Bicycle Lighting via Smartphone Light Guide Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle illumination systems are prone to quick wear due to weather exposure, require separate light sources, and are often forgotten or stolen, leading to inconsistent functionality and safety issues for cyclists in traffic.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle illumination system utilizing light guide elements and a central external light source, such as a smartphone, which is waterproof, adjustable, and integrated with acceleration, GPS, and light sensors to control illumination based on environmental and traffic conditions, eliminating the need for separate batteries and providing enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanently installed lights with dynamo are used, then illumination is provided, but the lights wear out quickly due to weather exposure and require separate light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light guide elements as intermediaries to transmit light from a single central source to multiple illumination points on the bicycle. This eliminates the need for separate light sources at each position while maintaining illumination functionality across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single central light source serves multiple functions by illuminating different parts of the bicycle through the light guide network. The system provides both front and rear illumination using one light source, reducing the total number of light sources needed while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage.
2Reliability
If removable battery-powered illumination devices are used, then illumination is provided, but they are forgotten or stolen during daylight hours
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is designed to be permanently mounted on the bicycle, eliminating the need for users to remember to attach or remove it. The system automatically provides illumination when activated through sensors or manual switches, freeing users from the burden of managing removable lighting equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If separate light sources are used for front and rear illumination, then illumination coverage is complete, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission path into multiple channels using separate light guide elements for front and rear illumination. This allows a single light source to be divided into multiple light paths, providing complete illumination coverage without requiring separate light sources at each position.
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 system provides cost-effective, flexible, and reliable illumination, ensuring cyclist safety by using a ubiquitous smartphone as a light source, minimizing theft risk, and automatically adjusting lighting based on acceleration, GPS, and ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light guide element (in particular optical fiber)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises an illumination device (1210) of a vehicle which is operated at least partially by human power, having at least one light guide element (1220) and one mounting device which is adapted to accommodate an external light source in such a manner that the light which is emitted by the light source can be fed at least partially into the light guide element (1220) and can exit from the light guide element (1220) in such a manner that the emerging light can serve as illumination for the vehicle which is operated at least partially by human power. The present invention further comprises a method for controlling the illumination device of vehicles which are operated at least partially by human power, and trailers thereof, and also an application for controlling the illumination device of vehicles which are operated at least partially by human power, and trailers thereof.