Tailgate LED Cap System with Key-Locked Theft Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trucks with fold-down tailgates are not easily visible when stopped, especially in low-light conditions, and existing after-market light solutions are either not secure or easily removable and prone to theft.
Innovation Solution
A truck tailgate LED cap system with a molded plastic cap cover featuring a key-locked LED light bar that can be easily attached to the tailgate using hex head bolts, which are secured by key-locked doors to prevent removal without authorization, and can be activated remotely using a key fob for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If after-market light systems are made easily detachable for installation convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security and theft resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light system is divided into separate components: a cap assembly that attaches to the tailgate light housing and a detachable bulb assembly. This segmentation allows the bulb assembly to be easily removed and replaced by the user, while the cap assembly remains securely attached to the vehicle, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and theft resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A retaining mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cap assembly and the bulb assembly. This intermediary component allows the bulb to be easily detached for replacement while preventing the entire light system from being removed, thus maintaining both ease of operation and security.
2Device complexity
If standard vehicle lights are used for multiple functions, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination intensity and visibility for stopped trucks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the lighting system. The cap assembly includes an opaque portion that blocks light in certain directions and a transparent portion that allows light transmission. This local differentiation of light transmission properties enhances visibility in specific directions while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light system incorporates colored lenses or filters in the cap assembly that modify the light output to enhance visibility. Different colored portions of the cap assembly transmit different wavelengths, creating a more visible signal for stopped trucks without requiring additional complex lighting systems.
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 provides secure, easy-to-install, and theft-resistant additional lighting for trucks, enhancing visibility and safety by ensuring the lights remain attached and operational, even when the truck is stopped or parked.
Implementation Method 1
The cap cover has LEDs (light emitting diodes) in a LED light bar across the length of the cap cover
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for a tailgate LED (light emitting diode) cap system, device and method, for attaching LED caps on top of truck tailgates as a safe and secure after-market or retrofit product. The LED cap can be easily attached to the tops of truck tailgates with fasteners but are not removable without unlocking locks covering the fasteners.