Light Assembly Time-Sharing for More Series Lighting Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems in automotive vehicles are limited by the capacity of the power source, restricting the number of LEDs that can be powered simultaneously, especially when multiple lighting functions are activated.
Innovation Solution
A control module groups sequences of lighting units into multiple groups, each with fewer LEDs than the maximum power source capacity, and powers these groups cyclically and sequentially to create the perception of simultaneous activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the number of lighting units in series is increased to improve visual perception and lighting coverage, then the illumination intensity and lighting coverage are improved, but the power source capacity is exceeded and surge currents occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sequence of lighting units into multiple groups, where each group contains fewer lighting units than the maximum power source capacity N. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate more total lighting units in series while managing power delivery in controlled portions, preventing power source overload and surge currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The command module activates different groups of lighting units in periodic cycles, switching between groups sequentially. Each group is activated for a predetermined time period, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that allows the power source to recover between activations, thereby enabling more lighting units to be effectively illuminated without exceeding power capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If time sharing is used to power multiple lighting functions with a common source, then the adaptability and flexibility are improved, but the number of LEDs per function is limited by the power source capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting units into multiple groups with fewer LEDs than the power source capacity N, enabling the system to support more total LEDs across one or multiple lighting functions. This segmentation removes the previous limitation where the number of LEDs per function was strictly bound by N, allowing greater quantity while maintaining adaptability through selective group activation.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic activation of different groups, the system can cycle through multiple groups of lighting units belonging to different lighting functions. This periodic action allows the common power source to serve more LEDs than its instantaneous capacity N would suggest, thereby increasing the total number of LEDs per function while preserving the adaptability to control different lighting functions independently.
3Illumination intensity
If sequences of lighting units are activated simultaneously to improve visual perception, then the illumination intensity is improved, but power losses increase and surge currents occur
Solution Approach 1:
The command module implements periodic activation by cycling through different groups of lighting units sequentially, with each group activated for a predetermined time period. This periodic on-off pattern reduces instantaneous power demand and allows the power source to recover between activations, thereby reducing power losses and preventing surge currents while maintaining the perception of continuous illumination through rapid cycling.
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly including at least a first lighting module with several sequences of lighting units in series. A power source is configured to power at least the first lighting module and is configured to power a maximum number N of lighting units at the same time. A command module is configured to determine sequences to be activated and the number Na of lighting units comprised in the sequences to be activated. If Na is greater than N, the command module groups the sequences to be activated in at least two groups, each group including less than N lighting units. The command module powers cyclically and sequentially each of the groups based on a cycle period, wherein the cycle period is such that a viewer perceives the at least two groups as being activated at the same time.