Vehicle Interior Lighting Wave Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interior lighting in motor vehicles can dazzle drivers in dark conditions, compromising their alertness and ability to concentrate, thereby affecting traffic safety.

Innovation Solution

A method involving multiple light sources where brightness is progressively reduced and increased in stages to create a smooth transition, simulating a light wave that moves along the interior, enhancing atmospheric lighting without sudden changes, and potentially adjusting based on vehicle states or driver conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional interior lights are used to illuminate the vehicle interior, then the interior visibility is improved, but the driver is dazzled and alertness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior visibilityVSAvoiddriver dazzle
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using multiple light sources that are activated in sequential waves rather than simultaneously. The control device activates light sources in a staggered manner, creating periodic illumination patterns that provide interior visibility while preventing continuous dazzle to the driver's eyes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the interior lighting system into multiple independent light sources distributed at different locations. Each light source can be controlled independently, allowing the system to illuminate different zones sequentially rather than all at once, thereby reducing overall glare while maintaining visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are activated simultaneously, then interior illumination is maximized, but sudden brightness changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior illuminationVSAvoidbrightness transition smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control device implements periodic action by activating light sources in sequential waves with defined intervals. Instead of simultaneous activation, light sources are turned on in staggered periods, creating smooth brightness transitions that avoid sudden changes while achieving maximum interior illumination over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary action by pre-planning the activation sequence of multiple light sources. The control device prepares and executes a predetermined pattern where light sources are activated in a specific order and timing, ensuring smooth transitions before full illumination is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If light sources are switched on and off abruptly, then energy consumption is reduced, but lighting transitions appear harsh

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlighting transition smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action to create smooth lighting transitions by activating and deactivating light sources in staggered waves rather than abrupt on/off cycles. This periodic activation pattern reduces harsh transitions while maintaining energy efficiency through controlled timing intervals between light source activations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the lighting system adaptable and flexible in its operation. The control device dynamically manages the activation and deactivation of multiple light sources according to predetermined patterns, creating smooth transitional effects while optimizing energy consumption through intelligent timing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3442312B1Method for illuminating an interior of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 AUDI AG
  • EP3442312B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for illuminating an interior (8) of a motor vehicle (1) with a plurality of light sources (10, 11, 12). To enable improved atmospheric lighting, the following steps are provided: (i) illuminating the interior (8) with a first (10) from the plurality of light sources (10, 11, 12) with a first predefinable brightness value (31) for a first predefinable time period (34), then (ii) progressively reducing the brightness (15) of the first light source (10), (iii) as soon as the brightness (15) of the first light source (10) falls below a predefinable brightness limit (30), progressively increasing the brightness (16) of a previously switched-off second (11) from the plurality of light sources (10, 11, 12) until the brightness (16) of the second light source (11) corresponds to a second predefinable brightness value (30),(iv) Illuminating the interior (8) with the second light source (11) with the second predefinable brightness value (32) over a second predefinable time period (35), followed by (v) progressively reducing the brightness (16) of the second light source (11).