Steering Wheel Light Bar Layout for Peripheral Driver Warnings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing advanced driver assistance systems face challenges in providing effective visual interfaces for drivers, as conventional displays can be distracting and require the driver's attention away from navigating the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A light bar system integrated into the steering wheel, featuring a high-intensity light source and a light diffusing layer, which emits a continuous stream of light across the steering wheel to alert or communicate with the driver without diverting attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional instrument panel and center-stack displays are used to provide visual warnings to drivers, then the driver receives visual information, but the driver's attention is drawn away from navigating the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the visual warning interface from traditional 2D displays on the instrument panel or center stack to a 3D spatial arrangement using multiple light bars positioned at different locations and angles around the steering wheel. This dimensional transformation allows warnings to be presented in the driver's peripheral vision field without requiring attention shift from the road
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light bars as intermediary visual elements that communicate warnings through subtle illumination patterns on the steering wheel structure itself, rather than using traditional display screens. These light bars act as mediators between the warning system and the driver, providing information through minimal visual disruption to the driving task
2Ease of operation
If heads up displays are used to provide visual warnings to drivers, then the driver's attention remains on the road, but the display can be jarring and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different light bar configurations, intensities, and activation patterns for different warning types. Each light bar segment can be independently controlled with specific brightness levels and illumination durations tailored to the severity and type of warning, providing localized visual cues that are noticeable but not overwhelming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes in the light bars to convey different warning levels and types. By varying the color intensity and hue of the light bars, the system can communicate critical information through subtle visual changes that are perceptible to the driver without creating jarring or distracting effects
3Illumination intensity
If high intensity light sources are used in the light bar system, then the visual warning is sufficiently bright to be seen in various ambient lighting conditions, but ambient light can enter the lens and illuminate the LEDs causing false warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the lens with specific optical properties and positioning it at predetermined angles relative to the light bars. The lens is designed beforehand to allow forward light transmission while blocking ambient light from reaching the LEDs, preventing false warnings before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of ambient light into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By strategically positioning the lens and utilizing its optical properties, the system allows the lens to naturally block ambient light while transmitting the warning light, turning what could be a source of false warnings into a protective feature
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 minimizes driver reaction time and workload by providing a focused visual warning that blends seamlessly with the steering wheel design, reducing distractions and potential false warnings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode (LED) disposed adjacent a portion of an armature of a steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
a light diffusing layer that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The light diffusing layer is configured for diffusing light as light passes there through from the inner surface to the outer surface
Implementation Method 3
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.