Reflective Luminant Trim for Vehicle Door Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for enhancing vehicle visibility in dim lighting conditions, such as fog or darkness, are inadequate as they either complicate installation, are expensive, or fail to illuminate the car door effectively when closed or open, especially with tinted windows.
Innovation Solution
A luminant trim is applied to the car door window frame, utilizing reflective tape or electrically powered LEDs that can be easily installed and connected to the vehicle's electrical system, ensuring visibility both inside and outside the vehicle, regardless of the window's position, and can provide various signaling functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective material is placed in a groove on the exterior surface, then visibility is improved, but the material is exposed to ultraviolet deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective material is nested within a groove that is partially covered by an overhang of the window frame or molding. This nesting arrangement protects the reflective material from direct UV exposure while maintaining its visibility function when activated by headlights.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary element between the reflective material and the external environment. It provides a sheltered repository that filters harmful UV radiation while allowing the reflective material to perform its light-reflecting function when needed.
2Illumination intensity
If taillights are added to door edges, then visibility when doors are open is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The luminant trim serves multiple functions: it provides visibility when the door is closed (reflecting headlights), visibility when the door is open (visible from the side), and can be integrated with existing door edge structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate lighting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the luminant trim with the existing door edge structure or molding, merging multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate taillights to each door edge.
3Illumination intensity
If luminant trim is applied to window frame, then visibility in dark conditions is improved, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The luminant trim is designed to be pre-cut to the appropriate length and shape for the window frame, allowing for straightforward installation without complex fabrication steps during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminant trim is constructed as a flexible strip that can be easily conform ed to the window frame shape and installed using simple adhesive bonding, eliminating the need for complex mechanical attachment or fabrication procedures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If tinted windows are used, then privacy is improved, but visibility of door frame in dark conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The luminant trim provides a contrasting visual element that changes from a passive reflective state to an active light-emitting or highly reflective state when illuminated, creating visibility against the dark tinted window background without compromising the window's privacy function.
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 significantly enhances vehicle visibility in dark conditions, providing safety by making the car door visible to approaching traffic whether the door is closed or open, and can be integrated with existing electrical systems, offering a cost-effective and simple installation method.
Implementation Method 1
a luminant component which, when illuminated, can be seen in the dark wherein said luminant component is applied to at least a portion of said inner face of said inner lip, so that it reflects light on the inside of the door
Implementation Method 2
a luminant component comprising one or a plurality of electrically powered lights which, when illuminated, can be seen in the dark; wherein said luminant component is attached to at least a portion of said outer face of said inner lip, so that said luminant component emits light through said window on the outside of the door
Data Source
AI summary
A window that includes a door frame having a U-shaped top portion defining a channel with outer and inner lips joined by a base wall, and at least one reflective luminant component applied to overlie at least a portion of the inner surface of the inner lip. When illuminated, the reflective luminant component reflects light on the inside of the door.