Inductive Charging System for Vehicle Lighting Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems on vehicles with movable mechanisms face challenges in continuous and effective illumination due to increased material and power costs, maintenance time, and the difficulty in maintaining light coverage during mechanical movements.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses inductive charging to power electronic devices, such as LED lighting, on vehicles, allowing for wireless operation of devices when the power storage unit is charged in one position and continues to power them when moved to a second position, with optional contact-based charging and a locking mechanism to maximize charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an increased number of lights and/or amount of lighting is applied to illuminate darkened work areas, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but material costs, power requirements, and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable LED modules that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a single high-power lighting system, the patent segments the illumination into multiple lower-power units distributed across the work area, reducing overall material costs while maintaining effective illumination where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable intensity lighting zones where different areas receive different levels of illumination based on specific work requirements. The controller adjusts LED output levels locally rather than uniformly illuminating the entire work area, optimizing illumination effectiveness while reducing total power consumption and material requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If an increased number of lights and/or amount of lighting is applied to illuminate darkened work areas, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system operates in periodic cycles with the controller activating LED groups in sequences rather than continuously. The system alternates between different lighting zones and intensity levels based on detected work activity, providing effective illumination when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption during periods of lower activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes lighting parameters including intensity, duration, and activation patterns based on real-time work conditions. The controller adjusts LED output levels and operational timing to match actual illumination needs, optimizing the balance between illumination effectiveness and power consumption rather than maintaining constant high-power operation.
3Illumination intensity
If an increased number of lights and/or amount of lighting is applied to illuminate darkened work areas, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple lower-cost LED modules that can be individually replaced rather than replacing an entire expensive lighting system. When individual LEDs or small groups fail, only those specific components need replacement, significantly reducing maintenance time and costs compared to traditional high-power lighting systems where failure of one component often requires system-wide replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system includes diagnostic capabilities that allow operators to identify and locate specific malfunctioning LED modules without requiring specialized maintenance personnel. The controller provides feedback on system status and component health, enabling operators to perform basic maintenance tasks themselves and reducing overall maintenance time 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
Enables continuous operation of electronic devices like LED lighting systems on vehicles without the need for constant recharging, reducing material and power costs while maintaining effective illumination during mechanical movements, and allowing for flexible positioning of charging components.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. A first object, such as the power induction unit, may generate an electrical current through a primary coil to produce an electromagnetic field. A second object, such as the power storage unit, may receive an induced current via a secondary coil when placed in the presence of the electromagnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
Charging for one or more powered devices on a vehicle may be implemented on support components of a vehicle which may be movable with respect to one another to accomplish a function. When the support components are in a first position, a power unit in communication with a power source of the vehicle may be used to charge a powered rail for charging a rechargeable power storage unit in contact with the powered rail. The power storage unit, in turn, may provide power to one or more powered devices which may be separately housed. When the support components are in a second position, such as to accomplish a work function, the charged power storage unit may continue to provide power to the powered device(s) despite the power storage unit and the powered device(s) being distal to the powered rail.