Vehicle Utility Rail with Integrated Downward Light Voids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo area lights are often obstructed by items and fail to adequately illuminate the cargo area, leaving significant portions unlit.
Innovation Solution
A utility rail with integrated light voids that are recessed and oriented to emit light downwardly, providing comprehensive illumination along the rail's length, and allowing multiple lights to be electrically coupled and spaced for enhanced illumination coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light is placed at the rear of the cargo area, then the light can be positioned adjacent to the tailgate, but the light is blocked by items in the bed and leaves much of the cargo area unlit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple segments by providing multiple light sources (first light and second light) positioned at different locations along the utility rail. This segmentation allows each light to illuminate different portions of the cargo area, ensuring comprehensive coverage even when some lights are blocked by items.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single rear-positioned light to multiple lights distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the cargo area. By extending the illumination sources along the length of the utility rail, the system achieves three-dimensional coverage of the cargo space, eliminating blind spots and reducing blockage effects.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple lights are integrated into the utility rail, then illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources and their mounting structures into a single integrated utility rail assembly. The utility rail serves as a common structural platform that houses both the first light and second light, along with their respective light voids and mounting features, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to separate mounting arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility rail is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, mounting for lights, and integration of electrical connections. The rail serves both as a structural element and as a platform for illumination, consolidating multiple functions into a single component and reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If lights are recessed within the light void, then the lights are protected and securely integrated, but the light emission area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the light source is recessed within a light void that is itself integrated into the utility rail. The light is positioned within a recessed cavity (light void) that provides protection while maintaining optical functionality, creating a nested arrangement of protective structures around the light source.
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 ensures uniform and effective illumination of the cargo area, reducing shadows and improving visibility by directing light downwardly, even when obstructed by items, and is securely integrated into the rail to prevent damage.
Implementation Method 1
A light is received in the light void and has an emitter from which light is emitted from the at least one light void to illuminate an area adjacent to the utility rail
Data Source
AI summary
A utility rail for a vehicle, includes an inward surface with a utility void, an outward surface opposite to the inward surface, and a light void that is open to the exterior of the utility rail and that is separate from the utility void. A light is received in the light void and has an emitter from which light is emitted from the at least one light void to illuminate an area adjacent to the utility rail. The utility rail may be a one-piece metal extrusion and the light void may be a downward facing channel provided in the extruded rail.