Retractable Running Board with Long-Persistence Phosphor Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle lighting systems employing photoluminescent structures face challenges in maintaining adequate illumination when the running board is in a stowed position, as ambient light may be insufficient for exciting the photoluminescent materials, leading to inadequate luminescence.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system is designed with a running board that includes a step pad with photoluminescent structures coupled to it, and a dedicated light assembly that excites these structures when the running board is in the stowed position, using long-persistence phosphors to continue luminescence even after excitation light ceases, ensuring illumination in both stowed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If photoluminescent structures are used in running boards, then illumination is provided when the running board is deployed, but ambient light is insufficient to excite the photoluminescent materials when the running board is stowed, leading to inadequate luminescence
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-excites the photoluminescent structures with a light assembly before the running board is deployed. This preliminary excitation ensures that the photoluminescent materials are already activated and will provide immediate illumination upon deployment, solving the problem of insufficient ambient light during stowed position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs long-persistence phosphors that change the temporal parameter of luminescence duration. These phosphors continue to emit light for an extended period after excitation ceases, maintaining illumination intensity even when the running board transitions from stowed to deployed position and ambient excitation light becomes unavailable
2Area of stationary object
If the running board is in stowed position, then space is saved, but ambient light is insufficient for exciting photoluminescent materials, resulting in inadequate visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly provides preliminary excitation of photoluminescent structures while the running board is in the stowed position, ensuring that the materials are activated before deployment. This maintains visibility reliability without requiring the running board to occupy additional space
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly acts as an intermediary device that provides the necessary excitation energy in the stowed position where ambient light is insufficient. This mediator ensures reliable excitation of photoluminescent materials without requiring changes to the running board's stowed configuration
3Duration of action of stationary object
If long-persistence phosphors are used, then luminescence continues after excitation light ceases, but additional components are required to provide initial excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly serves multiple functions: it provides excitation light for the photoluminescent structures and can also illuminate the running board area directly. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by eliminating the need for separate illumination systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the excitation light source and the running board illumination system into a single integrated light assembly. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for excitation and illumination
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 provides consistent and prolonged luminescence, ensuring the running board remains visible and usable, whether in stowed or deployed positions, through the use of long-persistence phosphors that emit light for extended periods after excitation, enhancing safety and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
A photoluminescent structure is coupled to a running board of a vehicle. A light assembly is configured to excite the photoluminescent structure when the running board is in a stowed position. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to light excitation and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the running board is moved to a deployed position and excitation light ceases to be provided.
Implementation Method 2
The photoluminescent structure continues to luminesce for a period of time after the running board is moved to a deployed position and excitation light ceases to be provided
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein. The lighting system includes a running board having a step pad and a photoluminescent structure coupled thereto. A light assembly is configured to excite the photoluminescent structure when the running board is in a stowed position. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to light excitation and continues to luminesce for a period of time after the running board is moved to a deployed position and excitation light ceases to be provided.