Modular Vehicle Edge Rail for Flexible Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle auxiliary illumination products and accessories face challenges such as suboptimal installation locations, reduced strength of installation supports, limited flexibility, and the need for replacing the entire system for upgrades or additions, leading to downtime and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle modular accessory mounting system featuring an extruded mounting rail that conforms to the vehicle's edge, allowing easy installation of modular accessories with addressable illumination modules that can be configured for various output modes and controlled via a communications module, enabling flexible and customizable illumination and signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sheet metal brackets or aluminum castings are used for mounting, then installation strength is improved, but installation location flexibility deteriorates and system adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: a universal mounting bracket structure that provides strength, and interchangeable mounting positions that provide flexibility. The bracket can be installed at multiple locations (roof, bumper, door) while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal applicability across different vehicle types and mounting locations. A single bracket design can be adapted to roof, bumper, or door installations, eliminating the need for location-specific custom brackets while maintaining installation strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are installed to meet illumination and traffic signaling needs, then functionality is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges illumination modules and traffic signaling modules into a single integrated mounting structure. Both功能的 modules share the same mounting bracket, power supply, and control system, providing multiple functions while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate multiple types of modules (illumination, signaling, cameras) on a single structure. The universal bracket and control system can support various module configurations to meet different functional requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single unit with multiple LEDs is used, then cost is reduced, but ease of repair deteriorates and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into individual LED modules that can be independently replaced. Each module contains a subset of LEDs that can be serviced separately, allowing failed modules to be replaced without replacing the entire lighting system, thus improving repairability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective replacement of only the failed LED modules rather than the entire system. This allows recovery and continued operation of functional modules while replacing only the necessary components, reducing waste and maintenance costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed system features are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture where modules can be added, removed, or upgraded. The mounting bracket and control system are designed to accommodate future module types and communication protocols, allowing the system to adapt to new standards without complete replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal mounting and control architecture supports multiple module types and configurations. This universality allows the system to be upgraded with new module technologies (different wireless standards, sensors, cameras) while retaining the existing mounting structure and control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular vehicle accessory mounting system which includes one or more extruded rails designed to attach along a edge of the installation vehicle, one or more modular accessory modules that attach to the extruded rail as well as one or more communication modules that provide power to the accessory modules and serves as a communication bridge between the system and the vehicle or outside world. Generally speaking, these components may be structured to provide a low-profile mounting system for auxiliary illumination and other accessories along the edges of vehicles.