Vehicle Bumper Shutter Lighting for Open-State Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs make it difficult for observers to determine the operating status of ventilation/cooling systems, especially when both lighting and ventilation/cooling devices are simultaneously revealed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle assembly with a frame and a movable shutter element, equipped with a lighting device that projects a beam of light onto the shutter element, reflecting it out of the assembly to indicate the shutter's position and movement, thereby signaling the ventilation/cooling system's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the lighting device projects a beam of light continuously onto the shutter element, then the visibility of the shutter position and movement is improved, but the energy consumption of the lighting device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is activated only during specific periods: when the shutter element is in the second position (open state) or during its movement between positions. The lighting device remains inactive when the shutter is in the first position (closed state), creating a periodic on/off pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining visibility during relevant operational states
2Illumination intensity
If the lighting device is arranged to emit light rays directly out of the assembly, then the signaling function and visibility of the frame position is improved, but the direct light emission may interfere with the reflected beam visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is positioned and oriented to emit light rays in specific directions (directly out of the assembly) rather than uniformly in all directions. This localized directional emission ensures that the signaling function is fulfilled in the needed direction while minimizing interference with the reflected beam observation angle
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting function is segmented into two distinct modes: direct light emission for signaling and reflected light indication for shutter position. The lighting device can selectively activate these modes or use separate lighting elements for each function, allowing independent optimization of signaling visibility and shutter position detection
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 allows clear identification of the open/closed status of the ventilation/cooling system by projecting a light beam that varies with the shutter's displacement, reducing energy consumption and enhancing visibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the projected beam of light being reflected by the shutter element out of the assembly
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a frame (110) which defines an opening (140) and a closing element (130) and which can be moved between: • a first position in which the closing element at least partially closes the opening; and • a second position in which the opening is open. The assembly further comprises a lighting device (120) configured to project a light beam onto the closing element when the latter is positioned in the second position and/or onto the closing element when the latter is moving between the first position and the second position, at least a portion of the projected light beam being reflected by the closing element out of the assembly.