Seat-Back Reading Lamp Layout to Eliminate Bus Window Reflections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bus ceiling reading lights cause discomfort to passengers due to reflections on windows, affect driving safety, and are inaccessible for disabled or small passengers, with installation complexity and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

Integrated LED lamps on seat handles provide adjustable lighting, controlled by a button, ensuring focused illumination on tables or reading areas, with easy access and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If ceiling reading lights are used to illuminate passengers, then reading function is provided, but light reflections on windows cause discomfort to passengers and affect driving safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading light illuminationVSAvoidwindow reflection discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reading light system into individual seat-mounted units rather than a centralized ceiling system. Each seat has its own LED reading light with independent control, allowing localized illumination without affecting other passengers or creating widespread reflections on windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from vertical ceiling-mounted lighting to horizontal seat-back mounted lighting. This dimensional change positions the light source at the passenger's eye level and directs it downward onto the reading material, preventing upward reflection toward windows while maintaining effective illumination.

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

2Illumination intensity

If ceiling reading lights are used, then reading function is provided, but light intensity cannot be adjusted causing eye disturbance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading light brightnessVSAvoidlight intensity control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable LED reading lights with multiple intensity levels at each seat. Passengers can dynamically control the light intensity according to their preferences and reading conditions, transforming the static ceiling lighting into a dynamic, personalized illumination system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each passenger has direct control over their own reading light through buttons or switches mounted on the seat back. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized control and allows each passenger to independently adjust light intensity to their comfort level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If ceiling reading lights are installed, then reading function is provided, but access to controls is difficult for disabled passengers and children

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol location
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the reading light controls locally at each seat back within easy reach of the passenger. This local positioning ensures that controls are accessible to all passengers including disabled persons and children, eliminating the need to reach up to the ceiling for adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If reading lights are mounted on air ducts, then reading function is provided, but installation and maintenance become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the reading light system into the seat back structure, which serves multiple functions including passenger support and lighting control. This universal integration eliminates the need for separate air duct mounting and simplifies both installation and maintenance by consolidating functions into a single accessible location.

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

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

Eliminates window reflections, enhances passenger comfort, improves driving safety, and simplifies installation and maintenance by providing accessible and adjustable lighting.

Implementation Method 1

The reading lamp system consists of LED lamps as reading/lighting lamps (3) located on the handles (2) integrated into the backrests (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4028287B1Reading lamp and table illumination for vehicles that transport passengers
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 DAIMLER TRUCK AG
  • EP4028287B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an illumination system for vehicles, in particular buses, which comprises a reading/ illumination lamp (3) that is integrated into a grip handle (2) mounted on a seat back (1) such that when the table (6) on the seat back (1) is in use, the surface of the table (6) is illuminated, and when the table (6) is not in use, a reading area is illuminated.