Modular Tailgate Light Assembly for Vehicle Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary tailgate lights are inflexible, requiring separate long and short versions for different vehicles, and often have components that can be installed incorrectly, limiting their adaptability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A modular tailgate light assembly comprising a left section, a right section, a middle section, and a power connector, allowing for configuration as either a large or small vehicle setup without altering functionality, with secure and easy assembly through magnetic or fastener attachment, and symmetrical operation by connecting sections appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-length auxiliary tailgate light is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle sizes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary tailgate light is divided into multiple modular sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the light assembly to be configured in different lengths suitable for various vehicle sizes while maintaining simple individual component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary tailgate light transitions from a fixed-length design to a dynamically adjustable configuration. The modular sections can be connected or disconnected based on the specific vehicle application, allowing the system to adapt its length dynamically to match different vehicle sizes and lighting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve modularity, then the adaptability to different vehicle sizes is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to potential incorrect installation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are designed with asymmetric polarity (positive and negative terminals) that must be matched correctly during assembly. This asymmetric design provides built-in guidance that prevents incorrect installation, as the connectors can only be properly mated when oriented correctly, eliminating the risk of wrong component installation while maintaining modular adaptability.
3Illumination intensity
If a single long auxiliary tailgate light is purchased for large vehicles, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the loss of substance occurs when used on smaller vehicles where the excess length cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary tailgate light is divided into multiple modular sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the light assembly to be configured in different lengths suitable for various vehicle sizes while maintaining simple individual component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables users to disconnect and remove excess sections when installing on smaller vehicles. The disconnected sections can be stored and reused when needed for larger vehicles or other applications, preventing waste of light emitter material and enabling the system to be optimized for each specific installation.
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 flexible use on both large and small vehicles without requiring electrical wiring knowledge and ensures correct assembly, maintaining symmetry even when adding extensions, thus enhancing adaptability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The red LEDs are laterally spaced apart from each other on the left section and may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), light bulbs, or the like
Implementation Method 2
The white LEDs are laterally spaced apart from each other on the left section and may be light emitting diodes (LEDs), light bulbs, or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A modular tailgate light for a vehicle having an auxiliary lighting plug, the modular tailgate light broadly including a left section, a right section, a middle section, and a power connector. The left section, the right section, and the middle section each include a set of red lights and a set of white lights. The red lights of the middle section include left red lights and right red lights. The modular tailgate light can be used in a small vehicle configuration in which the left and right sections are connected together with the middle section omitted and a large vehicle configuration in which the middle section is connected between the left and right sections. In the large vehicle configuration, the left red lights activate identically to the red lights of the left section and the right red lights activate identically to the red lights of the right section.