Vehicle Closure Member Illuminating System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle exterior lighting systems lack the ability to dynamically and securely illuminate closure member beltlines, motion paths, and operation status indications, especially in response to authorized user presence and gestures, without compromising safety or aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An illuminating closure member system that includes a lighting module secured to the vehicle's closure members, a control module to manage lighting effects, and sensors to detect user proximity and gestures, along with an actuator system for moving closure members, which uses a thermal transfer device to manage heat and project various lighting effects such as beltline, motion path, and operation status indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting modules are added to closure members to provide illumination, then visibility and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting module with the closure member structure itself, integrating illumination functionality into the existing closure member rather than adding separate independent lighting systems. This merging approach provides the necessary illumination while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module serves multiple functions: it illuminates the closure member for visibility, indicates operational status (open/closed position), and can provide motion path indication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate lighting systems for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while delivering comprehensive illumination solutions.
2Shape
If discrete illuminating sections are integrated into closure members, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminating system is divided into discrete illuminating sections that can be separately manufactured and then integrated into the closure member. Each section is designed as an independent unit with standardized mounting features, which reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining aesthetic appearance through careful segmentation of the lighting elements.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors and control modules are added for user interaction detection, then user safety and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect user presence, approach, and gestures without requiring manual activation. The control module autonomously processes sensor data and adjusts lighting accordingly, eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or manual controls. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
4Illumination intensity
If lighting modules are continuously operated to provide constant illumination, then visibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting modules operate periodically rather than continuously, activating based on detected user presence, approach, and interaction. The system adjusts illumination timing and duration to match actual visibility needs, providing constant visibility when required while significantly reducing energy consumption during periods when the vehicle is unattended or no interaction is detected.
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
Enhances user safety and experience by providing dynamic and secure lighting effects that indicate closure member status and motion paths, ensuring secure operation and improved visibility during approach and departure.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal transfer device positioned between the lighting module and a metallic component of the closure member... a thermally conductive adhesive pad that facilitates heat transfer between a printed circuit board (PCB) of the lighting module and the metallic component
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure details illuminating vehicle closure member systems for selectively producing various exterior lighting effects. Exemplary closure member systems may include a closure member and a discrete illuminating section secured relative to the closure member and including a lighting module that is configured to produce at least one of a beltline lighting effect, a motion path lighting effect, or an operation status lighting effect at or near the closure member. A control module may control the various lighting effects emitted by the illuminating closure member system.