Vehicle Light Element With Wireless Power Through Body Panels

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting elements require holes in the body for power supply, leading to water leakage, corrosion, and irreversible damage, while battery-powered solutions necessitate frequent maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A wireless energy transmission system using luminescent materials and electromagnetic induction coils to power lighting elements externally, eliminating the need for body modifications and enabling easy customization and continuous illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a hole is made in the body to provide power to external lighting elements, then power supply is achieved, but water leakage and corrosion occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidwater leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable penetration method with electromagnetic induction for power transmission. The transmitting coil is placed inside the body and the receiving coil is placed on the external lighting element, enabling wireless energy transfer through the body surface without physical holes, thus eliminating water leakage risks while maintaining power supply functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transmission. The transmitting coil generates an electromagnetic field that penetrates the body and induces current in the receiving coil, serving as a non-contact intermediary that transfers energy without requiring physical penetration of the body surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a hole is made in the body to provide power to external lighting elements, then power supply is achieved, but the body is irreversibly damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidbody integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable penetration method with electromagnetic induction for power transmission. The transmitting coil is placed inside the body and the receiving coil is placed on the external lighting element, enabling wireless energy transfer through the body surface without physical holes, thus eliminating water leakage risks while maintaining power supply functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transmission. The transmitting coil generates an electromagnetic field that penetrates the body and induces current in the receiving coil, serving as a non-contact intermediary that transfers energy without requiring physical penetration of the body surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If battery-powered light elements are used, then no body modification is needed, but battery replacement or charging is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody integrityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable penetration method with electromagnetic induction for power transmission. The transmitting coil is placed inside the body and the receiving coil is placed on the external lighting element, enabling wireless energy transfer through the body surface without physical holes, thus eliminating water leakage risks while maintaining power supply functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous operation by having the transmitting coil continuously generate electromagnetic fields that are received by the receiving coil, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or charging. The power is automatically transmitted wirelessly, making the lighting element self-sustaining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If existing wireless power transfer devices are used, then body modification is avoided, but the devices are too large for decorative lighting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody integrityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless power transmission system into two separate components: a transmitting coil integrated into the body and a receiving coil integrated into the external lighting element. This segmentation allows each component to be miniaturized and optimized for its specific function, enabling compact decorative lighting applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single integrated wireless power device to a distributed two-part system where power transmission occurs through electromagnetic fields in the space between the transmitting and receiving coils. This dimensional approach to power transfer enables miniaturization of both components while maintaining effective power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Provides continuous lighting without body damage, reduces maintenance needs, and allows easy customization of vehicle lighting elements, including decorative and practical interior lighting solutions.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitting part generates a variable electromagnetic field and the receiving part converts this field on the other side of the element into voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the receiving part converts this field on the other side of the element into voltage that can be used to power the element for excitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The luminescent material comprises carbon (quantum / nano) dots (carbon dots, C-dots). Any material that emits visible light when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4286219B1Light element for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HELLA AUTOTECHNIK NOVA SRO

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The object of the invention is a light element for a vehicle intended to be attached to a vehicle part, for example body or interior trim. This element is divided into a receiving part (7), designed to be attached to the external surface of the vehicle part and to emit light, and a transmitting part (6), designed to supply power to the receiving part (7) and to be attached to the internal surface of the vehicle part opposite the receiving part (7). The transmitting part (6) comprises an energy supply (2) and a transmitting coil (8) for generating an electromagnetic field coupled to the energy supply (2). The receiving part (7) comprises a luminescent material (4), an element for excitation of the luminescent material, e.g., a UV source (3), and a receiving coil (10) for inducing voltage by an electromagnetic field generated by the transmitting coil (8). The receiving coil (10) is coupled to the element for excitation and serves as its voltage source.