Integrated Rear Identification and Bed Cargo Lamp Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wide vehicles lack an effective identification system that integrates seamlessly with cargo lamps, particularly for vehicles over 80 inches wide, to enhance visibility and safety, especially during braking.

Innovation Solution

A cargo lamp assembly with a lamp housing featuring incandescent and LED light sources, including identification light sources that adjust intensity for increased visibility during braking, integrated with a bed cargo lamp to provide both identification and supplemental braking functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate identification lamps and cargo lamps are used, then identification function is provided, but device complexity increases and integration is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the identification lamp and cargo lamp into a single integrated assembly mounted on the vehicle. The identification light sources (LEDs or incandescent bulbs) are positioned within the same housing as the cargo lamp light sources, creating a unified device that performs both identification and cargo illumination functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated lamp assembly serves multiple functions: it provides vehicle width identification through dedicated identification light sources, provides cargo illumination through cargo lamp light sources, and can operate in different modes (identification mode, cargo lighting mode, or simultaneous operation). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated identification lamps and cargo lamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If constant high intensity light is used for identification, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The identification light sources are connected to a braking system controller that dynamically adjusts their operation. During normal vehicle operation, the identification lights may be off or at low intensity. During braking events, the controller activates the identification lights at high intensity to enhance visibility and alertness to other drivers, thereby optimizing energy consumption based on actual visibility needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The identification lights operate periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. They are activated during specific events such as braking, turning, or when the vehicle width needs to be emphasized, and remain inactive during normal cruising. This periodic operation maintains effective visibility when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-intensity operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances rear visibility of wide vehicles, ensuring safety by providing a dual-function identification and braking lamp system that adjusts light intensity for improved visibility during braking, compatible with existing bed cargo lamp installations.

Implementation Method 1

A first outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the first end of the lamp housing and a second outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the second end of the lamp housing. An intermediate light-emitting diode is disposed between the first and second outboard light emitting diodes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

A first incandescent light source is disposed in the first cavity and a second incandescent light source is disposed in the second cavity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIncandescence: Incandescence

Implementation Method 3

a bed cargo lamp having an elongate body with first and second reflective cavities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8047691B2Integrated rear high mounted identification lamp and bed cargo lamp
Publication Date: 2011.11.01 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US8047691B2 patent drawing
  • US8047691B2 patent drawing
  • US8047691B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cargo lamp assembly includes a lamp housing with first and second ends having first and second adjacent cavities. A first incandescent light source is disposed in the first cavity and a second incandescent light source is disposed in the second cavity. A first outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the first end of the lamp housing and a second outboard light-emitting diode is disposed proximate the second end of the lamp housing. An intermediate identification light source is disposed between the first and second cavities of the lamp housing.