Vehicle Side-Window Signaling With Reflected Light Direction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical signaling systems for vehicles cause visual distortions and safety issues due to direct light radiation from lighting sources, and they fail to maintain a constant direction of light beams for a range of window positions, affecting user visibility and safety.

Innovation Solution

An optical signaling system that uses a side window to reflect light beams from an inner door paneling lighting device, maintaining a constant direction of propagation by forming an acute angle with the side window, preventing direct radiation to occupants and allowing reflection towards the vehicle interior while allowing external visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If light beams are introduced into the side window to transmit signals, then optical signaling is achieved, but direct radiation from lighting sources causes visual load and safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical signaling transmissionVSAvoidvisual load on occupants
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The side window glass acts as an intermediary medium between the lighting source and the occupant. Light beams are introduced into the side window and transmitted through the glass to convey optical signals, while the glass itself blocks direct radiation from the lighting source, thereby eliminating visual load on occupants while maintaining effective signal transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If diffusion patterns are included inside the side window to create lighted graphics, then visual signaling is enhanced, but vision distortion occurs reducing user safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual signaling clarityVSAvoiduser visibility through side window
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side window surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first area dedicated to optical signal transmission and a second area for external visibility. This segmentation allows the window to simultaneously provide clear visual signaling without diffusion patterns that would distort vision, maintaining both information transmission and user safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If lighting sources are positioned to illuminate the side window, then optical signals can be generated, but the direction of light beams varies with window position affecting signal consistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical signal directionalityVSAvoidsignal consistency across window positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is designed to dynamically adapt to different side window positions. The control system adjusts the illumination parameters and timing based on the detected window position, ensuring that optical signals are generated at the appropriate moment when the window is in the desired position, thereby maintaining signal consistency and directionality across various window configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces visual load on occupants by directing light beams towards specific regions within the vehicle without causing direct radiation, maintaining beam direction across various window positions and enabling external visibility of the signals.

Implementation Method 1

the lighting device is configured and arranged to irradiate the generated light beams towards the side window such that said light beams are reflected by the side window towards the inside of the vehicle passenger compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4238803A1Optical signaling system for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SEAT SA
  • EP4238803A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4238803A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4238803A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention discloses an optical signaling system (1) for a vehicle side door (3). The system (1) comprises the vehicle side door (3), wherein the vehicle side door (3) comprises an outer door paneling (3.3), an inner door panel (3.1), and a side window (4). The side window (4) is coupled to an inner door panel (3.1) and/or an outer door paneling (3.3). The system (1) further comprises a lighting device (2) coupled to the inner door panel (3.1), where the lighting device (2) comprises a plurality of lighting sources (2.2) configured to generate light beams (2.3). The lighting device (2) is configured and arranged to irradiate the generated light beams (2.3) towards the side window (4) such that said light beams (2.3) are reflected by the side window (4) towards the inside of the vehicle passenger compartment.