Electroluminescent Vehicle Storage Compartment Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle storage compartment lighting fixtures occupy space and only illuminate the interior, failing to effectively illuminate external areas.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transparent panel and an electroluminescent assembly with two major light-emitting surfaces on the storage compartment door and walls, allowing light to be transmitted through the panel and illuminate both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a traditional lighting fixture is used to illuminate the storage compartment interior, then the interior illumination is achieved, but the fixture occupies space within the storage compartment and does not illuminate exterior areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compartment illuminationVSAvoidspace occupied by lighting fixture

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting function is extracted from a traditional bulb-based fixture and integrated directly into the transparent panel through an electroluminescent assembly. This eliminates the need for separate lighting fixtures that would occupy storage space, while maintaining the illumination function for both interior and exterior areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electroluminescent assembly integrated into the transparent panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as part of the panel assembly, maintains transparency for visibility, and delivers illumination for both the storage compartment interior and exterior surrounding areas. This multi-functionality resolves the space occupation issue by combining what were previously separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If a transparent panel is used to allow light transmission, then exterior illumination is achieved, but the panel must be integrated with the lighting assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexterior illuminationVSAvoidintegration of lighting and panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electroluminescent assembly is merged with the transparent panel into a single integrated unit. The panel and lighting assembly become one combined component that performs both structural/transparent functions and illumination functions simultaneously. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate fixtures and panels that would need to be coordinated and installed independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution provides enhanced visibility of the storage compartment contents and surrounding areas, improving accessibility and safety in dim conditions without occupying additional space.

Implementation Method 1

an electroluminescent assembly disposed on the transparent panel that emits light when activated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10899274B2Illumination of a vehicle storage compartment through electroluminescent material

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An electroluminescent assembly for a vehicle storage compartment and a method for installing the same on a vehicle storage compartment includes a transparent panel and a door, each at least partially defining the storage compartment. Light emitted by the electroluminescent assembly illuminates the interior of the storage compartment, and is also transmitted through the transparent panel to thereby illuminate a portion of the vehicle that is at an exterior of the storage compartment.