Vehicle Sun Shield Illumination Unit with Biologically Effective Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior chamber lighting systems for vehicles do not effectively provide biologically effective light that can enhance driver attention and safety without dazzling the driver, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, and they lack efficient cooling and protection mechanisms for the light sources.
Innovation Solution
An illumination unit integrated into the sun shield of a vehicle, featuring a light source that emits biologically effective light outside the driver's visible range, with a covering element that acts as both a protective mechanism and a switching unit, ensuring the light is only activated when needed and positioned to avoid dazzling, while also serving as a daylight supplement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is integrated into the sun shield to provide interior chamber lighting, then the illumination effectiveness and driver attention are improved, but the risk of dazzling the driver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing light selectively to specific zones (dashboard, door panels, footwells) rather than uniform illumination. The light sources are positioned and angled to illuminate only non-critical areas away from the driver's direct line of sight, providing effective interior lighting while avoiding glare in the driver's visual field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by implementing sensors that detect ambient light conditions and automatically activate or adjust the interior light sources before the driver would manually switch them on. This ensures optimal illumination is provided in advance based on detected conditions, while the system continuously monitors to prevent dazzling.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source operates continuously to ensure adequate illumination, then the illumination availability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating light sources only when sensors detect that ambient light levels are insufficient. The system continuously monitors light conditions and activates illumination periodically only when needed, rather than continuous operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate illumination availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where sensors detect ambient light conditions and automatically control the activation and intensity of interior light sources. This closed-loop control ensures illumination is provided only when actually needed based on real-time conditions, optimizing both availability and energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the light source is exposed without protection, then the accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but the vulnerability to damage and dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the light sources within recesses or cavities in the sun shield structure. The light sources are nested within protective housings that are part of the sun shield assembly, providing physical protection while maintaining aesthetic integration and allowing access when the sun shield is removed or opened.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the sun shield is positioned to block sunlight, then the protection from solar radiation is improved, but the natural illumination in the interior chamber decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of blocked sunlight into a benefit by using sensors to detect when the sun shield blocks natural light and automatically activating interior light sources. The system transforms the situation of reduced natural illumination into an opportunity for controlled artificial lighting that provides consistent, glare-free illumination without the harmful UV and heat components of sunlight.
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 illumination unit enhances driver attention and safety by providing biologically effective light without dazzling, extends the lifespan of the light source through cooling, and ensures the light is only active when required, thereby improving overall vehicle occupant health and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one light source emits biologically effective light at least in the driving operation of the vehicle outside the visible range of a driver
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit for cooling the at least one light source
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination unit for an interior chamber of a vehicle includes at least one light source integrated into a surface side of a sun shield facing towards an occupant in a non-usage position of the sun shield. The at least one light source emits light in the activated state which is directed towards the occupant. A covering element is provided for covering a light outlet surface of the light source.