Detachable Illumination Panel for Vehicle Boot Warning Triangle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle boot illumination systems inadequately illuminate rear corners and lack versatility in light color and distribution, making it difficult to locate objects in the dark and setting up warning triangles quickly in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A detachable illumination panel with hinges that can form a warning triangle, extending along the transverse direction of the vehicle to illuminate rear corners, featuring multiple color light sources, a reflective region for efficient light use, and a rechargeable battery for standalone operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a single light source with limited transverse extension is used for boot illumination, then the structure is simple, but the rear corners of the boot are insufficiently illuminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverage of rear cornersVSAvoidillumination system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination panel is divided into multiple segments or zones along its length, with each segment containing light sources that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the panel to cover the entire transverse width of the boot, including rear corners, while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination panel extends in the transverse direction (width dimension) rather than only in the longitudinal direction. By increasing the transverse coverage, the panel ensures that rear corners receive adequate illumination without requiring additional longitudinal light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single color light source is used, then the device is simple, but the versatility in light color is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight color selectionVSAvoidillumination system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it can emit different colors (white, red, orange) depending on the situation. The same physical panel structure serves both as a boot illumination device and as a warning triangle, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The light sources in the panel can change their emission parameters (color/wavelength) based on operational requirements. By adjusting the color parameter, the same hardware configuration serves different purposes: white light for boot illumination and red/orange light for warning signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If a warning triangle is kept separate from the vehicle, then it is easy to locate, but it requires additional time to retrieve and set up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to deploy warning triangleVSAvoidquick deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The warning triangle function is merged with the illumination panel that is already attached to the boot lid. When the boot lid is opened, the warning triangle is automatically positioned in a visible location without requiring separate retrieval. The hinges allow the panel to be folded into a triangular configuration directly at the boot lid location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination panel is pre-positioned on the boot lid in a ready state. The hinges are pre-configured to allow quick folding into a warning triangle shape. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate retrieval and assembly steps, enabling immediate deployment when the boot lid is opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the illumination panel is made detachable for warning triangle use, then versatility is improved, but attachment security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable configurationVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The hinges provide a secure mechanical connection when the panel is in the illuminated position attached to the boot lid, but allow easy transformation when needed for warning triangle configuration. The attachment security is maintained during normal operation while enabling versatility when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides comprehensive illumination of the boot's rear corners and allows for quick deployment as a warning triangle, enhancing visibility in darkness and emergency situations with adjustable light colors and efficient energy use.

Implementation Method 1

the reflective region is adapted to reflect the light emitted by the illumination panel. Preferably the light is essentially specularly reflected, i.e. the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are essentially the same.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2511136B1Illumination system for vehicle boot
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP2511136B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2511136B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an illumination system (10) for a boot (12) of a vehicle (8), the boot (12) being delimited by a boot lid (14) and a vehicle body portion (16), the boot lid (14) having a rear end (15), a front end hingedly connected to the vehicle body portion (16) and a width (w) in the transverse direction of the vehicle (8) at the rear end (15), the boot lid (14) having at least an open and a closed position and being movable therebetween, the vehicle body portion (16) having a boot lid receiving portion (18) formed to receive the rear end (15) of the boot lid (14) when in the closed position, the illumination system (10) comprising an illumination panel (20) located at the underside of the boot lid (14) at its rear end (15), and the boot lid receiving portion (18) having a first surface (21) facing the illumination panel (20) when the boot lid (14) is in the closed position, the illumination system (10) being arranged such that light emitted by the illumination panel (20) is adapted to illuminate the first surface (21) of the boot lid receiving portion (18), and the illumination panel (20) extending over at least 50%, preferably at least 70% and most preferably at least 90% of the width (w) of the boot lid (14) at its rear end (15). The disclosure further relates to a warning triangle (30) being formed by a detachable illumination panel (20) being part of the illumination system (10), a vehicle comprising the illumination system (10) and use of a detachable illumination panel (20) for forming a warning triangle (30).