Illuminated Laser Icon for Vehicle Safety Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based vehicle lighting products have subtle marketing logos or icons that are easily overlooked and do not effectively convey the operational state of the laser lighting, which can be important for safety as some lasers may cause eye injury and require specific safety mechanisms and warning labels.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that includes a laser lighting device with an integrated or separate indicator light source to illuminate a laser light icon, which conveys information about the operational state of the laser, using a controller to manage the indicator light source based on the laser's state, and can include a fiber optic light panel assembly for dynamic lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a subtle marketing logo or icon is used to indicate laser technology, then the aesthetic appeal and styling of the vehicle lighting device is enhanced, but the icon is easily overlooked and does not effectively convey the operational state of the laser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marketing logo/icon with an operational state indicator function. The same visual element that advertises laser technology also communicates whether the laser is active, merging branding and safety information into a single integrated indicator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary lighting element (such as an LED or illumination source) that activates the icon only when the laser is operational. This intermediary mechanism enables the icon to convey operational state without requiring a separate complex indicator system.
2Reliability
If an illuminated indicator is added to convey operational state, then safety information is effectively communicated, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator illumination function with existing lighting device components. The illumination source is integrated into the existing headlamp or taillamp assembly structure, avoiding the need for completely separate indicator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing lighting components multi-functional. The same lighting device that provides vehicle illumination also serves as the indicator system, and the icon structure serves both branding and operational indication purposes, reducing the need for dedicated safety indicator components.
3Loss of information
If the icon is always illuminated to ensure visibility, then the operational state is clearly communicated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional illumination of the icon based on laser operational state. The icon is illuminated only when the laser is active, using periodic action to match the operational requirements and minimize unnecessary energy consumption during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control where the illumination state of the icon is determined by the operational state of the laser. The system monitors laser activity and automatically adjusts icon illumination accordingly, ensuring visibility when needed while conserving energy when the laser is inactive.
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 system effectively communicates the operational state of the laser lighting to the public, enhancing safety by visually indicating when the laser is active and potentially alerting users to take caution, while also providing aesthetic and styling enhancements to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator light source configured to illuminate the laser light icon based on an operating state of the laser lighting device
Implementation Method 2
an indicator having a laser light icon
Implementation Method 3
the indicator light source comprises a fiber optic light panel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting system includes a laser lighting device configured to provide a light source for a vehicle lighting device of the vehicle, and an indicator having a laser light icon. An indicator light source is configured to illuminate the laser light icon based on an operating state of the laser lighting device.