Vehicle Indirect Lighting System with Reflective Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighting systems in public transport vehicles, such as buses and trams, fail to provide ergonomic and uniform lighting, often resulting in aggressive lighting for standing passengers and insufficient lighting for seated ones.

Innovation Solution

An indirect lighting system is implemented, utilizing a reflecting surface and light sources positioned to reflect light radiation back into the passenger compartment, accompanied by a diffuser to distribute light uniformly and protect the sources, with adjustable transparency and shape to optimize lighting distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light sources are positioned to provide strong lighting, then visibility is improved, but aggression increases for standing passengers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidlighting aggression
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the lighting direction to indirect illumination, the patent achieves visible lighting without the harsh, aggressive effect of direct light sources. The reflected light provides sufficient visibility while being gentler on passengers' eyes, particularly those standing upright who are most affected by aggressive lighting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional lighting systems are used, then installation simplicity is maintained, but lighting ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidlighting ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reflecting surface serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural element of the vehicle interior (ceiling or upper wall), a light-distributing optical element, and a protective cover for the lighting system. This multi-functionality allows the ergonomic indirect lighting to be integrated into existing vehicle structures without requiring completely separate installation components, maintaining relative installation simplicity while dramatically improving lighting ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution provides a more pleasant, uniform, and effective lighting experience, reducing aggression and improving visibility for all passengers by creating a volume diffusion of light, while allowing for customizable lighting levels based on passenger positions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one reflecting surface directed towards said passenger compartment, and at least one light source directed towards said reflecting surface, so that the light radiation emitted by said at least one source is reflected by said reflecting surface and returned to said passenger compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The system according to the invention makes it possible to produce a volume diffusion of the lighting in the passenger compartment, which is less aggressive, more pleasant, more uniform and more effective compared to the point lighting produced in current vehicles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3377371B1Lighting system for a vehicle and vehicle provided with such a system
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 BLUEBUS
  • EP3377371B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3377371B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3377371B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting system (110) for lighting a passenger compartment (102) of a vehicle (100), said lighting system (110) comprising: - at least one reflective surface (114) directed towards said passenger compartment (102), and - at least one light source (116, 118) directed towards said reflective surface (114); such that light radiation emitted by said at least one source (116, 118) is reflected by said reflective surface (114) and returned towards said passenger compartment (102). The invention also relates to a vehicle (100), in particular a mass transit vehicle, equipped with such a lighting system (110).