Bicycle Light Module with Dynamic LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased speed of electric bicycles has made them less visible to drivers and pedestrians at night, leading to higher accident risks due to inadequate visibility and difficulty in anticipating the bicycle's speed and direction.
Innovation Solution
The integration of independently controllable light modules with multiple light sources oriented in different directions, controlled by a bicycle control unit, to enhance visibility and provide dynamic light patterns for improved safety and user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electric bicycles travel at higher speeds, then transportation efficiency is improved, but visibility to drivers and pedestrians deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting systems that adapt to riding conditions, speed, and environment. The control unit adjusts light intensity, color, and patterns in real-time based on bicycle speed sensors and ambient light detectors, making the bicycle more visible at high speeds while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple light sources with different colors (LEDs emitting red, green, blue, white light) that can be selectively activated. Different colors convey different information: red for rear visibility, green for front visibility, blue for turn indicators, creating a visual language that enhances communication with road users.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple light sources are added to improve visibility, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources, control units, sensors, and power management into integrated light modules. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own control electronics, reducing the need for extensive wiring and simplifying installation while providing sophisticated lighting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages light source activation, adjusts intensity based on ambient light sensors, controls dynamic patterns for turn indicators, coordinates with brake sensors, and communicates with the bicycle's navigation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuits.
3Loss of information
If dynamic light patterns are implemented, then informative feedback is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic blinking and pulsing patterns for turn indicators and brake lights rather than continuous illumination. The control unit activates lights in rhythmic patterns (e.g., 2Hz blinking for turn signals) that are highly visible and convey information efficiently while consuming less energy than steady-state operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes light parameters (intensity, duration, pattern) based on riding conditions. During daytime, lights operate at lower intensity or in brief pulses. During nighttime or adverse weather, intensity increases and patterns become more continuous. The control unit monitors battery charge level and adjusts lighting parameters to preserve range.
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
The solution significantly enhances the visibility of electric bicycles during both day and night, providing safer cycling conditions by adapting lighting based on situational parameters and user inputs, and offering informative feedback through dynamic light patterns.
Implementation Method 1
at least two of light sources of at least one light module are oriented in different directions to emit light in different directions
Implementation Method 2
at least two light sources of at least one light module are grouped and configured to collectively generate at least one dynamic light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle (200), in particular an electric bicycle (200). The invention also relates to a light module (100) for use in a bicycle (200), in particular an electric bicycle (200) according to the invention. The invention further relates to a bicycle control unit (8) programmed to independently control a plurality of light sources (104) of at least one light module (100) for use in a bicycle (200), in particular an electric bicycle (200) according to the invention. The invention moreover relates to an assembly of at least one light module (100) according to the invention and at least one bicycle control unit (8) according to the invention.