Heated Floor Mat with Pop-Up LED Lights for Vehicle Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor mats for working underneath vehicles lack integrated lighting and heating, making it cumbersome and unsafe for mechanics to work in low-light conditions without assistance, especially at night.
Innovation Solution
A heated, rectangular floor mat with 360-degree pop-up LED lights mounted along its edges, providing hands-free illumination and comfort, and wheels for easy maneuverability, allowing users to work safely and efficiently without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mechanic works underneath a vehicle at night without integrated lighting, then the device complexity is low, but the illumination intensity is insufficient making it cumbersome to work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lighting functionality with the floor mat by embedding LED lights directly into the mat structure. The lights are integrated along the perimeter and can be positioned to illuminate the work area underneath the vehicle, merging two separate functions (mat and lighting) into a single unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor mat serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a comfortable working surface for the mechanic, delivers illumination to the work area through integrated LEDs, and can be adjusted or repositioned. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lighting equipment.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanic uses external lighting assistance to work underneath a vehicle, then the illumination intensity is sufficient, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to needing assistance or holding lights inconveniently
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat provides self-service illumination by having the lights integrated directly into the mat structure. The mechanic simply positions the mat underneath the vehicle and the lights automatically illuminate the work area, eliminating the need for the mechanic to hold or manage separate lighting equipment.
3Temperature
If a heated floor mat is used to provide comfort underneath a vehicle, then the temperature is improved for user comfort, but the use of energy increases due to heating and lighting components
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements in the floor mat can be activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system can cycle the heating elements to maintain comfortable temperature while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 mat enhances user safety and comfort by providing reliable lighting and warmth, enabling mechanics to work underneath vehicles unassisted, even in dark environments, while being easy to position and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
pop-up LED lights mounted along each edge of the mat
Implementation Method 2
heated, rectangular mat
Data Source
AI summary
A floor mat including a mat assembly, a frame assembly, a case assembly and a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The mat assembly includes a mat mounted to a frame of the frame assembly. A user lays on the mat and underneath a vehicle of the vehicle assembly needing repairs. Mounted onto the frame are lights. The lights are positioned to illuminate the vehicle and regions needing repairs. The user can complete repairs unassisted and at night with the lights. Underneath of the frame are wheels for maneuvering and positioning of the mat and the user underneath of the vehicle. The mat includes heating members to provide heat and comfort to the user as they work in harsh weather conditions. The case assembly includes a case for storing and transporting the frame. The floor mat increases the safety, comfort and efficiency of the user when repairs are being completed.