Vehicle Closure Element Lighting for Visible Open-State Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is difficult for an external observer to determine whether a ventilation/cooling device in a motor vehicle is in operation, especially when it is combined with a lighting device.

Innovation Solution

An assembly for a motor vehicle that includes a frame with a closure element and a luminous device that projects a light beam onto the closure element, allowing its position and movement to be visually indicated, thereby signifying the operational state of the ventilation/cooling device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the luminous device projects a light beam continuously onto the closure element, then the visibility of the closure element position is improved, but the energy consumption of the luminous device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of closure element positionVSAvoidenergy consumption of luminous device

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The luminous device is activated only during specific periods: when the closure element is moving between positions and when it reaches the second position. This periodic activation provides sufficient visual indication while avoiding continuous energy consumption, directly resolving the contradiction between visibility and energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Illumination intensity

If the luminous device is arranged to emit light rays directly out of the assembly, then the visibility of the frame position is improved, but the signaling function may interfere with the indication function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of frame positionVSAvoidclarity of closure element position indication

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The luminous device's function is segmented into two distinct modes: emitting light rays directly outward for signaling purposes, and projecting light beams onto the closure element for position indication. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference, as each can be activated independently based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 assembly effectively indicates the open or closed state of the closure element, allowing users to easily identify the operational status of the ventilation/cooling device while minimizing energy consumption and enhancing visibility.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the projected light beam being reflected by the closure element out of the assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12311832B2Light indication of the position of a frame closing element

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 VALEO VISION SA

AI summary

An assembly for a motor vehicle includes a frame which defines an opening and a closing element 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 includes a lighting device 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.