PROVIDING POWER AND ILLUMINATION OF A VEHICLE ACCESSORY

Abstract

A vehicle accessory can include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power transfer assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, and an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power. The power transfer assembly can transfer electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in or operation of the vehicle, and the electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to vehicle accessories and in particular to illuminated vehicle accessories. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicle accessories were often customized and added to a vehicle to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal, as well as to showcase desired designs and styles. 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 design of vehicle accessories and are difficult to implement in many types of accessories. Therefore, illuminated vehicle accessories that utilize an electroluminescent material and an additive manufacturing process may be desirable. BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0004] According to one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle accessory may be provided for a vehicle. The vehicle accessory may include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power transfer assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, and an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power. The power transfer assembly can transfer electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in or operation of the vehicle, and the electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle accessory may be provided for a vehicle. The vehicle accessory may include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power transfer assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power, and a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and configured to transfer the electrical power to the electroluminescent material.The power transmission assembly can transfer electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation or operation of the vehicle, and this electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry can be printed using conductive ink.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle accessory can be provided for a vehicle. The vehicle accessory can include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power transfer assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power, and a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and configured to transfer the electrical power to the electroluminescent material.The power transmission assembly can transfer electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation or operation of the vehicle, and this electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry can be printed using conductive ink. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0007] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference is now made to the attached drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and to which the following applies: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the vehicle accessories for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a footwell according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a vehicle accessory according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a footwell and vehicle accessories according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a footwell according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a vehicle accessory according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a footwell and vehicle accessories according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a printing assembly for a vehicle accessory according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments are now described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict some, but not all, of the exemplary embodiments. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to enable the present disclosure to meet applicable requirements. The same reference numerals refer throughout to the same elements. Furthermore, the expression "or," as used herein, is to be interpreted as a logical operator that evaluates to true if one or more of its operators are true.As used herein, functional coupling is understood to mean a direct or indirect connection which in any case enables a functional connection between components that are functionally coupled to one another.

[0009] Additionally, as used herein, terms such as "approximately" and "essentially" should be understood as specific approximations that take into account variations in measurements that cannot be measured exactly or, as a person skilled in the art would recognize, are not normally measured exactly. Thus, for example, a parameter that "approximately" or "essentially" corresponds to a given value or characteristic should be understood as being sufficiently close to the given value or characteristic such that, from the perspective of someone skilled in the art, the performance of the object or product to which the parameter applies is the same as if the object or product had exactly the given value or characteristic.

[0010] Some exemplary embodiments described herein can resolve the problems described above. In this regard, for example, some embodiments can provide vehicle accessories for a vehicle to enhance its functionality. Consequently, the vehicle accessories can provide lighting to complement the vehicle.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle accessory 100 for a vehicle 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. In some cases, the vehicle 110 may include a chassis. In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis may be a frame or body of the vehicle 110. The chassis or frame may support and / or form the basic structure of the vehicle 110. In some cases, the chassis and / or frame may be formed from one or more cast or welded metal subframes or may be a unibody construction, and a suspension element may be operatively coupled to the chassis or frame to assist in operatively coupling a wheel assembly to the chassis or frame.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, vehicle accessory 100 can be added to vehicle 110. Vehicle accessory 100 can include a wide variety of different accessory types for different locations on vehicle 110. For example, in some cases, vehicle accessory 100 might be a floor mat, mud flaps, wheel arch liners, cargo mats, or cargo covers. Vehicle accessory 100 may not be limited to the aforementioned list of accessory types and could be any number of accessory types integrated into and / or functionally connected to vehicle 110. In some cases, vehicle 110 may contain multiple instances of vehicle accessory 100. These multiple instances of vehicle accessory 100 may be of the same type or a variety of different types.

[0013] Drivers and customers often desire that vehicle accessories 100 include lighting to highlight varying patterns, logos, or other designs. Therefore, vehicle accessories 100 can be operatively coupled to a power transfer assembly 120, which is capable of providing electrical power to illuminate the vehicle accessory 100. The power transfer assembly 120 can be operatively coupled to the vehicle 110 and / or a first power source 130. The first power source 130 can be a number of different types of power sources. In some cases, the first power source 130 is an onboard power source of the vehicle 110 and provides electrical power to the power transfer assembly 120.The onboard power source of the vehicle 110 can include a primary battery of the vehicle 110 or a battery for another system or assembly of the vehicle 110 (e.g., suspension assembly, control systems, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the first power source 130 can be included within the power transmission assembly 120.

[0014] The power transfer assembly 120 can transfer electrical power from the first power source 130 to the vehicle accessory 100 via numerous different routes. For example, the power transfer assembly 120 can transfer electrical power to the vehicle accessory 100 via a wired connection. The wired connection can be operatively coupled to an 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 transfer assembly 120 can transfer electrical power to the vehicle accessory 100 via induction. Inductive power transfer can utilize a magnetic field to transfer electrical power without an explicit or wired physical electrical connection.The power transmission module 120 can transfer the electrical power, for example, from the first power source 130 to the vehicle accessory 100 via alternating current induction.

[0015] Inductive power transfer can be one type of wireless power transfer method used by the power transfer assembly 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the power transfer assembly 120 can incorporate other wireless power transfer methods. Another wireless power transfer method can utilize a radio frequency (RF) power element. The RF power element can be a wireless power transfer element that receives weak radio frequency waves from a source and converts the wave's energy into electrical power.

[0016] In some cases, a control module 140 can be operationally coupled to the vehicle accessory 100, the power transmission assembly 120, and / or the vehicle 110, and this functional coupling can be provided via a variety of methods. The control module 140 can use wired or wireless communication to communicate with and receive information from vehicle components. In some cases, the control module 140 can receive information from other vehicle control modules connected to the vehicle 110 or from external control modules (e.g., databases, service centers, subscription providers, etc.).

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the control module 140 can be a controller. In some cases, the control module 140 can include one or more control modules (e.g., sub-control modules or operatively coupled to other control modules). The control module 140 can include a processing circuit comprising a processor and memory. The processing circuit can be configured to provide electronic control of inputs to one or more functional units of the vehicle accessory 100 and to process data received by or generated by the one or more functional units of the vehicle accessory 100. Thus, the processing circuit can be configured to perform data processing, control function execution, and / or other processing and management services according to an exemplary embodiment.In some embodiments, the processing circuit can be implemented as a semiconductor chip or chipset. In other words, the processing circuit can comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) that include materials, components, and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a circuit board). The structural assembly can provide physical rigidity, size retention, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for a component circuit included therein. The processing circuit can therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." Thus, in some cases, a chip or chipset can serve as a means for performing one or more operations to provide the functionalities described herein.In an exemplary embodiment, other vehicle control modules may include similar processing circuits.

[0018] In some cases, as noted above, the vehicle accessory 100 may include the accessory body 200, an electroluminescent material 210, and a control circuit 220. The accessory body 200 may constitute the majority of the vehicle accessory 100. Depending on the type and use of the vehicle accessory 100, the accessory body 200 may comprise a number of different materials. For example, if the vehicle accessory 100 is a floor mat or a cargo mat, the accessory body 200 may be flexible and made of rubber or a rubber-like material, or a flexible plastic. If the vehicle accessory 100 is a wheel arch liner, the accessory body 200 may be made of a very durable and / or rigid / semi-rigid material to accommodate increased exposure to the environment.If the vehicle accessory 100 is a mud flap, the accessory body 200 can be very durable and retain its flexibility to ensure mud flap functionality.

[0019] The electroluminescent material 210 can be arranged on the accessory body 200. The electroluminescent material 210 can emit light when excited by electrical power from the power transmission assembly 120. In some cases, the electroluminescent material 210 can be produced from a variety of different processes and materials. For example, the electroluminescent material 210 can be produced using zinc sulfide compositions with different types of additional metals. The color and other properties of the electroluminescent material 210 depend on the type of metal (i.e., copper, silver, manganese, etc.) added to the zinc sulfide compositions.

[0020] In some cases, the electroluminescent material 210 can be integrated into a coating 150 and applied to the accessory body 200. In other cases, however, if the coating 150 is applied but not integrated into the electroluminescent material 210, the coating 150 can be translucent, allowing any light generated by the electroluminescent material 210 to pass through the coating 150 with minimal attenuation. The coating 150 can be waterproof and increase the durability and functionality of the vehicle accessory 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the electroluminescent material 210 can be integrated into other materials (e.g., plastics, fabrics, etc.) and applied to the accessory body 200.The electroluminescent material 210 can be operatively coupled to an electrical connector of the electroluminescent material to transfer electrical power to the electroluminescent material 210. The electrical connector of the electroluminescent material can be integrated into the electroluminescent material 210 in the coating 150 or other materials.

[0021] The electroluminescent material 210 can receive electrical power directly from the power transmission assembly 120 or via the control circuit 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 220 can be directly coupled to the electroluminescent material 210 via a wired connection. For example, the wired connection can be coupled to the electrical connector made of the electroluminescent material to supply electrical power to the electroluminescent material 210.

[0022] The control circuit 220 can be added to the accessory body 200 by printing with conductive ink. In some cases, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows that conductive ink printing can be performed using a Printing System 800. The Printing System 800 can utilize an Inkjet Printer 820 to apply highly accurate circuits to a variety of objects, including fabrics and rigid materials. The conductive ink can be liquid-based. Conductive ink printing allows a computer-aided design (CAD) representation of circuits or electronics to be integrated directly during or after the primary manufacturing or assembly process of the Accessory Body 200 or Vehicle Accessory 100 without loss of specificity. Conductive ink printing can involve conductive inks composed of conductive metal fillers and polymer resins. The conductive metal fillers can provide electrical and thermal properties.For example, the conductive metal filler can be silver, since the conductive ink must be easily liquefiable at relatively low temperatures (e.g., 500 °F or less) while maintaining its conductivity during the printing process and application. In some cases, the temperature threshold may be higher depending on the application (e.g., 2000 °F or less). The polymer resins can provide mechanical strength and flexibility when applying the conductive ink print. For example, silver nitrate is a commonly used ink for conductive ink printing. Forming the control circuit 220 via conductive ink printing can enable increased flexibility of the accessory body 200 and the vehicle accessory 100. Additionally, conductive ink printing can facilitate easier integration of the control circuit 220.Printing with conductive ink can also refer to varnishing with conductive ink.

[0023] In some cases, the control circuit 220 can be operatively coupled to a second power source 240. The second power source 240 can be separate from the power transmission assembly 120 and the first power source 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the second power source 240 can be integrated within the accessory body 200. For example, the second power source 240 can be embedded within or arranged on the accessory body 200. Thus, the second power source 240 can, for example, be a local power source on the accessory body 200, such as a rechargeable battery that can be recharged from the first power source 130 via the power transmission assembly 120.The control circuit 220 can use the electrical power from the first power source 130 and the second power source 240, alone or in combination, to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light. Furthermore, in some cases, the control circuit 220 can restrict the supply of power to the electroluminescent material 210, although the control circuit 220 can only condition, modulate, or otherwise supply power to the electroluminescent material 210 on a non-discrete or continuous basis if such power is available, 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.

[0024] Fig. Figures 2-7 illustrate the environmental context for the use of the vehicle accessory 100 of the vehicle 110 according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. 2-4 represent an environmental context for the use of the vehicle accessory 100 as a floor mat for a footwell 111 and a pedal assembly 113 of a vehicle 110. Fig. Figures 5-7 provide an environmental context for use as a mudguard for a wheel arch 114 of the vehicle 110. The dashed lines, indicating that they are hidden from the current view, represent elements that may be integrated within the vehicle accessory 100 or located on a non-visible layer or side of the vehicle accessory 100.

[0025] In some cases, the power transmission assembly 120 may include a power transmitter 121. The power transmitter 121 enables the transmission of electrical power from the power transmission 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 coupled to the accessory body 200. For example, the accessory body 200 may include a power receiver 201, which may be coupled to the power transmitter 121 and may couple the control circuit 220 to the power transmission assembly 120. In some cases, the power receiver 201 may be a socket or other receptacle for receiving the power transmitter 121, or vice versa. Thus, for example, one of the power transmitter 121 or the power receiver 201 can be plugged into the other.

[0026] The power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 may, in some cases, not be operatively coupled via a wired connection. For example, if the power transfer assembly 120 uses inductive power transfer, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can wirelessly transfer electrical power between the power transfer assembly 120 and the vehicle accessory 100 via a varying magnetic field created between the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201. To achieve inductive power transfer, the power transmitter 121 may include a first coil to generate a varying magnetic field, and the power receiver 201 may include a second coil to inductively generate local currents based on the varying magnetic field.Another type of power transmitter 121 and power receiver 201 can also enable electrical power transmission via RF power elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be embedded in and / or integrally formed with the vehicle 110 or the accessory body 200, respectively. For example, if the power transmission assembly 120 transmits the electrical power wirelessly to the accessory body 200, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be embedded within the vehicle 110 or the accessory body 200, respectively, without interfering with the transmission of the electrical power.

[0027] In some cases, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be arranged at an attachment point between the accessory body 200 and the vehicle 110. A vehicle attachment mechanism 202 of the accessory body 200 can 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 an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle attachment mechanism 202 and the accessory attachment mechanism 112 can be a push-button assembly, a snap-fit ​​assembly, a hook assembly, a positive-lock assembly, or any other fastening assembly that assists in the operative coupling of the vehicle accessory 100 and the vehicle 110. The power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be integrated into the accessory attachment mechanism 112 and the power transmitter 121, respectively.For example, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 can be operatively coupled in response to the vehicle 110's mounting mechanism 112 engaging with the vehicle accessory 100's mounting mechanism 202, in order to transmit electrical power from the power transmission assembly 120. In other words, the accessory mounting mechanism 112 and the vehicle mounting 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 integrally formed with, contained within, or integrated with the accessory mounting mechanism 112 and the vehicle mounting mechanism 202, respectively.

[0028] The connection between the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 is in Fig. 2-4 and Fig. Shown 5-7. Fig. 3-4 and Fig.Figures 5-7 represent the vehicle accessory 100, which is operatively coupled to the vehicle as a floor mat or mudguard. The accessory mounting mechanism 112 can be operatively coupled to the vehicle mounting mechanism 202 to align the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201. The accessory mounting mechanism 112 and the vehicle mounting mechanism 202 can be located at different points on the vehicle 110 and the vehicle accessory 100, respectively. In some cases, the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 may not be directly aligned with the accessory mounting mechanism 112 and the vehicle mounting mechanism 202, but the power transmitter 121 and the power receiver 201 may nevertheless be aligned as a result of the operative coupling of the accessory mounting mechanism 112 and the vehicle mounting mechanism 202.

[0029] In some cases, the control circuit 220 can be directly coupled to the power receiver 201. The control circuit 220 can run along the length of the electroluminescent material 210 to provide the necessary electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light. Thus, the electroluminescent material 210 and the control circuit 220 can be arranged along the length of the design or pattern that is to be illuminated on the vehicle accessory 100. For example, the pattern or design that is illuminated within the vehicle accessory 100 includes, among other things, logos, outlines (e.g., the perimeter of a vehicle accessory), and Easter eggs (data, coordinates, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 220 can transfer electrical power to the electroluminescent material 210 without making contact with it.The control circuit 220 can transmit electrical power by creating an electric field or via an electrical connector of the electroluminescent material. In some cases, the control circuit 220 can be integrated within the coating 150, which contains the electroluminescent material 210.

[0030] The control circuit 220 can receive electrical power from multiple sources. In some cases, as previously described, the second power source 240 can be integrated within the vehicle accessory 100 and provide electrical power to the control circuit 220 in addition to the power transmission assembly 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 220 can utilize electrical power from only one of the power transmission assembly 120 or the second power source 240. For example, the vehicle accessory 100 may require only intermittent lighting and thus may only require discontinuous power from one power source to meet its required electrical power needs.

[0031] In some cases, the second power source 240 can be supplied with power via a piezoelectric element 600 or be embodied as such. The piezoelectric element 600 can utilize a movement or displacement of the vehicle accessory 100 and convert the movement or displacement of the suspension element into electrical energy. In an exemplary embodiment, the movement or displacement of the vehicle accessory 100 caused by vibrations, wind, or airflow (e.g., for a mudguard) can be converted into electrical power via the piezoelectric element 600.

[0032] In some cases, the second power source 240 can be supplied with power via a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can utilize heat and convert it into electrical energy. In an exemplary embodiment, the second power source 240 can be supplied with power via a high-frequency (HF) power element. The HF power element can be a wireless power transmission element that receives weak high-frequency waves from a source and converts the energy of the wave into electrical power. The secondary power source 240 can be another battery or be integrated into the vehicle's auxiliary battery 230.

[0033] In some cases, the power transfer assembly 120 and the second power source 240 can be operatively coupled to an auxiliary vehicle battery 230. The auxiliary vehicle battery 230 can be integrated into or arranged on the vehicle accessory 100. In an exemplary embodiment, either one or both of the power transfer assembly 120 and the second power source 240 can supply electrical power to the auxiliary vehicle battery 230, which can store electrical power to supply the vehicle accessory 100. The auxiliary vehicle battery 230 can be operatively coupled to the control circuit 220 to supply electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material 210 to emit light.In one exemplary embodiment, the power transmission assembly 120 and / or the second power source can directly supply electrical current to the electroluminescent material 210 to utilize / activate its electroluminescent property. In this respect, the electroluminescent material 210 can emit light without the need for an explicit lighting element or LEDs. The absence of explicit lighting elements or LEDs can simplify the design, assembly, or installation of the vehicle accessory 100.

[0034] In some cases, the vehicle accessory 100 can still emit light when removed from the vehicle 110 and disconnected from the power transmission assembly 120. The vehicle auxiliary battery 230 can still supply electrical power to the vehicle accessory 100 to allow the electroluminescent material 210 to be excited to emit light. For example, if the vehicle accessory 100 is a floor mat, the floor mat can be removed and still emit light for use as a work mat.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, electrical power can be transferred to the electroluminescent material 210 only in response to a lighting trigger. The lighting trigger can be a signal transmitted by the control module 140 to the vehicle accessory 100, the power transmission assembly 120, or another control module of the vehicle 110. In some cases, the signal can be transmitted automatically based on a vehicle event. A vehicle event can be, for example, an operating status of the vehicle 110 (switched on, switched off, reversing, etc.), a time of day, vehicle movement, vehicle accessory movement, or driver input (via phone app, vehicle control interfaces, etc.).In some cases, it may be necessary for the lighting trigger to be received by the control circuit 220 in order to excite the control circuit 220 so that it allows power to be supplied from the second power source 230 (or the first power source 130) to the electroluminescent material 210.

[0036] The vehicle accessory 100 can be created using additive manufacturing. For example, the control circuit 220 and the electroluminescent material 210 can be added after the initial formation of the accessory body 200. In some cases, once the control circuit 220 and the electroluminescent material 210 are embedded in the accessory body 200, another manufacturing step can be performed to apply the coating 150 or to complete the manufacturing of the accessory body 200. The additive manufacturing process can utilize the printer system 800 to produce the vehicle accessory 100. In some cases, the inkjet printer 810 and the additional printers 820 can be individual components of a larger, single printer. The inkjet printer 810 and the additional printers 820 can also be operatively coupled to and operated by a printer controller 830.In one exemplary embodiment, the inkjet printer 810 can add the control circuit 220 to the accessory body 200 before the additional printers 820 or other manufacturing processes add the electroluminescent material 210, the coating 150, and / or the remainder of the accessory body 200. In some cases, the motion device 840 can move the accessory body 200 from the inkjet printer 810 to the additional printers 820 and vice versa. The motion device 840 can be a conveyor system or other device / system capable of moving the accessory body 200 throughout its production process.

[0037] A vehicle accessory can therefore be provided for a vehicle. The vehicle accessory can include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power transfer assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, and an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power. The power transfer assembly can transfer electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle or an operation of the vehicle, and the electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0038] The vehicle accessories for a vehicle of certain embodiments may include additional features, modifications, additions, and / or the like to accomplish further tasks or improve the performance of vehicle systems. These additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or the like may be added in any combination. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and enhancements, each of which may be added individually or in any combination. For example, the vehicle accessories may include a control circuit mounted on the accessory body and printed with conductive ink that conducts electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.In some cases, the vehicle accessory may include a battery that receives and stores the electrical power transmitted by the power transfer assembly, and the vehicle accessory may use the electrical power stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle accessory may include a piezoelectric element to provide electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material in response to vibration of the accessory body. In some cases, the power transfer assembly may transfer power to the accessory body via induction. In an exemplary embodiment, the power transfer assembly may be located at a point of operative coupling between the accessory body and the vehicle.In some cases, the electroluminescent material can be applied via a coating to a layer of the accessory body, and the coating can be waterproof. In one exemplary embodiment, the power transmission assembly can wirelessly transmit power to the accessory body. In some cases, the accessory body can receive electrical power from multiple sources, the multiple sources being the first power source on the vehicle and a second power source, which can be located on the accessory body. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle accessory can be a cargo mat, a floor mat, a wheel arch liner, or a mud flap. In some cases, the electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material in response to a lighting trigger.In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting trigger can be a signal transmitted by a vehicle control module, and the signal can be transmitted automatically based on a vehicle event. In some cases, the lighting trigger can be sent by a vehicle user via a remotely connected device. In another exemplary embodiment, the power transmission assembly can be located at a point on the vehicle that, in response to the action of the accessory body and the vehicle, aligns a transmitter of the power transmission assembly with a receiver of the accessory body.

[0039] A vehicle accessory for a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment may be provided. The vehicle accessory may include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power transmission assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power, and a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and configured to transfer the electrical power to the electroluminescent material.The power transmission assembly can transfer electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation or operation of the vehicle, and this electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light. The control circuitry can be printed using conductive ink.

[0040] A vehicle accessory for a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment may be provided. The vehicle accessory may include an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle, a power source arranged on the accessory body to transfer electrical power to the accessory body, an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power, and a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and configured to transfer the electrical power to the electroluminescent material. The power source transfers electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle, operation of the vehicle, or a lighting trigger, and the electrical power can excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.The control circuit can be printed using conductive ink.

[0041] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will be apparent to a person skilled in the art in the field to which these inventions belong, given the teachings presented in the preceding descriptions and the accompanying drawings. It is therefore understood that the inventions are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the accompanying claims. Furthermore, it is understood that, although the preceding descriptions and the accompanying drawings describe exemplary embodiments within the framework of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without deviating from the scope of protection of the accompanying claims.In this respect, other combinations of elements and / or functions than those expressly described above are also considered, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to difficulties are described herein, it is understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some embodiments, but not necessarily to all embodiments. Thus, all advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, necessary, or essential for all embodiments or for the subject matter claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are employed only in their general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0042] According to the present invention, a vehicle accessory is provided for a vehicle, comprising: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transmit electrical power to the accessory body; and an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when it is supplied with power; wherein the power transmission assembly transmits the electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and wherein the electrical power excites the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a control circuit located on the accessory body and printed with conductive ink transmits the electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores the electrical power transmitted by the power transmission assembly, and wherein the vehicle accessory uses the electrical power stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the vehicle accessory includes a piezoelectric element to provide electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material in response to a vibration of the accessory body.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the power transmission assembly transfers power to the accessory body via induction.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the power transmission assembly is arranged at a point of operative coupling between the accessory body and the vehicle.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electroluminescent material is applied via a coating to a layer of the accessory body, and the coating is waterproof.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the power transmission assembly wirelessly transmits power to the accessory body.

[0050] According to one embodiment, multiple sources include the first power source on the vehicle and a second power source, wherein the second power source is located on the accessory body.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the vehicle accessory is a cargo mat, a floor mat, a wheel arch cover, or a mud flap.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the electrical power, in response to a lighting trigger, excites the electroluminescent material.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the lighting trigger is a signal transmitted by a control module of the vehicle, and the signal is transmitted automatically based on a vehicle event.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the lighting trigger is sent through a remotely connected device.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the power transmission assembly is arranged at a point on the vehicle which, in response to the interaction of the accessory body and the vehicle, aligns a transmitter of the power transmission assembly with a receiver of the accessory body.

[0056] According to the present invention, a vehicle accessory is provided for a vehicle, comprising: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to operatively couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transmit electrical power to the accessory body; and a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and configured to transmit the electrical power to emit light from the accessory body, wherein the power transmission assembly transmits the electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle or operation of the vehicle, and wherein the control circuit is printed using conductive ink.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the control circuit transmits the electrical power to excite an electroluminescent material to emit light.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores the electrical power transmitted by the power transmission assembly, and wherein the vehicle accessory uses the electrical power stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the electroluminescent material is applied via a coating to a layer of the accessory body, and the coating is waterproof.

[0060] According to the present invention, a vehicle accessory is provided for a vehicle, comprising: an accessory body configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle; a power source arranged on the accessory body to transfer electrical power to the accessory body;an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when supplied with power, and a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and configured to transmit the electrical power to the electroluminescent material, wherein the power source transmits electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle, operation of the vehicle, or a lighting trigger, wherein the electrical power excites the electroluminescent material to emit light, and wherein the control circuit is printed via printing with conductive ink.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the vehicle accessory is formed via an additive manufacturing process, wherein the control circuit and the electroluminescent material are added after the formation of the accessory body during the additive manufacturing process.

Claims

[1] Vehicle accessories for a vehicle, the vehicle accessories comprising: an accessory body that is configured to be functionally coupled to the vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body; and an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when powered; wherein the power transmission assembly transmits electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle or an operation of the vehicle and where the electrical power excites the electroluminescent material to emit light. [2] Vehicle accessory according to claim 1, wherein a control circuit arranged on the accessory body and printed via conductive ink transmits electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material to emit light, or the vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores the electrical power transmitted by the power transmission assembly and the vehicle accessory uses the electrical power stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material. [3] Vehicle accessory according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle accessory includes a piezoelectric element to provide electrical power to excite the electroluminescent material in response to a vibration of the accessory body. [4] Vehicle accessory according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission assembly transmits power to the accessory body via induction, wherein the power transmission assembly is arranged at a point of operative coupling between the accessory body and the vehicle. [5] Vehicle accessory according to claim 1, wherein the electroluminescent material is applied via a coating on a layer of the accessory body and wherein the coating is waterproof or wherein the power transmission assembly wirelessly transmits power to the accessory body. [6] Vehicle accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory body receives electrical power from multiple sources, where the multiple sources include the first power source on the vehicle and a second power source and the second power source is located on the accessory body. [7] Vehicle accessories according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle accessories are a cargo mat, a floor mat, a wheel arch cover or a mud flap. [8] Vehicle accessories according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power excites the electroluminescent material in response to a lighting trigger, where the lighting trigger is a signal transmitted by a control module of the vehicle and the signal is automatically transmitted based on a vehicle event. [9] Vehicle accessory according to claim 8, wherein the lighting trigger is sent through a remotely connected device. [10] Vehicle accessory according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission assembly is arranged at a location on the vehicle which, in response to the engagement of the accessory body and the vehicle, aligns a transmitter of the power transmission assembly with a receiver of the accessory body. [11] Vehicle accessories for a vehicle, the vehicle accessories comprising: an accessory body that is configured to be functionally coupled to the vehicle; a power transmission assembly configured to couple a first power source on the vehicle to the accessory body in order to transfer electrical power to the accessory body; and a control circuit that is located on the accessory body and is configured to transmit electrical power in order to emit light from the accessory body, wherein the power transmission assembly transmits electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle or an operation of the vehicle and the control circuit is printed using conductive ink. [12] Vehicle accessories according to claim 11, wherein the control circuit transmits the electrical power to excite an electroluminescent material to emit light, the vehicle accessory includes a battery that receives and stores the electrical power transmitted by the power transmission assembly and the vehicle accessory uses the electrical power stored in the battery to excite the electroluminescent material. [13] Vehicle accessory according to claim 11, wherein the electroluminescent material is applied via a coating on a layer of the accessory body and wherein the coating is waterproof. [14] Vehicle accessories for a vehicle, the vehicle accessories comprising: an accessory body that is configured to be functionally coupled to the vehicle; a power source that is arranged on the accessory body to transfer electrical power to the accessory body; an electroluminescent material arranged on the accessory body to emit light when powered, and a control circuit that is located on the accessory body and is configured to transfer electrical power to the electroluminescent material, wherein the power source transfers electrical power to the accessory body in response to an installation in the vehicle, operation of the vehicle, or a lighting trigger, where the electrical power excites the electroluminescent material to emit light, and the control circuit is printed using conductive ink. [15] Vehicle accessories according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle accessories are formed using an additive manufacturing process, the control circuit and the electroluminescent material are added after the formation of the accessory body during the additive manufacturing process.

Images