Bike Trailer Illumination Using Elongated Light and Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bike trailers lack effective illumination systems that ensure visibility from all sides, especially at night, which can compromise safety due to blocked light sources and the reliance on external light sources from other traffic participants.
Innovation Solution
The bike trailer incorporates an illumination arrangement featuring elongated light emission elements and prisms that emit light along their length, providing rear and side visibility without blocking, and can be configured to redirect light for enhanced visibility, using active light sources or passive reflection, and is designed to comply with regulatory light emission angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional point light sources are used for rear illumination, then the illumination arrangement is simple, but visibility from the sides is insufficient and light sources can be blocked by the pusher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point light sources to an elongated light emission element that extends in the longitudinal direction, adding a dimensional aspect to the illumination. This elongated element works in conjunction with a prism to distribute light not only rearward but also laterally, achieving visibility from multiple angles simultaneously without requiring multiple separate light sources positioned on both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a prism as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the environment. The prism receives light from the elongated emission element and redirects it at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to achieve regulated light distribution patterns. This intermediary component enables compliance with regulatory requirements for light emission angles while using a single rear-mounted light source.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are positioned on both sides of the bike trailer, then visibility from all sides is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single elongated light emission element combined with the prism serves multiple functions: it provides rearward illumination, lateral illumination through prism redirection, and regulated light distribution according to safety standards. This multi-functional arrangement replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate light sources positioned on both sides of the trailer, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple light sources into a single integrated illumination arrangement consisting of one elongated light emission element and a prism. Instead of having separate light sources on the left and right sides, the combination of the elongated element (providing longitudinal illumination) and the prism (providing angular redistribution) consolidates multiple illumination tasks into one unified system.
3Reliability
If external light sources from other traffic participants are relied upon, then no additional power sources are needed, but visibility cannot be guaranteed when external light sources are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The bike trailer is equipped with its own active illumination system that operates independently of external light sources. By having a self-contained light emission element powered by the bike's electrical system, the trailer ensures visibility is proactively maintained regardless of whether external vehicles with headlights are present. This preliminary action of self-illumination guarantees reliability without complete dependence on external energy sources.
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 increases the visibility of the bike trailer from all angles, especially at night, without requiring additional light sources on both sides, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, while being cost-effective and easy to mount.
Implementation Method 1
The prism is arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the elongated light emission element. The prism may be configured to redirect light in a regulated manner.
Implementation Method 2
The illumination arrangement may comprise elements that, when powered, emit light, in particular in the visible spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the illumination arrangement may be configured to reflect light, in particular more than other components of the bike trailer.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates a bike trailer (10) comprising an illumination arrangement. The rear illumination arrangement comprises an elongated light emission element (30) and a prism (32) arranged to be illuminated by light emitted from the elongated light emission element (30). The invention further relates to an illumination arrangement for a bike trailer.