Vehicle Roof Panel Window With Bidirectional LED Warning Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable roof panels in vehicles lack windows and lighting features, limiting their functionality for communication, general lighting, and hazard warning purposes.
Innovation Solution
A roof panel module with a frame that includes a window and a bi-directional light emission unit, allowing for both internal and external light emission, and featuring a laminated panel arrangement for enhanced lighting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable roof panels are made as solid pieces without windows or lighting, then the structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but the functionality for communication, lighting, and hazard warning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The roof panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural coverage, includes a window for visibility, incorporates bidirectional lighting for communication and hazard warning, and maintains the ability to be removed and reinstalled. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the panel versatile without excessively complicating its structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is segmented into distinct functional components: the frame structure, the window section, and the lighting unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a window is added to the removable roof panel, then the viewing capability is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window is implemented as a separate insert within the frame rather than being integrated into the main panel body. This segmentation allows the window to be manufactured independently and then installed into the frame, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while still providing the desired viewing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional lighting is incorporated into the roof panel, then the communication and hazard warning capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The same lighting unit serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for general lighting, emits signals for communication, and displays hazard warnings. By using a single bidirectional lighting system for all these purposes, the patent enhances communication capability without proportionally increasing energy consumption, as the lighting serves multiple roles simultaneously.
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 roof panel module provides a viewing surface, general communication, lighting, and hazard warning features, enhancing the functionality and safety of vehicles with removable roof panels.
Implementation Method 1
A roof panel module for a vehicle that includes a frame of the roof panel module connectable to a vehicle... Connected to the frame is a light emission unit positioned within the opening of the frame. The light emission unit selectively emits light away from the inside surface of the frame and selectively emits light away from the outside surface of the frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A roof panel module for a vehicle that includes a frame of the roof panel module connectable to a vehicle. The frame includes an opening that extends between an inside surface and outside surface of the frame. The frame further includes an inner piece having a plurality of inner flanges and an outside piece having a plurality of outside flanges which allows bonding of one of the plurality of inner flanges to one of the plurality of outer flanges. The roof panel module further includes a window extending across the opening on the outside surface of the frame that provides a viewing surface through a roof panel module of a vehicle. Connected to the frame is a light emission unit positioned within the opening of the frame. The light emission unit selectively emits light away from the inside surface of the frame and selectively emits light away from the outside surface of the frame.