Steering Wheel Light Bar With Diffused Warning Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visual interfaces in vehicles, such as instrument panel and center-stack displays, can be distracting and require the driver's attention, leading to increased reaction time and workload when providing warnings or information, and idealized head-up displays can be jarring.
Innovation Solution
A light bar system for the steering wheel incorporating high-intensity LEDs and a light diffusing layer, which emits a continuous stream of light across the lens to communicate with the driver, reducing distractions by blocking ambient light and preventing false warnings, and is designed to blend with the steering wheel when not activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional instrument panel and center-stack displays are used to provide visual warnings and information to the driver, then the driver receives comprehensive information, but the driver's attention is drawn away from navigating the vehicle, increasing reaction time and workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the visual interface from traditional 2D displays (instrument panel, center-stack) to a 3D spatial arrangement using multiple light bars positioned at different locations and orientations around the driver's field of view. This dimensional transformation allows information to be presented in the driver's peripheral vision without requiring attention shifts, thereby maintaining fast reaction times while delivering comprehensive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual warning system is segmented into multiple independent light bar units distributed across different positions (steering wheel, dashboard, windshield). Each light bar can independently display different types of information, allowing the system to convey multiple messages simultaneously without overloading a single display location, thus providing comprehensive information without requiring the driver to shift attention to one central display.
2Loss of time
If idealized head-up displays are used to provide information to the driver, then the driver's attention remains on the road, but the display can be jarring and distracting to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
Different light bars are positioned in specific locations with different orientations and light characteristics tailored to their local context. For example, light bars on the steering wheel provide tactile and visual feedback at the driver's hand position, while others on the dashboard or windshield provide visual information in the periphery. This localized optimization allows information delivery without creating jarring or distracting effects, as each light bar's characteristics are adapted to its specific position and function.
3Illumination intensity
If high-intensity light sources are used in the light bar system to ensure visibility in various ambient lighting conditions, then the light bar provides sufficient brightness to warn the driver, but ambient light can enter the lens and illuminate the LEDs or components behind the lens, causing distractions and potential false warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the harmful ambient light from the useful LED light by implementing optical filters and directional shielding. The lens design includes features that selectively block ambient light from entering the LED assembly while allowing the LED light to pass through to the driver. This extraction of the harmful element (ambient light) allows the system to use high-intensity LEDs without suffering from the negative effects of ambient light interference, thus maintaining both brightness and eliminating distractions.
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 light bar system effectively communicates with the driver through a continuous stream of light, reducing distractions and reaction time by minimizing the appearance of 'hot spots' and ambient light interference, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
The light diffusing layer is configured for diffusing light as it passes through the layer from the inner surface to the outer surface. The light exiting the outer surface appears as a continuous stream of light across the light diffusing layer.
Implementation Method 2
The light optimizing channel may include a reflective surface that extends between the proximal and distal ends.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.