Exterior Rearview Mirror NFC Lighting for Door Handle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door handles lack effective illumination solutions that provide clear indication of the vehicle's security system status and enhance visibility in low ambient lighting conditions, often resulting in glare or bright spots due to existing lighting devices.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly with an integrated illumination module featuring a light emitting diode (LED) or electroluminescence light source that backlights a security icon, providing enhanced visibility and customizable lighting options, including color schemes that match the vehicle's interior and exterior lighting, and can be activated by touch or remote keyless entry systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting devices are used to illuminate the door handle area, then visibility is improved, but glare or bright spots are generated at the side of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing illumination specifically to the door handle area rather than broadly illuminating the entire side of the vehicle. The lighting device is positioned and angled to provide targeted lighting exactly where needed (at the door handle) while avoiding unnecessary illumination of surrounding areas that would cause glare. This localized approach maintains high visibility at the target area while minimizing harmful glare effects.
2Loss of information
If illumination sources are added to indicate security system status, then information visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security status indication function with the existing door handle illumination system. Instead of adding separate, complex indication devices, the invention integrates LED indicators into the door handle assembly itself, combining multiple functions (illumination and status indication) into a single unified structure. This reduces overall system complexity while providing both visibility enhancement and security status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides general visibility enhancement for the door handle area and also indicates security system status through integrated LED indicators. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require separate components, thereby managing complexity while delivering comprehensive information to the user.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination sources are used to provide comprehensive lighting, then illumination coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the illumination sources to operate only when needed rather than continuously. The lighting device activates in response to specific conditions such as when the vehicle is locked, when approaching the vehicle, or when the security system is armed. This on-demand operation provides comprehensive illumination coverage when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 provides a secure and visible indication of the vehicle's security system status, enhances door handle visibility in various lighting conditions, and integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's lighting schemes, improving user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source (such as, for example, a light emitting diode or electroluminescence light source or the like), when operated, backlights the icon element
Implementation Method 2
The illumination source (such as, for example, a light emitting diode or electroluminescence light source or the like), when operated, backlights the icon element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a ground illumination module or turn signal indicator that includes at least one light source operable to emit light when electrically powered. A near field communication device communicates utilizing a near field communication (NFC) standard. Responsive to a near field communication-enabled device being present exterior the vehicle, the near field communication device wirelessly receives a communication from the near field communication-enabled device and determines whether the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device. Responsive to determining that the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device, the near field communication device authenticates the near field communication-enabled device as an authorized device for communication with the near field communication device. When the near field communication-enabled device is within a threshold distance to the vehicle, the at least one light source is electrically powered.