Interchangeable LED Hitch Cover for Nighttime Vehicle Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle decoration methods, such as trailer hitch receivers and license plate covers, are unsightly and lack aesthetic value, especially at night, and do not provide versatile or adjustable illumination options.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for displaying LED logos on vehicles using interchangeable LED displays that can be mounted on trailer hitch receivers, license plate areas, or as a light apparatus with a shaft and wire connection to vehicle outlets, allowing for adjustable height and various mounting options, including wall mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional trailer hitch receivers or license plate covers are used for vehicle decoration, then vehicle personalization is achieved, but aesthetic value is lost especially at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the decorative function of hitch covers with illumination functionality by integrating LED lights into the cover structure. The LED lights are embedded within the hitch cover body, creating a unified component that both decorates the vehicle and provides self-illumination, resolving the contradiction between decoration and nighttime visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch cover is pre-equipped with LED lights and power connection components during manufacturing. The electrical connections are prepared in advance with wires extending to accessible locations, allowing the decorative element to be ready for illumination without requiring additional installation steps, thus maintaining both aesthetic and functional requirements.
2Device complexity
If static hitch receivers are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but versatility and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch cover is divided into separate functional modules: the main cover body, the LED lighting assembly, the mounting bracket, and the electrical connection components. This segmentation allows each part to be independently designed and positioned, enabling the cover to be mounted in various locations (above hitch, on hitch, below hitch) while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable positioning features that allow the hitch cover to be dynamically repositioned along the hitch receiver. The electrical wires are designed with sufficient length and flexibility to accommodate different mounting heights and positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system.
3Illumination intensity
If LED lights are integrated into hitch covers, then nighttime visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch cover structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides decorative coverage for the hitch receiver, houses and protects the LED lighting components, acts as a mounting surface for the lights, and serves as the structural element that attaches to the vehicle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 versatile and adjustable LED logo displays that can be seen day and night, enhancing vehicle aesthetics without permanently modifying the vehicle and providing multiple use cases for the LED device.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a system and method for displaying LED logos
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying LED logos and signs is disclosed. The method specifically allows for the display of LEDs from the exterior of a vehicle, utilizing different means of connection that are not contemplated in the art. The connection of the system to a vehicle can be facilitated via a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle, a trailer outlet, a license plate receiving area, or other acceptable areas. The system can also allow for the interchangeability of LED displays for different events, such as sporting events, concerts, or in roadside emergency situations. The portability of the LED display can provide different use cases—vehicle mounting, over vehicle signaling, wall mounting, among others—that allow for an illuminated logo to be displayed by a user.