Variable Spoiler Lighting With Rear Lamp Position Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable spoilers are difficult to identify externally, especially at night, which hinders the recognition of their operational status, and they lack effective visual information dissemination to drivers and pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A variable spoiler lighting apparatus that integrates a movable rear lamp with a tiltable spoiler, actuator system, and a control unit to adjust the spoiler's angle and lamp operation based on driving modes, providing visual cues through light patterns and minimizing air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional variable spoiler is used, then aerodynamic performance can be improved by changing spoiler position, but it is impossible to identify whether the spoiler is variable from the outside of the vehicle, especially at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spoiler assembly with a rear lamp assembly into a single integrated unit. The spoiler is mounted on the rear lamp, and both are controlled by the same actuator system. This merging allows the lighting element to serve as both a functional component and a visual indicator of spoiler position, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic adaptability and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear lamp can change its illumination state to indicate different spoiler positions. When the spoiler is in a specific position, the lamp emits light or displays specific illumination patterns, making the spoiler's operational state visible to outsiders, especially at night. This uses light emission (optical property) to convey information about the spoiler's mechanical state.
2Loss of energy
If the rear lamp and diffuser protrude to the rear of the vehicle, then air resistance is minimized and driving distance is improved, but the device complexity increases with multiple actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The first actuator serves multiple functions: it controls both the extension/retraction of the rear lamp assembly and the tilting of the spoiler. The second actuator controls both the spoiler's vertical angle and coordinates with the lamp illumination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators for each function, managing complexity while achieving aerodynamic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit integrates control of multiple components (first actuator, second actuator, rear lamp illumination) into a single control system. By merging the control functions and coordinating the operation of multiple actuators and lighting elements, the system manages complexity through centralized control while achieving the aerodynamic performance benefits of coordinated spoiler and lamp movement.
3Loss of information
If the spoiler is integrated with the rear lamp, then visual information can be provided to drivers and pedestrians, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is divided into manageable segments: the rear lamp assembly, the spoiler assembly, and the actuator systems. Each segment can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the final integrated unit. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components while achieving the visual information transmission benefit of integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a variable spoiler lighting apparatus for a vehicle, which includes a rear lamp (100) movably provided in a rear section (10) of a vehicle and protruding toward a rear of the vehicle, and a spoiler (200) movably provided in the rear section (10), and configured to tilt.