Collapsible Underhood Utility Light With Telescopic Hood Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility light assemblies for vehicles are difficult to direct to specific areas, are not collapsible for compact storage, and may contact the user's head when accessing underhood components due to their projection from the hood.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly with a collapsible housing, telescopic hood mounts, and a removable battery pack system that can be coupled to a vehicle hood, featuring a slidable and extendable design with LED light sources for improved illumination and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the light assembly spans the width of the hood for broad illumination, then the illumination area is improved, but the device cannot be collapsed for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can slide relative to each other. The hood mounts are also segmented with arms that can telescoping extend and retract. This segmentation allows the assembly to span wide for illumination while collapsing to compact dimensions for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly incorporates dynamic elements including slidable housing portions that can change overall length, telescoping hood mount arms that extend and retract, and a movable battery pack receiver. These dynamic features enable the assembly to transition between expanded illumination configuration and collapsed storage configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the light assembly projects away from the hood for better illumination access, then the illumination accessibility is improved, but the risk of head contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hood mounts incorporate telescoping arms that can dynamically adjust their extension. When not in use or during storage, the arms retract to minimize projection and eliminate head contact risk. During operation, the arms can extend to provide optimal illumination positioning without permanently projecting from the hood.
3Strength
If the housing is made rigid for structural stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to collapse for storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple portions connected by sliding mechanisms. Each segment maintains structural integrity through rigid construction, while the connection between segments allows relative movement. This enables the overall assembly to collapse for storage while individual components retain their structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates nested elements where the second housing portion can slide within or alongside the first housing portion. The telescoping hood mount arms also nest within each other when retracted. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage while maintaining rigid structural components.
4Reliability
If the battery pack is permanently integrated for reliable power supply, then the power reliability is improved, but the ease of maintenance and replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack system is segmented as a separate, removable component rather than being permanently integrated into the housing. The battery pack receiver is designed to removably accept the battery pack, allowing it to be easily detached and replaced while maintaining reliable power connection during operation.
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 solution provides efficient illumination of the engine bay, allows for compact storage, and prevents head contact by maintaining a low profile, enhancing user safety and convenience during vehicle maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to the housing and configured to generate light
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly includes a housing, a first hood mount and a second hood mount extending from a first end of the housing and a second end of the housing, respectively, the first hood mount and the second hood mount each including an arm, and a grip coupled to a distal end of the arm and configured to engage the vehicle hood, a battery pack receiver coupled to the housing and movable along the housing, the battery pack receiver configured to removably receive a rechargeable battery pack, and a light source coupled to the housing and configured to generate light.