Electroluminescent Suspension Coating to Eliminate LED Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard illumination of suspension assemblies using LEDs increases complexity, necessitating a simpler and more efficient lighting solution.
Innovation Solution
A coating is applied to suspension elements that emits light via electroluminescent properties, powered by onboard sources or energy harvested from suspension movement, eliminating the need for explicit lighting elements like LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are used for illumination, then the suspension assembly can be illuminated, but the complexity of the suspension assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function directly into the suspension element by applying an electroluminescent coating to the suspension component itself. This merges the structural element with the lighting function, eliminating the need for separate LED modules, housings, and mounting hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic LED system with an electroluminescent coating that converts electrical energy directly to light through a thin-film material layer. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical LED assemblies, wiring harnesses, and structural modifications, reducing device complexity while achieving the same illumination effect.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are used for illumination, then the suspension element can be illuminated, but explicit lighting elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged directly into the suspension element by applying an electroluminescent coating to the suspension component itself. This eliminates the need for separate LED modules, housings, and mounting hardware, achieving seamless integration where the structural element and lighting source become one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical suspension support and generates illumination through the electroluminescent coating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated lighting components, achieving better integration where a single component performs both structural and lighting roles.
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
Provides illumination to suspension elements with reduced complexity and enhanced integration, utilizing energy-efficient and flexible power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A coating is applied to suspension elements that emits light via electroluminescent properties
Data Source
AI summary
The suspension assembly may include a suspension element operably coupling a chassis to a wheel assembly of the vehicle, and a coating operably coupled to an exposed portion of the suspension element that is compressed or displaced responsive to a suspension event. The coating when powered may emit light to illuminate the suspension element and an area proximate to the suspension element.