Sideview Mirror Service Lamp for Jack Placement Illumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack an effective lighting system to guide users in low-light conditions for maintenance tasks, such as changing tires, especially when the jack placement is unclear, and existing sideview mirror lamps do not adequately illuminate the ground area or wheels.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system integrated with the sideview mirror assembly that includes a service lamp capable of projecting narrow and broad beams of light to illuminate jack placement indicator spots and the ground/wheels, activated by sensors detecting low tire pressure, transmission position, or removal of the jack, and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing sideview mirror lamps are used, then the vehicle has basic lighting capability, but the ground area and wheels are not adequately illuminated for maintenance tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The service lamp is configured to provide both narrow beam and broad beam lighting modes. The narrow beam illuminates jack placement indicator spots with high intensity, while the broad beam illuminates the ground area and wheels. This dynamic adjustment of beam patterns allows the same lamp to serve multiple illumination needs effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system provides different illumination qualities to different areas: narrow beam light for specific jack placement indicator spots requiring high intensity, and broad beam light for the general ground area and wheels requiring wider coverage. This local differentiation of illumination quality solves the contradiction between focused intensity and area coverage.
2Loss of information
If a service lamp is integrated with the sideview mirror assembly, then jack placement indicator spots can be illuminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service lamp is integrated with the sideview mirror assembly, combining the lighting function with the existing mirror structure. This merging approach provides jack placement guidance illumination without requiring a completely separate lighting system, thus reducing overall system complexity while achieving the illumination goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sideview mirror assembly is given multiple functions: it continues to provide its primary mirror function while also housing and operating the service lamp for illuminating jack placement indicator spots. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the service lamp is activated continuously, then visibility during maintenance tasks is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service lamp is activated based on specific conditions rather than continuously. The control system monitors parameters such as transmission position (parking gear), ambient light levels, and tire pressure sensor status, activating the lamp only when these conditions indicate a maintenance task is needed. This periodic activation based on sensor feedback reduces energy consumption while maintaining visibility when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from various sensors (transmission position sensor, ambient light sensor, tire pressure sensor) to control service lamp activation. This feedback mechanism ensures the lamp is activated only when actually needed for maintenance tasks, optimizing energy usage while maintaining operational visibility requirements.
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
Enhances user visibility during maintenance tasks in low-light conditions by providing clear guidance on jack placement and illuminating the necessary areas, improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The service lamp can be configured to project narrow beam light to illuminate one or more jack placement indicator spots on the ground area
Implementation Method 2
The service lamp can also be configured to project broad beam light to illuminate the ground area and/or one or more wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for a vehicle can include a sideview mirror assembly mountable to an exterior of the vehicle over a ground area near the vehicle. The lighting system can also include a service lamp integrated with the sideview mirror assembly. The service lamp can be configured to project one or more narrow beams of light to illuminate one or more jack placement indicator spots on the ground area. The service lamp can also be configured to project one or more broad beams of light to illuminate the ground area and/or one or more wheels of the vehicle.