Vehicle Running Board Lighting with Integrated Upper and Lower Optical Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lighting assemblies for vehicle running boards require multiple units to achieve adequate illumination, leading to increased costs, assembly complexity, and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
An electrical device with a housing featuring an upper light source and a light guiding element for diffused illumination, combined with a lower light source and lens assembly for focused illumination, which are integrated to provide both backlighting and surface illumination using a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting assemblies are used to provide adequate illumination for both safety and aesthetic purposes, then illumination quality is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions (display backlighting and surface illumination) into a single integrated lighting assembly. The housing contains both an upper light source with light guiding element for display illumination and a lower light source with lens assembly for surface lighting, eliminating the need for separate lighting units while providing comprehensive illumination for both safety and aesthetic purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The single lighting assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the upper portion provides backlighting for the display through the light guiding element, while the lower portion provides focused surface illumination through the lens assembly. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate lighting assemblies, reducing complexity while maintaining adequate illumination quality
2Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting assemblies are installed to achieve adequate illumination, then illumination coverage is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple lighting functions into a single assembly that can be installed in one location rather than requiring multiple separate installations. The unified housing containing both upper and lower light sources simplifies the installation process while achieving comprehensive illumination coverage for both the display and surrounding surfaces
3Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting assemblies are used to provide comprehensive illumination, then illumination attributes are maximized, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple lighting units into a single integrated assembly, reducing the quantity of components needed while maintaining comprehensive illumination attributes. The housing contains both display backlighting and surface illumination functions, eliminating the need for separate lighting units and associated mounting hardware
4Device complexity
If a single lighting assembly is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical components to different regions of the lighting assembly to optimize illumination quality for each function. The upper portion uses a light guiding element with diffuser for uniform display backlighting, while the lower portion uses a lens assembly with reflector for focused surface illumination. This localized optimization ensures high illumination quality for both functions within a single assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical components (light guiding element, lens assembly, reflector) that enhance and direct light from the light sources to achieve high illumination quality. These intermediaries optimize light distribution patterns for each function, ensuring that the single assembly can deliver comprehensive illumination comparable to multiple separate units
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
This configuration maximizes illumination while minimizing costs and assembly complexity by providing both diffused and focused light patterns from a single device, enhancing safety and aesthetics with reduced installation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A light guiding element mounts to the display mount of the housing and aligns with the upper light source to receive the upper light and direct outgoing light in a first emitting direction
Implementation Method 2
A lens assembly attaches to the lens barrel of the housing. The lens assembly is configured to receive the lower light from the lower light source and direct outgoing light in a second emitting direction different from the first emitting direction
Implementation Method 3
A collimator attaches to the lower portion and is configured to receive incoming light from the lower light source and change directions of the incoming light received from the lower light source such that the outgoing light emanating from the collimator is a collimated beam
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device for a vehicle includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. An upper light source attaches to the upper portion and a light guiding element attaches to the upper portion to receive the upper light from the upper light source and direct outgoing light in a substantially uniform direction. A display attaches to the upper portion to receive the outgoing light for illumination of the display. A lower member couples with the lower portion. A lower light source attaches to the lower member. A collimator attaches to the lower member to receive incoming light from the lower light source and change directions of the incoming light to a collimated beam. A lens element attaches to the lower portion to direct the collimated beam at a target.