Vehicle Exterior Lighting Automation via Attachment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual activation and deactivation of exterior work lighting on vehicles with add-on elements, such as snow clearing devices, often lead to forgetfulness, resulting in inadequate or excessive lighting, compromising driver comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vehicle-side attachment detection system that automatically adjusts the exterior lighting based on the presence or absence of an add-on element, using sensors and control mechanisms to ensure reliable activation and deactivation of both vehicle and add-on element lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual activation and deactivation of exterior work lighting is used, then the driver has control over lighting, but the driver frequently forgets to activate or deactivate the lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when an add-on element is attached or detached and autonomously activates or deactivates the corresponding exterior work lighting without requiring driver intervention. The control device monitors the attachment status and independently manages the lighting state, making the system self-regulating and eliminating human forgetfulness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the attachment status of add-on elements through detection devices and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the lighting state. The control device receives real-time status information and responds by activating or deactivating lighting, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures lighting reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If exterior work lighting is always activated, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its state based on real-time attachment conditions. Instead of remaining statically activated, the lighting automatically transitions between active and inactive states according to whether an add-on element is present, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the lighting (active/inactive state) based on the attachment status parameter. When an add-on element is detected, the lighting parameter switches to active; when detached, it switches to inactive, thereby adapting energy consumption to actual operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If add-on elements are attached to the vehicle, then vehicle functionality is enhanced, but exterior lighting becomes obscured or covered
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent lighting units corresponding to different add-on elements. Each lighting unit can be independently activated or deactivated based on the attachment status of its associated add-on element, allowing selective illumination without interference from attached components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of control by introducing automatic attachment-based lighting management. Instead of only manual on/off control, a third dimension of automated state adjustment is added that responds to physical attachment conditions, resolving the conflict between add-on functionality and lighting visibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for assisting the driver of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, wherein the vehicle (1) has at least one fixing device (19) by means of which at least one attachment (7), in particular a snow removal device and/or a front loader and/or a sweeper, can be detachably fixed to the vehicle (1). According to the invention, a fixing detection device (27, 39) is provided by means of which it is automatically detectable and/or recognizable whether the at least one attachment (7) is fixed to the vehicle (1), wherein a control and/or regulating device (41) connected to the fixing detection device (27, 39) is provided by means of which, depending on the fixing of the attachment (7) to the vehicle (1), an exterior lighting (3, 5, 11, 15, 17) of the vehicle (1) and/or of the at least one attachment (7) can be automatically adjusted and/or set.