Adaptive Vehicle Lighting Assembly with Fog and Ambient Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headlights emit a single wavelength of light, which is less visible in daylight conditions, and fail to adapt to adverse driving conditions such as fog, lacking the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlight lighting assembly with two operational modes, utilizing a central processing unit, a fog sensor, and a photo sensor to control the illumination of first and second bulbs producing different colors, with the fog sensor activating the first bulb in adverse conditions and the photo sensor switching to a second bulb with a longer wavelength for improved visibility in daylight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional headlights emit a single wavelength of light, then the lighting system is simple, but the visibility in daylight conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent light sources emitting different wavelengths. The patent uses separate LEDs for different color wavelengths (e.g., yellow at 590nm, white at 6000K, red at 650nm) that can be individually controlled based on environmental conditions, allowing optimization of visibility for specific driving scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the lighting system by adjusting which wavelength sources are activated based on ambient light conditions and fog detection. The control unit modifies the emission characteristics by selecting appropriate wavelengths (e.g., switching to yellow light in fog, white light at night) to optimize visibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headlights do not detect environmental conditions, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to adverse driving conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various environmental conditions. The same lighting assembly integrates multiple wavelengths, fog detection capabilities, ambient light sensing, and adaptive control to serve different driving scenarios (night driving, fog, daylight) with a single unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through fog sensors and ambient light sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide input to the control unit. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the lighting output based on real-time detection of fog presence, ambient light levels, and other environmental factors
3Illumination intensity
If a single light wavelength is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the visibility in different environmental conditions is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system segments the light emission function into multiple independent wavelength sources that can be manufactured as separate modules. Each LED type (yellow, white, red) can be produced using standard LED manufacturing processes, then integrated into a single lighting assembly with individual electrical connections to each wavelength source
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system uses a composite approach by combining multiple LED types with different wavelength emissions in a single assembly. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the advantages of different wavelength characteristics (yellow for fog penetration, white for general illumination, red for signaling) while maintaining compatibility with standard automotive electrical systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances visibility in both night and daylight conditions by adapting light output based on environmental conditions, particularly in fog, and provides notification to oncoming vehicles when high beams are activated, improving safety and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a photo sensor on the base plug wherein the photo sensor is operable to activate the second operational mode subsequent to detection of sufficient ambient light
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter and a receive in a base plug that is operable to detect adverse driving conditions such as but not limited to fog
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly operable to be placed in the headlight unit of a motor vehicle that is operable to emit a first color and second color dependent upon environmental conditions. The lighting assembly includes a harness plug that is configured to operably couple the lighting assembly to the electrical system of a motor vehicle. A CPU is disposed within the harness plug. A base plug is operably coupled to the harness plug and includes a photo sensor and a fog sensor. A bulb base is operably coupled to the base plug and includes a first light bulb and a second light bulb. The lighting assembly includes a first operational mode that illuminates the first bulb subsequent the detection of fog. A second operational mode and third operational mode are controlled by the photo sensor and is dependent upon the absence or presence of ambient light.