Automobile Console Cavity Illumination via EL Tape
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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
Incorporating electroluminescent (EL) tape within the console assembly's cable to provide illumination for the cavities, which can be adjusted in intensity by 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 cavity, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the existing cable structure by integrating an electroluminescent (EL) tape into the cable. This merging approach allows the cable to serve dual purposes: electrical connection and illumination, thereby improving ease of operation in low-light conditions without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electroluminescent tape in the cable provides self-illumination without requiring separate lighting components or complex control systems. The EL tape generates its own light when electrical current passes through it, enabling the cable to serve its illumination function autonomously and simplify the overall system design
2Shape
If illumination is added to improve visual appearance, then the visual appearance is enhanced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the electrical properties of the electroluminescent tape to control illumination. By adjusting electrical parameters such as current intensity and duty cycle, the system can vary light output to balance visual appearance enhancement with energy consumption, allowing dim lighting for aesthetic purposes or brighter lighting only when needed for object placement
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
Facilitates easier placement of objects in cup-holders, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing spillage risks while improving 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.