Automotive Turn Signal Lamp Road Pattern Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turn signal lamps on vehicles can be difficult for other drivers or pedestrians to detect, especially when changing lanes or turning at intersections, particularly when viewed from lateral or opposite directions.
Innovation Solution
An automotive turn signal lamp system that includes a detection unit to identify changes in the vehicle's traveling direction and a light irradiation system to project a road pattern indicating the intended change, enhancing visibility with multiple lamp units and adjustable light sources to form recognizable patterns on the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional turn signal lamps are used, then the signaling function is provided, but other drivers or pedestrians cannot easily detect the turn signal when viewing from lateral or opposite directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects road pattern images onto the road surface in front of and behind the vehicle, adding a vertical dimension (from horizontal lamp placement to vertical projection onto road). This allows drivers to see the turn signal direction from lateral or opposite positions by viewing the pattern on the road rather than looking at traditional lateral lamps, thereby improving visibility without simply adding more lateral light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a road surface projection as an intermediary medium to convey turn signal information. Instead of directly illuminating the turn signal lamp for other drivers to see, the system projects a visual pattern onto the road surface that serves as a mediator, making the turning intention visible to drivers approaching from various directions without requiring direct line-of-sight to the vehicle's turn signal lamps.
2Reliability
If turn signal lamps are placed on front/rear and left/right sides of the vehicle, then the signaling function is improved, but it remains difficult for drivers traveling in lateral positions or opposite direction to see the turn signal
Solution Approach 1:
The road projection system serves multiple functions: it indicates turn direction, provides visibility to drivers from various positions (front, rear, lateral, opposite), and works in conjunction with traditional turn signal lamps. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable turn signal detection for all drivers regardless of their position relative to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color differentiation in the projected road patterns (e.g., yellow circles for right turns, blue circles for left turns) to convey turning direction information. This color-coding system makes the turn signal easily distinguishable and detectable by drivers from various positions, enhancing reliability without requiring complex mechanical or structural changes.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple lamp units are used to form road patterns, then visibility of intended direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lamp units (first, second, and third lamp units with different beam patterns) into a coordinated system controlled by a single controller. The controller synchronizes the operation of these lamp units to project coherent road patterns, merging their functions to achieve improved visibility while managing complexity through centralized control rather than independent operation of each lamp unit.
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
Facilitates easy detection of the vehicle's intended direction change by other vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents by providing clear visual cues even in challenging viewing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source part 121 to 124... a lens 121b... irradiates light in a direction of a road pattern 150
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automotive turn signal lamp (100) and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an automotive turn signal lamp allowing other drivers or pedestrians to easily detect a change in the traveling direction of a vehicle or a turning direction of a vehicle at an intersection even where it is difficult to see the turn signal lamp, and a method for controlling the same. The automotive turn signal lamp (100) includes a detection unit (200) which detects a change in a traveling direction of a vehicle, and a control unit (300) which operates a turn signal lamp to irradiate light of a road pattern (150) indicating the traveling direction to be changed.