Variable Accelerator Light Assembly Sequential Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light assemblies fail to provide a sequential energization of lights along a light bar from the middle portion to opposing lateral portions, limiting their ability to indicate the rate of acceleration effectively.
Innovation Solution
A variable accelerator light assembly that energizes a plurality of lights in a sequential configuration, starting from a medial portion and extending to both ends, using a sensor to detect accelerator pedal actuation and a separate power source for the light bar, allowing for real-time indication of acceleration rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicle light assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they fail to provide sequential energization of lights from middle to lateral portions, limiting acceleration indication capability
Solution Approach 1:
The light bar is segmented into multiple individual light elements arranged in a linear array, allowing independent control of each element. This segmentation enables the sequential energization pattern from middle to lateral portions, providing variable acceleration indication while maintaining a simple linear physical structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly transitions from a static on/off state to a dynamic sequential energization pattern. The controller activates light elements in a specific sequence based on detected acceleration levels, creating a dynamic visual indication system that adapts to varying vehicle acceleration conditions without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor and separate power source are added for real-time acceleration indication, then the acceleration rate can be accurately indicated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerator pedal assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the acceleration control mechanism and the sensor platform for detecting pedal position. The existing pedal structure is utilized to detect acceleration input, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining accurate real-time detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing accelerator pedal infrastructure and its inherent position detection capabilities to serve the additional function of acceleration indication. The pedal's own structural elements are employed for sensing, and the system leverages existing vehicle electrical infrastructure for power, reducing the need for additional dedicated components and simplifying manufacturing.
3Loss of information
If multiple light elements are energized sequentially, then the rate of acceleration can be indicated by the number of lights, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of energizing all light elements simultaneously or continuously, the system employs partial action by activating only the specific number of light elements necessary to indicate the current acceleration level. The sequential energization pattern activates lights progressively from the middle outward, using just enough light elements to convey acceleration information without wasteful continuous illumination of all lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The light elements are energized in a periodic sequential pattern rather than continuously. The system activates lights in sequence based on acceleration detection, creates a visual indication, then deactivates them when acceleration returns to normal or changes levels. This periodic activation significantly reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination while maintaining effective acceleration rate communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable accelerator light assembly. The variable accelerator light assembly includes a light bar having light elements spanning between a first end and an opposing second end. A sensor connected to a vehicle accelerator pedal of a vehicle detects how much a user depresses the vehicle accelerator pedal, and transmits this information to the light bar. The light elements energize sequentially from a middle portion outward to the opposing first and second end. The progressive actuation of the vehicle accelerator pedal causes an increasing number of the light elements to energize in the sequential configuration.