Vehicle Lighting System with Concealed Grille Light Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems lack the ability to effectively emit light through grille openings while maintaining a concealed appearance when not in use, and they do not provide adequate illumination for storage areas within the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that includes a light bar assembly with LEDs disposed aft the grille, a concealing structure, and a control module to activate and deactivate the lights, allowing light to be emitted through grille openings and illuminating storage areas, while concealing the lights when not in use, and sequentially activating individual lights for various lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lights are disposed aft the grille to emit light through grille openings, then light emission capability is improved, but the lights become visible when deactivated which affects aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the traditional headlamp assembly and relocates it to a light bar assembly positioned aft of the grille. This allows the lights to be disposed in a location that enables direct light emission through the grille openings while separating the light source from the visible front fascia when deactivated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a concealing structure as an intermediary element between the light source and the external environment. This concealing structure is configured to hide the light bar assembly when the lights are deactivated, maintaining aesthetic appearance, while allowing light to pass through when activated.
2Shape
If a concealing structure is added to hide the lights when deactivated, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the concealing structure with the existing vehicle body structure, specifically integrating it into the grille assembly or adjacent body panels. This approach allows the concealing function to be achieved without adding entirely separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The concealing structure serves multiple functions: it hides the light bar assembly when deactivated, provides structural support for the light assembly, and integrates with the vehicle's existing body structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lights are positioned to illuminate storage areas, then functionality is improved, but light emission through grille may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function into two distinct modes: forward-facing light emission through the grille for aesthetic and signaling purposes, and downward-facing illumination for storage area visibility. The light bar assembly can selectively activate different portions or direct light in different directions to achieve both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the lighting function by enabling the light bar assembly to illuminate downward into the storage area while maintaining forward-facing light emission through the grille. This multi-directional lighting capability allows the system to serve multiple purposes simultaneously without compromising either function.
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
The system provides efficient and aesthetically pleasing light emission through grille openings and illuminates storage areas, while maintaining a concealed appearance when not in use, enhancing visibility and security.
Implementation Method 1
The lights include a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting system includes, among other things, a grille that extends across an opening in a vehicle. The system also includes a light bar assembly having lights that are disposed aft the grille relative to a general orientation of the vehicle. The lights are configured to be activated to emit light through grille openings.