Vehicle Lighting Trim Ring with Outer LED Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Custom automotive lighting solutions face challenges in easy installation, minimizing interference with factory-installed lighting, and protecting against precipitation and road debris, due to complex installation processes and limited space within existing fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus comprising a lighting trim ring and a sealed lighting element with light emitting diodes, where the lighting element is attached to the trim ring's outer surface, using a polymer material for protection and an adhesive for easy installation, allowing the trim ring to fit over existing fixtures without blocking light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom lighting elements are installed within existing lighting fixtures, then customization of automotive lighting is achieved, but installation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the custom lighting solution into separate modular components: a trim ring that fits over the existing fixture and a lighting element that attaches to the outer surface of the trim ring. This segmentation eliminates the need to disassemble the original lighting fixture, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim ring is designed to fit over the existing lighting fixture in a nested configuration, with the custom lighting element attached to the outer surface of the trim ring. This nesting approach allows the custom lighting to be installed without removing or modifying the original fixture, reducing installation complexity while achieving customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom lighting elements are installed within existing lighting fixtures, then lighting customization is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the custom lighting into a trim ring and a separate lighting element that attaches to the outer surface, the installation process is dramatically shortened. The lighting element can be pre-assembled and simply mounted to the trim ring, eliminating hours of disassembly, sealing, and reassembly work required by traditional installation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting element is designed to be pre-assembled with all electronic components and electrical connections before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation by simply attaching the pre-assembled element to the trim ring and mounting the trim ring over the existing fixture, significantly reducing on-vehicle installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting elements are added in the same area as factory-installed lighting, then custom lighting coverage is improved, but light output from original fixtures is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the custom lighting element from the internal space of the existing fixture to the external outer surface of the trim ring. This dimensional relocation allows both the factory-installed lighting and custom lighting to operate simultaneously without blocking each other's light output, while still achieving coordinated lighting coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim ring is designed with specific regions: an inner surface that fits over the existing fixture and an outer surface that displays the custom lighting element. This local differentiation allows the inner surface to maintain the original lighting function while the outer surface provides the custom lighting display, ensuring both light outputs remain unobstructed.
4Ease of operation
If electronic components are exposed to protect custom lighting, then installation simplicity is improved, but protection against precipitation and road debris is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trim ring fits over the existing lighting fixture in a nested configuration, creating a protective enclosure that shields the electronic components of the custom lighting element from environmental factors such as precipitation and road debris, while maintaining installation simplicity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim ring acts as a protective shell that encloses and protects the electronic components of the lighting element from environmental harm. This shell structure provides durability against road debris and weather while keeping the overall design simple and easy to install.
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 solution enables easy installation of custom lighting without interfering with factory-installed lights, while providing protection against environmental factors, reducing installation time and ensuring minimal light output obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board and the plurality of light emitting diodes may be sealed in a polymer material
Implementation Method 2
The lighting element may be attached to a lighting trim ring outer surface of the lighting trim ring
Data Source
AI summary
It is described herein a lighting apparatus for a vehicle. The lighting apparatus may comprise a lighting trim ring and a lighting element attached to an outer surface of the lighting trim ring. Also described herein is a lighting apparatus kit for a vehicle which may comprise the lighting trim ring and the lighting element. Also described herein is a method of installing a lighting apparatus onto a vehicle over an existing automotive lighting fixture such as a head light, tail light, fog light, or marker light.