Vehicle Door Handle Lighting for Lock Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exterior lighting systems do not provide a clear and intuitive method for indicating the status of door locks to operators, especially in low visibility conditions, and lack a seamless integration of lighting with door operation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system integrated into the vehicle door handle that includes a light-emitting element, a portable transmitter, and a controller, which displays a visual lighting sequence to signify the lock status and automatically initiates the unlatching sequence upon proximity detection, using a touch-sensitive region and programmable lighting patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If vehicle exterior lighting systems are equipped to illuminate the road and provide visibility, then the vehicle can be seen by surrounding areas and operators, but the lighting systems do not provide clear visual feedback on door lock status to operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the existing exterior lighting system to provide visual feedback on door lock status. When the door lock status changes (locked or unlocked), the lighting system activates to display this information to the operator, creating a feedback loop that informs the operator of the current lock state without requiring separate indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the exterior lighting system multi-functional by having it serve both its traditional purpose (illuminating the road and providing vehicle visibility) and a new function (displaying door lock status). This eliminates the need for separate lock status indicators and utilizes the existing lighting infrastructure for dual purposes.
2Loss of information
If a separate lock status indicator system is added to provide visual feedback, then lock status information is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates device complexity by making the existing exterior lighting system multi-functional. Instead of adding separate lock status indicators, the patent programs the lighting control unit to interpret lock status signals and activate the lighting elements accordingly, allowing the same hardware to serve both illumination and status indication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lock status indication function with the exterior lighting system. The control unit that manages lighting operations is also tasked with monitoring lock status and triggering appropriate lighting patterns, combining what could be separate systems into a unified control architecture.
3Ease of operation
If traditional lighting systems are used without integration to door operation, then the lighting provides basic visibility, but seamless integration with door operation and intuitive feedback is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting when the portable transmitter approaches the vehicle and automatically initiating the unlatching sequence before the operator physically contacts the door handle. The system proactively prepares for door opening by unlocking the door in advance, enhancing convenience and intuitiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the transmitter's proximity and executing the unlatching sequence without requiring manual intervention. The lighting system also automatically provides visual feedback throughout the process and deactivates appropriately, making the entire door operation sequence autonomous and intuitive.
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 operator convenience by providing clear visual feedback on lock status and facilitating intuitive door operation in low visibility conditions, ensuring secure and efficient unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element arranged on the control device and in electric communication with the electric system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body that defines an opening and a door configured to selectively open and close the opening. The vehicle also includes a lock that operatively connects the door to the body and can be either unlatched or latched for maintaining closure of the opening. The vehicle also includes a control device positioned on the door for unlatching the lock, and also a vehicle electric system and a lighting system. The lighting system includes a light-emitting element arranged on the control device and in electric communication with the electric system. The lighting system also includes a portable transmitter configured to transmit a signal and thereby commence an unlatching sequence for the lock. The lighting system additionally includes a controller configured to receive the signal and activate the light-emitting element in response to the received signal to display a visual lighting sequence signifying the status of the lock.