Scooter Position Light Placement for Conspicuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scooter type vehicles face reduced conspicuity due to light interference between the headlight and position light, and increasing the size of the vehicle to separate these components further is undesirable, while placing the position light on the handle cover limits the light emitting area and clarity.

Innovation Solution

The position light is positioned in an opening of a transparent screen attached to the handle cover, with an opaque auxiliary cover between the lens and the screen, allowing rotation and maintaining wind guiding functionality while enhancing visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the position light is disposed on the front cover, then a large light emitting area can be secured, but the light of the position light interferes with the light of the headlight, reducing conspicuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emitting area of position lightVSAvoidlight interference between position light and headlight
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The position light is extracted from the front cover and relocated to the handle cover, separating it from the headlight assembly. This extraction eliminates the light interference problem while preserving the ability to display a large light emitting area on the handle cover surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the position light and the front cover. This auxiliary cover blocks the position light from interfering with the headlight while still allowing the position light to be visible from the front, thus mediating the conflict between the two lighting functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an auxiliary cover is disposed between the headlight and the position light, then light interference is suppressed and conspicuity is improved, but the size of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight interference between position light and headlightVSAvoidsize of vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary cover is merged with the handle cover assembly, combining the functions of the handle cover and the auxiliary cover into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for a separate auxiliary cover, preventing increase in vehicle size while still providing the necessary light blocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the position light, provides the auxiliary cover blocking function, and maintains the handle assembly structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components, thereby preventing increase in vehicle size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the position light is placed on the handle cover, then the size of the vehicle is suppressed, but the space for disposing the position light is small and the light emitting area cannot be secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of vehicleVSAvoidlight emitting area of position light
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The position light is oriented to emit light in the left-right direction rather than solely forward. This dimensional change in light emission direction allows the position light to utilize the available space on the handle cover effectively, securing a sufficient light emitting area without increasing vehicle size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the position light is arranged behind the screen, then the wind guiding function of the screen is maintained, but the light emitting area cannot be secured and the outline of the light is blurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind guiding function of screenVSAvoidlight emitting area of position light
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The position light is extracted from behind the screen and relocated to the handle cover. This extraction allows the position light to be positioned where it can maintain its light emitting area and outline clarity while the screen retains its wind guiding function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration improves vehicle conspicuity by maintaining a compact size and preventing light interference, while the shape and placement of the position light ensure clear visibility and effective wind guiding.

Implementation Method 1

The lens transmits light from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The screen has a light-transmitting property

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3782889B1Scooter type vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3782889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An upper end of a screen (27) is located above an upper end of a handle cover. The screen (27) includes an opening (33). A position light (32) is arranged in the opening (33). The position light (32) includes a light source, a lens (42), and an auxiliary cover (35). The lens (42) transmits light from the light source. The auxiliary cover (35) is opaque and is located between the lens (42) and the screen (27). An outer surface of the lens (42) is longer in the left-right direction than in the vertical direction.