Vehicle Crossbar Heat Sink for LED Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle article carrier systems with external lighting components detract from the aesthetics and aerodynamics of vehicles, interfere with airflow, and are prone to damage, while not optimally positioning lights for effective illumination.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article carrier system with integrated high-power off-road and accessory lighting, featuring cross bars with LEDs and heat sinks, securely mounted to the vehicle's exterior to provide directional lighting without compromising aesthetics or aerodynamics, and protect lights from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate off-road lights are attached to the vehicle exterior, then additional lighting for off-road visibility is provided, but the mounting approaches detract from aesthetics and aerodynamic profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the cross-bar structure by integrating LED light sources and heat sinks directly into the cross-bar. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounted lights, maintaining the vehicle's aerodynamic profile and aesthetics while providing off-road illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-bar is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support for articles, aerodynamic flow management, and integrated lighting. By making the cross-bar universal, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate lighting components that would compromise aerodynamics.
2Illumination intensity
If separate off-road lights are mounted on the vehicle, then additional lighting is provided, but the mounting components interfere with airflow through radiator and transmission cooler
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the lighting function into the existing cross-bar structure, the patent eliminates separate mounting components that would obstruct airflow paths to the radiator and transmission cooler, while still providing the necessary off-road illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If off-road lights are mounted on the vehicle exterior, then lighting coverage is provided, but the lights are prone to damage from rocks, water, and vegetation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lights into the cross-bar structure, which serves as a protective housing. This integration shields the light sources from direct exposure to rocks, water, and vegetation while maintaining effective illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-bar structure acts as a protective barrier that cushions the integrated lights from potential damage by rocks, water, and vegetation before they can directly impact the light sources.
4Ease of operation
If traditional mounting locations are used for off-road lights, then convenient attachment is provided, but the lights are not positioned at optimal level for illumination coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-bar is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, aerodynamic flow management, and optimized lighting. The integrated design ensures lights are positioned at the optimal height and angle for illumination coverage while maintaining ease of installation.
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 system enhances vehicle visibility without affecting airflow or aesthetics, positions lights optimally for effective illumination, and protects them from damage, improving both functionality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one cross bar may also include a heat sink disposed on a second surface thereof for dissipating heat generated by the at least one light
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle article carrier apparatus is disclosed for supporting articles above an exterior body surface of a vehicle. The apparatus may have at least one cross bar adapted to be fixedly supported at opposite end portions thereof relative to the outer body surface, for supporting articles thereon above the outer body surface. The one cross bar has at least one light integrally mounted within at least a portion of an interior area thereof, and adjacent a first surface thereof, to enable the light to project light outwardly therefrom. The cross bar may also have a heat sink disposed on a second surface thereof for dissipating heat generated by the light.