Segmented Vehicle Light Fixture for Automatic Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light systems do not efficiently indicate vehicle status without requiring operator interaction, limiting flexibility and modularity in light patterns.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture with segments and light sources that receive signals to produce patterns indicating vehicle status, such as battery charge level or drive mode, without operator intervention, and can be updated via over-the-air updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicle light systems are used to indicate vehicle status, then the system provides basic lighting function, but the system lacks flexibility and modularity in light patterns and requires operator interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into multiple segments, each with independent light sources that can be controlled separately. Each segment can display different light patterns to indicate various vehicle status parameters (battery charge level, drive mode, etc.), enabling flexible and modular status indication without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture serves multiple functions: it provides basic vehicle lighting while simultaneously indicating various vehicle status parameters through different light patterns. The same physical infrastructure (light fixture and segments) is used for both illumination and status display, eliminating the need for separate indicator systems.
2Extent of automation
If existing vehicle light systems require operator interaction to indicate status, then the system provides status information, but the response time and automation level are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture automatically detects and displays vehicle status parameters without requiring operator interaction. The system self-monitors battery charge levels, drive modes, and other vehicle parameters, and autonomously generates appropriate light patterns to communicate this information to the user, eliminating delays associated with manual activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle status parameters and provides real-time visual feedback through light patterns. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the light display based on current vehicle conditions, ensuring up-to-date status information is always available without requiring user initiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light patterns are hardcoded in existing systems, then the system provides fixed functionality, but the system cannot be updated via over-the-air updates
Solution Approach 1:
The light patterns are implemented as software-controlled dynamic configurations rather than fixed hardware behaviors. This allows the light fixture to be remotely reconfigured and updated via over-the-air software updates, enabling new patterns and functionality to be deployed without physical recalls or service interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of light pattern parameters (colors, intensities, sequences, timing) through software updates. By changing the control parameters rather than the physical hardware, the system can be continuously improved and adapted to new requirements without increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
Provides flexible and modular light patterns indicating vehicle status without operator interaction, enhancing user experience and vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The light fixtures can include one or more light sources. For example, the light fixtures can include Light Emitting Diode (LED) strips.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a light fixture. The light fixture can be disposed between a first light of a vehicle and a second light of the vehicle. The light fixture can include a first segment having a first light source and a second segment having a second light source. The first segment can produce light with a first pattern via the first light source. The second segment can produce light with a second pattern via the second light source. The first pattern and the second pattern can indicate a vehicle status of the vehicle.