Vehicle Running Board Illumination with Segmented LED Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running board illumination systems for motor vehicles lack versatility and opulent appearance, failing to provide effective lighting for entry and exit assistance and aesthetic appeal simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A running board illumination system comprising a first illumination element emitting white light and a second illumination element emitting amber light, controlled by a system that adjusts based on vehicle status, such as transmission position and speed, to illuminate the footpad surface when deployed and provide accent lighting when stowed, using LED technology and a parabolic reflector for precise lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single color illumination system is used for running boards, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility and aesthetic appeal are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent illumination elements (first illumination element with white light, second illumination element with amber light) that can be selectively activated based on running board position and vehicle status, allowing different lighting functions for different operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system achieves multi-functionality by using different colored lights for different purposes: white light provides functional illumination for entry/exit assistance when the running board is deployed, while amber light provides aesthetic accent lighting when the running board is stowed, making the system adaptable to various operational contexts
2Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination elements with different colors are used, then the aesthetic appeal and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination elements with different colors are merged into a single integrated illumination assembly housed within one housing, sharing common structural support, mounting mechanisms, and control systems, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining diverse lighting functions
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's status sensors and the multiple illumination elements, automatically selecting which light (white or amber) to activate based on running board position and vehicle operation status, simplifying the control logic despite having multiple light sources
3Illumination intensity
If illumination is provided when the running board is stowed, then the aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time vehicle status and running board position, activating amber accent lighting only when the running board is stowed and the vehicle is in park or idle, and activating white functional lighting only when the running board is deployed and the vehicle is stationary, thereby optimizing energy consumption according to actual operational needs
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 system enhances safety and aesthetics by providing clear white lighting for entry and exit assistance while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing amber accent lighting during vehicle operation, reducing costs and heat sink requirements through a single LED driver and optimizing light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a parabolic reflector adjacent to the first illumination element
Implementation Method 2
an optically prescribed fluted lens carried by the lamp assembly housing sealing the assembly contents from the elements
Implementation Method 3
an optically prescribed fluted lens carried by the lamp assembly housing sealing the assembly contents from the elements
Implementation Method 4
the first illumination element is a first plurality of light emitting diodes having a first color while the second illumination element is a second plurality of light emitting diodes having a second color
Data Source
AI summary
A running board illumination system is provided for a motor vehicle. That system includes a first illumination element having a first color, a second illumination element having a second, different color and a controller. The controller is configured to receive information respecting at least one motor vehicle status and also adapted to illuminate a running board with the first illumination element or the second illumination element based upon that information.