Vehicle Bumper Luminescent Airflow Control Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle light systems fail to provide effective illumination in areas surrounding the vehicle, particularly on the exterior, where traditional lighting solutions are limited by location and exposure to debris and obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A light system is integrated into the vehicle's bumper assembly, featuring a light source coupled with a lens that directs excitation light to an airflow control device, which includes a luminescent structure that converts the light into a longer wavelength, providing sustained illumination even after the excitation source is removed, and can be activated by a controller for enhanced visibility and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional lighting solutions are used on the vehicle exterior, then the lighting can be simple in structure, but the illumination effectiveness is limited and the lighting is vulnerable to debris and obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination effectivenessVSAvoidexposure to debris and obstacles
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an airflow control device as an intermediary carrier to hold and display luminescent structures. This intermediary approach allows the light-emitting components to be positioned in locations that were previously difficult to illuminate, while the airflow control device itself serves as a protective platform that reduces direct exposure to debris and obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends illumination to previously unlit areas by utilizing the airflow control device's surface as a new dimensional platform. By placing luminescent structures on the airflow control device, the system achieves illumination in three-dimensional space around the vehicle, particularly in areas below and around the bumper assembly that were previously dark zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of moving object

If traditional lighting systems are installed on the bumper assembly, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to provide sustained illumination without continuous power is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesustained illumination durationVSAvoidcontinuous power source requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The luminescent structures are pre-charged with energy through exposure to excitation light before they are needed for illumination. This preliminary energy storage in the luminescent materials allows them to emit light for extended periods without requiring a continuous power source during the actual illumination phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The luminescent structures serve themselves by converting absorbed light energy into sustained light emission without requiring external power during operation. The system uses the excitation light source as a charging mechanism, after which the luminescent materials independently provide prolonged illumination, effectively serving their own energy needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 offers additional and sustained illumination around the vehicle, enhancing safety and aesthetics while being cost-effective and resistant to environmental damage, with the luminescent structure continuing to emit light for extended periods without a continuous power source.

Implementation Method 1

A first luminescent structure is disposed on the airflow control device. The first luminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10569696B2Vehicle illuminated airflow control device
Publication Date: 2020.02.25 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10569696B2 patent drawing
  • US10569696B2 patent drawing
  • US10569696B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light system is provided herein. The light system includes a bumper assembly disposed on a vehicle. A light source is disposed on the bumper assembly. An airflow control device is disposed below the bumper assembly. A first luminescent structure is disposed on the airflow control device. The first luminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light.