electroluminescent properties. In this respect, the electroluminescent material 210 may emit light without the need for a specific lighting element or LED. The lack of a specific lighting element or LED allows for lower complexity in the construction, assembly, or installation of the vehicle accessory 100.

[0042] In some cases, the vehicle accessory 100 can still emit light when removed from the vehicle 110 and disconnected from the power delivery assembly 120. The vehicle accessory battery 230 can still supply power to the vehicle accessory 100 to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light. For example, if the vehicle accessory 100 is a floor mat, the mat can be removed and still emit light to be used as a work mat.

[0043] In an example embodiment, power may be delivered to the electroluminescent material 210 solely in response to a lighting trigger. The lighting trigger may be a signal transmitted by control module 140 to vehicle accessory 100, power delivery assembly 120, or another control module of vehicle 110. In some cases, signals may be transmitted automatically based on vehicle events. For example, vehicle events may be, but are not limited to, the operating state of vehicle 110 (power on, power off, reversing, etc.), the time of day, vehicle movement, movement of vehicle accessories, or operator input (via a telephone application, vehicle control interface, etc.). In some cases, control circuitry 220 may need to receive a lighting trigger to activate control circuitry 220 to allow power to be supplied to electroluminescent material 210 from second power source 230 (or first power source 130).

[0044] Vehicle accessory 100 can be manufactured via additive manufacturing. For example, control circuitry 220 and electroluminescent material 210 can be added after the initial formation of accessory body 200. In some cases, if control circuitry 220 and electroluminescent material 210 are embedded within accessory body 200, another manufacturing step can be performed to apply coating 150 or complete the manufacturing of accessory body 200. The additive manufacturing process can utilize printing press system 800 to manufacture vehicle accessory 100. In some cases, inkjet printer 810 and additional printer 820 can be components of a larger single printer. Inkjet printer 810 and additional printer 820 can also be operatively coupled to and operated via printer controller 830. In an example embodiment, inkjet printer 810 can add control circuitry 220 to accessory body 200 before additional printer 820 or other manufacturing methods add electroluminescent material 210, coating 150, and / or the remainder of accessory body 200. In some cases, the mobile device 840 can move the accessory body 200 from the inkjet printer 810 to an additional printer 820, and vice versa. The mobile device 840 can be a conveyor system or other means / systems that can move the accessory body 200 throughout the production process.

[0045] Therefore, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle can be provided. The vehicle accessory may include: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; and an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered. The power transmission assembly can transmit power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and the power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0046] Vehicle accessories for vehicles in some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, extensions, etc., to achieve further objectives or enhance the performance of the vehicle system. These additional features, modifications, extensions, etc., can be added in any combination of each other. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and extensions, which can be added individually or in any combination of each other. For example, a vehicle accessory may include control circuitry disposed on the accessory body and printed via conductive ink, the control circuitry delivering power to excite an electroluminescent material to emit light. In some cases, the vehicle accessory may include a battery that receives and stores power delivered by a power transmission assembly, and the vehicle accessory may utilize the power stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material. In an example embodiment, the vehicle accessory may include a piezoelectric element to provide power in response to vibration of the accessory body to excite the electroluminescent material. In some cases, the power transmission assembly may transmit power to the accessory body via induction. In an example embodiment, the power transmission assembly may be disposed at a location where an operative connection is made between the accessory body and the vehicle. In some cases, the electroluminescent material may be applied to a layer of the accessory body via a coating, and the coating may be waterproof. In an example embodiment, the power delivery assembly can wirelessly deliver power to the accessory body. In some cases, the accessory body can receive power from multiple sources, which may include a first power source and a second power source located at the vehicle, with the second power source located at the accessory body. In an example embodiment, the vehicle accessory may be a cargo mat, floor mat, wheel well liner, or mudguard. In some cases, power can excite an electroluminescent material in response to a lighting trigger. In an example embodiment, the lighting trigger may be a signal transmitted from the vehicle's control module and may be automatically transmitted based on vehicle events. In some cases, the lighting trigger may be sent by the vehicle's user via a remotely connected device. In an example embodiment, the power delivery assembly may be located at a position on the vehicle where the transmitter of the power delivery assembly aligns with the receiver of the accessory body in response to engagement with the vehicle.

[0047] A vehicle accessory for a vehicle, as exemplified by this embodiment, may be provided. The vehicle accessory may include: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered; and control circuitry disposed at the accessory body and configured to transmit power to the electroluminescent material. The power transmission assembly may transmit power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and the power may excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry may be printed via conductive ink printing.

[0048] A vehicle accessory for a vehicle, as exemplified by this embodiment, may be provided. The vehicle accessory may include: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power source disposed at the accessory body to deliver power to the accessory body; an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered; and control circuitry disposed at the accessory body and configured to deliver power to the electroluminescent material. The power source may deliver power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle, vehicle operation, or lighting trigger, and the power may excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry may be printed via conductive ink printing.

[0049] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will conceive of many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein, benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments have been described in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions in the foregoing description and associated drawings, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, for example, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some exemplary embodiments but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, essential, or necessary for all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

[0050] According to the present invention, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle accessory having: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; and an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered; wherein the power transmission assembly transmits power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and wherein the power excites the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a control circuit disposed on the main body of the accessory and printed via conductive ink printing transmits power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores power transmitted by a power delivery assembly, and wherein the vehicle accessory utilizes the power stored in the battery to excite an electroluminescent material.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the vehicle accessory includes a piezoelectric element to provide power in response to vibration of the accessory body to excite an electroluminescent material.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the power transmission assembly transmits power to the accessory body via induction.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the power transmission assembly is located at an operable connection point between the accessory body and the vehicle.

[0056] According to an embodiment, an electroluminescent material is applied to a layer of the accessory body via a coating, wherein the coating is waterproof.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the power transmission assembly wirelessly transmits power to the accessory body.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sources include a first power source and a second power source at the vehicle, wherein the second power source is disposed at the accessory body.

[0059] According to an embodiment, vehicle accessories are cargo mats, floor mats, wheel well liners, or mudguards.

[0060] According to an embodiment, in response to a lighting trigger, an electroluminescent material is electrically excited.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the lighting trigger is a signal transmitted from the vehicle's control module, and the signal is automatically transmitted based on vehicle events.

[0062] According to an embodiment, a lighting trigger is sent via a remotely connected device.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the power transmission assembly is positioned at a location on the vehicle where the transmitter of the power transmission assembly aligns with the receiver of the accessory body in response to engagement between the accessory body and the vehicle.

[0064] According to the present invention, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle accessory comprising: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; and a control circuit disposed at the accessory body and configured to transmit power to emit light from the accessory body, wherein the power transmission assembly transmits power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and wherein the control circuit is printed via conductive ink printing.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the control circuit delivers power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores power transmitted by a power delivery assembly, and wherein the vehicle accessory utilizes the power stored in the battery to excite an electroluminescent material.

[0067] According to an embodiment, an electroluminescent material is applied to a layer of the accessory body via a coating, wherein the coating is waterproof.

[0068] According to the present invention, a vehicle accessory for a vehicle is provided, the vehicle accessory comprising: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle; a power source disposed at the accessory body to deliver power to the accessory body; an electroluminescent material disposed at the accessory body to emit light when powered; and a control circuit disposed at the accessory body and configured to deliver power to the electroluminescent material, wherein the power source delivers power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle, operation of the vehicle, or lighting trigger, wherein the power excites the electroluminescent material to emit light, and wherein the control circuit is printed via conductive ink printing.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the vehicle accessory is formed via an additive manufacturing process, wherein control circuitry and electroluminescent materials are added after the accessory body is formed during the additive manufacturing process.

Claims

1. A vehicle accessory for a vehicle, the vehicle accessory comprising: The accessory body is configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle; A power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; as well as An electroluminescent material disposed on the accessory body to emit light when powered; The power transmission assembly thereunder transmits power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and The electric current excites the electroluminescent material to emit light.

2. The vehicle accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control circuit disposed on the accessory body and printed via conductive ink printing transmits the power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light, or The vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores the power transmitted by the power delivery assembly, and The vehicle accessory uses the electricity stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material.

3. The vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the vehicle accessory includes a piezoelectric element to provide electrical power in response to vibration of the accessory body to excite the electroluminescent material.

4. The vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the power transmission assembly transmits power to the accessory body via induction. The power transmission assembly is located at an operable connection point between the accessory body and the vehicle.

5. The vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the electroluminescent material is applied to a layer of the accessory body via a coating, and wherein the coating is waterproof, or The power delivery assembly wirelessly delivers power to the accessory body.

6. The vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory body receives the power from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources include the first power source and the second power source at the vehicle, and The second power source is located at the main body of the accessory.

7. The vehicle accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle accessory is a cargo mat, floor mat, wheel well liner, or mudguard.

8. The vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein in response to a lighting trigger, the electrical current excites the electroluminescent material. The lighting trigger is a signal transmitted from the vehicle's control module, and The signals are automatically transmitted based on vehicle events.

9. The vehicle accessory of claim 8, wherein the illumination trigger is sent via a remotely connected device.

10. The vehicle accessory of claim 1, wherein the power transmission assembly is disposed at a position on the vehicle whereby, in response to engagement of the accessory body with the vehicle, the transmitter of the power transmission assembly aligns with the receiver of the accessory body.

11. A vehicle accessory for a vehicle, the vehicle accessory comprising: The accessory body is configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle; A power transmission assembly configured to operatively connect a first power source at the vehicle to the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; as well as A control circuit, disposed at the accessory body and configured to transmit the power to emit light from the accessory body, The power transmission assembly thereunder transmits power to the accessory body in response to installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and The control circuit is printed using conductive ink.

12. The vehicle accessory of claim 11, wherein the control circuit transmits the electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores the power transmitted by the power delivery assembly, and The vehicle accessory uses the electricity stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material.

13. The vehicle accessory of claim 11, wherein the electroluminescent material is applied to a layer of the accessory body via a coating, and The coating is waterproof.

14. A vehicle accessory for a vehicle, the vehicle accessory comprising: The accessory body is configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle; A power source, wherein the power source is disposed at the accessory body to transmit power to the accessory body; An electroluminescent material disposed on the accessory body to emit light when powered; as well as A control circuit, disposed at the accessory body and configured to transfer the power to the electroluminescent material. The power supply, in response to being installed in the vehicle, operation of the vehicle, or a lighting trigger, delivers power to the accessory body. The electric current excites the electroluminescent material to emit light, and The control circuit is printed using conductive ink.

15. The vehicle accessory of claim 14, wherein the vehicle accessory is formed via an additive manufacturing process. The control circuitry and the electroluminescent material are added during the additive manufacturing process after the attachment body is formed.

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