Illuminating Fabric with Segmented Optical Support for Impact Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current exterior vehicle lighting devices are prone to damage during impacts, requiring costly replacement of entire optical units, and existing alternatives using optical fiber fabrics have drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
An exterior vehicle part featuring an illuminating fabric with optical fibers and a support system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, where only the illuminated part contains optical fibers, reducing damage and enabling easy replacement of damaged components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lighting devices (halogen, xenon, LED) are used in exterior vehicle parts, then the lighting function is achieved, but the optical unit is prone to damage during impacts requiring costly replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate components: the optical unit (light source and optical elements) is separated from the housing/outer part. The optical unit can be independently replaced without replacing the entire assembly, reducing repair costs. The housing can be replaced separately if damaged, while the optical unit remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical unit is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the housing assembly. This allows the optical elements to be removed and stored in a protected location when not in use, preventing damage during impacts. The housing can be replaced independently of the optical unit.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid lighting devices are used, then the lighting function is stable, but the device cannot conform to varied exterior shapes and is more prone to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible lighting elements such as LED strips or flexible optical fibers that can conform to curved and varied exterior surfaces. These flexible components are enclosed in protective flexible housings that can absorb impact energy through deformation, preventing damage to the internal optical elements while maintaining lighting stability.
3Reliability
If the entire optical unit is replaced after impact damage, then the lighting function is restored, but the repair process is complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical unit is designed as a modular segment that can be independently removed and replaced. The housing, mounting brackets, and optical elements are divided into separate replaceable modules, allowing selective replacement of only the damaged component rather than the entire assembly, thereby simplifying the repair process.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are extracted as separate removable components from the housing. This extraction allows the optical unit to be easily removed and replaced without disassembling the entire lighting assembly, reducing repair complexity and time while ensuring the lighting function is restored.
4Reliability
If standard lighting devices are used, then the lighting function is provided, but design freedom and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system allows modification of various parameters including LED color temperature, brightness levels, and illumination patterns. The flexible housing and optical elements can be configured in different shapes, sizes, and orientations to match varied exterior designs, providing both functional reliability and design versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized optical elements that can be adapted to multiple vehicle models and exterior configurations. The modular architecture allows the same basic unit to serve different lighting functions (daytime running lights, turn signals, brake lights) and conform to various design requirements.
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 solution provides a flexible, customizable, and cost-effective lighting system that minimizes damage during impacts, allowing for efficient repair and reducing the need for expensive replacements, while maintaining the lighting function and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminating fabric comprises an illuminated part comprising optical fibers
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A motor vehicle exterior part comprises an illuminating fabric (200) and a support (300) for receiving the illuminating fabric.