Vehicle Spotlight Steering Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle spotlights require operators to take their hands off the steering wheel to aim, compromising control while driving.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting system with a spotlight that can automatically track and project light beams, including a visible laser beam, using wireless communication transceivers and a controller, allowing manual control via a user-input device on the steering wheel without relinquishing steering control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user-operated handle is connected to the spotlight to allow manual aiming, then the spotlight can be aimed manually, but the operator must take their hand off the steering wheel, compromising vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle-based manual control system with an electronic control system. The spotlight is controlled through electronic switches or buttons integrated into the vehicle's existing control interface, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical handle that would require the operator to remove their hand from the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the spotlight control functions with the vehicle's existing control systems by integrating control switches into the steering wheel or dashboard. This consolidation allows the operator to control both the vehicle and spotlight through the same interface, maintaining vehicle control safety while enabling spotlight operation.
2Reliability
If automatic tracking and control systems are implemented, then vehicle control safety is maintained, but the system complexity increases with multiple transceivers and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional control system where a single controller manages multiple functions including spotlight control, tracking, and coordination with wireless transceivers. This universal controller approach reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the automatic tracking capability and vehicle control safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controller as an intermediary that coordinates between the wireless transceivers, spotlight, and vehicle systems. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic and reducing direct connections between multiple components, thereby managing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam types (light beam, search beam, laser beam) are projected, then the spotlight provides enhanced functionality for tracking and highlighting, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or selective activation of different beam types rather than continuous operation of all beams. The controller activates specific beam types (light beam, search beam, or laser beam) based on operational requirements, allowing the spotlight to provide enhanced functionality while managing energy consumption through intermittent use of each beam type.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lighting system is provided herein. A spotlight is coupled to a vehicle and is configured to project light in a target direction. A controller is configured to wirelessly send command signals to the spotlight. A user-input device is in communication with the controller and is provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The command signals are based on user-input and control at least one of an aim direction and a light activation of the spotlight.