Automobile Console Assembly With EL-Lit Cup-Holder Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automobiles, console assembly cavities such as cup-holders are difficult to locate in low-light conditions, making it challenging to place objects properly and increasing the risk of spillage, while also affecting the visual appeal of the interior.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electroluminescent (EL) tape within the console assembly's cable, which provides illumination to the cavities, connected to the automobile's interior-lighting-circuit and powered by an inverter, ensuring visibility only when ambient light is dim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no illumination is provided in the console assembly, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged with the existing cable structure by integrating an electroluminescent (EL) tape into the cable. This allows the cable to serve dual purposes: electrical connection and illumination, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electroluminescent tape in the cable provides self-illumination when electrical power is supplied, eliminating the need for separate illumination components or complex lighting systems. The cable itself becomes the light source, simplifying the overall system while improving visibility
2Ease of operation
If illumination is added to the console assembly, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Illumination is provided locally at the console assembly area where it is most needed, rather than illuminating the entire vehicle interior. The EL tape in the cable provides targeted lighting to the cup-holder region, improving ease of operation with minimal additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical connection and illumination. By making the cable multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate illumination components, thus improving ease of locating cup-holders while keeping the increase in device complexity minimal
3Illumination intensity
If EL tape is integrated into the cable, then the illumination effectiveness improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electroluminescent tape is a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be easily integrated into the cable assembly. While it requires precise positioning for optimal illumination, the component itself is simple and the integration process does not demand extremely high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination intensity can be adjusted by changing electrical parameters (voltage, current) supplied to the EL tape rather than requiring precise physical adjustments during manufacturing. This allows for flexible control of illumination effectiveness without stringent manufacturing precision requirements
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 the ease of placing objects by improving visibility in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of spillage and enhancing the visual appearance of the automobile's interior.
Implementation Method 1
The cable contains an electroluminescent (EL) tape
Data Source
AI summary
A console assembly for an automobile is provided. The console assembly includes a console and a cable. The console has at least one cavity for receiving objects. The at least one cavity is illuminated by the cable containing an electroluminescent (EL) tape.